The Australian and Western Australian Governments are investing in the Lumsden Point project to support trade and growth in the Pilbara region and beyond.
Pilbara Ports has awarded two major contracts for the construction of Lumsden Point in the port of Port Hedland, marking another significant milestone for the project.
The first major contract is to Jan De Nul (Australia) Pty Ltd for dredging and land reclamation.
This contract will create a new access channel in the port to enable vessels to safely berth at Lumsden Point, a swing basin and berth pockets suitable to accommodate non-tidally restricted vessels.
Jan De Nul will mobilise to site in May 2024 to prepare for dredging, which is expected to begin September 2024.
The second contract is to MGN Civil Pty Ltd for the construction of the causeway, which will connect the new wharf to the proposed logistics hub area. Construction started in April.
The project also recently achieved a crucial milestone, with the seawalls completed in March.
The completion of the seawalls is critical to enabling dredging and subsequent construction stages to progress.
Lumsden Point will facilitate the export of battery metals such as lithium and copper concentrates, the import of renewable energy infrastructure including wind turbines and blades, as well as support the growth of direct shipping services to the Pilbara.
Growing the capacity of Pilbara Ports has been identified by Infrastructure Australia as a national infrastructure priority.
The Australian Government is investing $565 million in common user port upgrades in the Pilbara, $450 million of which will enable the development of new multi-user facilities and berths at Lumsden Point.
This is in partnership with the Western Australian Government, which is contributing $96.6 million to the project.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King:
"This is the next great development in the upgrade of port facilities across the Pilbara.
"The Australian Government is delivering $565 million in common user port upgrades in the Pilbara to help unlock trade and investment opportunities and support a future made in Australia.
"This project is all about investment in good infrastructure that opens doors and opportunities for businesses and communities."
Quotes attributable to WA Minister for Ports David Michael:
"The Pilbara is the economic powerhouse of the nation, and the Lumsden Point project will ensure it remains that way well into the future.
"This vital infrastructure will facilitate trade growth at the port and position Port Hedland at the forefront of future green industries.
"It's fantastic to see the progress being made at Lumsden Point.
"The completion of the seawalls and recent award of the dredging and land reclamation and causeway construction contracts represent significant milestones in the project's advancement which will drive economic growth and regional employment opportunities."
Quotes attributable to Senator for Western Australia Glenn Sterle:
"The Australian Government's investment in the Lumsden Point expansion helps position Northern Australia to take advantage of the economic opportunities this project will provide as demand grows locally and overseas for clean energy sources.
"This project drives a real short-term employment and economic boost while delivering lasting infrastructure that will continue to benefit the region well into the future."
Quotes attributable to Pilbara MLA Kevin Michel:
"This represents another key milestone in the development of the Lumsden Point project, which will play a crucial role in the Pilbara's economy in future.
"As well as generating an immediate benefit by creating additional jobs and business activity during construction, Lumsden Point will ultimately help diversify the Pilbara's economy as we enter a new energy era."