The Lumsden Point development is a key part of the plan to increase capacity at the Port of Port Hedland, easing congestion on existing infrastructure. It forms part of the Port of Port Hedland Development Plan Review, which was undertaken to maximise export capacity at the port.
The development is critical to facilitating forecast trade growth, diversifying trade and creating new export pathways. It is also a strategically significant, critical enabler of key Federal and WA Government programs, supporting the Pilbara’s role as the nation’s economic engine room long into the future.
Lumsden Point will be the first general cargo berth to be built at the Port of Port Hedland in 20 years. The project will deliver two new common-user berths within the Port of Port Hedland, enhancing critical port infrastructure and capacity. It will support the importation of renewable energy infrastructure, including wind turbines and blades, and is expected to play a key role in enabling the mining sector’s transition to lower-emissions operations.
Dredging will create a deeper access channel, swing basin and berth pockets to ensure the safe and efficient berthing of vessels at the new facility.
Over 100 hectares of reclaimed land will be developed for logistics and operational use. This includes laydown areas and lease lots to allow customers to develop additional infrastructure on site.
Lumsden Point is strategically located to provide direct access between the port and the Great Northern Highway. Construction of a new interchange includes a roundabout, bridges and access ramps. This will improve road safety, accommodate increased traffic volumes, and allow oversized and over-mass cargo to be transported between port and road.
Pilbara Ports is committed to minimising dust generated during construction of Lumsden Point. We have controls in place to minimise dust including regular watering of unsealed roads and construction areas.
No. Trade through Lumsden Point has ceased to allow construction. Allowing trade would interrupt works and add significant delays to the development timeline.
Construction is expected to be substantially completed by mid-2027 and continue through 2027.
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Operations are expected to commence in the second half of 2027.
The project scope has been refined to align with available funding and support the delivery of a minimum viable facility. Pilbara Ports has progressively reprioritised and optimised the project to reduce funding risk and protect overall project viability.
This has included deferring or scaling back some elements that were not essential to initial operations or could not be justified within current budget settings. The focus remains on delivering the core infrastructure required to bring Lumsden Point into operation, with future capability able to expand over time in line with demand and investment.
The project is expected to generate an average of 3,600 full-time jobs per year over the life of the project.
The scale of the project means both local and FIFO resources are required.
Pilbara Ports is committed to providing local business with opportunities to work on the Lumsden Point project. A local business register has been developed to help tenderers identify local sub-contractors. Details are provided via the project delivery and business opportunities page.
Pilbara Ports implements State Government procurement initiatives to ensure more jobs and business opportunities are given to Western Australians, including implementing the following government policies to its procurement processes:
Tenders for the major packages of work are advertised on the Tenders WA website.
Check the project delivery and business opportunities page for work package details.
Pilbara Ports engaged with the Kariyarra Traditional Owners as a part of the consultation process to obtain heritage approvals under section 18 of the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972. Approval was granted in June 2016.
The Kariyarra Traditional Owners have also been engaged about the development of the general cargo wharf and for the naming of roads within the project’s boundaries.
Pilbara Ports will continue to provide updates to the Kariyarra Traditional Owners on the project and timings as works progress.
Yes, Pilbara Ports has received State approval under Part IV of the Environmental Protection Act 1986.
View further information via the statutory environmental approvals and permits page.
Pilbara Ports has developed a Mangrove Monitoring and Management Plan and Construction and Dredge Management Plan which includes monitoring and management of mangrove health, benthic communities and habitats and water quality and will be implemented during construction to negate potential environmental impacts.
Management actions include routine mangrove health surveys and sedimentation, and water quality monitoring.