$225million upgrade of State's seaports to drive booming economy

28/4/02
Premier Geoff Gallop today unveiled a $225million port enhancement program to help drive the State's booming economy.
The centrepiece is a $100million commitment to deepen the Geraldton port - a project that will create an estimated 660 jobs in the construction phase.
This commitment, contingent on the development of the Mt Gibson iron ore project, would generate more jobs and exports.
The State's economy has expanded rapidly with exports last year totalling $27.8billion, or 42 per cent of the State's Gross State Product (GSP) - a higher percentage than any other State. Western Australia contributed 25 per cent of Australia's total exports.
The WA Chamber of Commerce and Industry forecast business investment growth of 23.75 per cent this financial year and seven per cent next year. Economic growth was forecast at 5.75 per cent this financial year and 2.25 per cent in 2002-03.
Dr Gallop said developing the State's network of ports was vital for WA to capitalise on trade opportunities with established and new world markets.
"We have a strong, growing economy and we want to build on those foundations," he said.
"Infrastructure is the key to driving economic growth in the State.
"That is why my Government has set a course for the future - to provide infrastructure that creates further opportunities for the State's economy to expand.
"The economic advantages of this investment will be felt by the whole State."
Dr Gallop and Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan unveiled the massive capital works program on a tour of the Geraldton port.
Other major projects over the next four years include:

• Bunbury - $12.6million on container facilities, dredging and a multi-purpose crane;

• Dampier - $13million on dredging;

• Esperance - $19million to relocate nickel loading facilities and ship unloader and sulphur storage;

• Fremantle - $62million for the BHP bulk handling business and infrastructure related to the bulk cargo jetty; and

• Port Hedland - $12million on dredging and wharf extension.

The announcement also underlines the Government's commitment to regional development, which suffered years of neglect under the previous government.
Dr Gallop said the $60million funding package for Fremantle over the next four years would enable the port to significantly expand its bulk handling capabilities.
"As part of the this expansion program the State Government has provided for the recent purchase of a $10.8million bulk cargo jetty unloader which has enabled a 33 per cent increase in work load that can be handled," he said.
The Premier said $3.2million would be directed toward the realignment of the historical Victoria Quay freight line, which would create more area for handling cargo and improved efficiency in handling motor vehicle imports.
The Government's spending program over the next four years does not include the recently announced $54million port upgrade at Esperance and the $21million port upgrade at Albany. Private investment in the State's ports had also been significant. For example, Co-operative Bulk Handling recently spent $68million to improve facilities at Esperance and BHP Billiton will spend $550million to expand port and rail facilities at Port Hedland for its $1.2billion iron ore joint venture with Korea's Pohang Iron and Steel Co Ltd.
Premier's office: 9222 9475