The Albanese Government is supporting expanded port capacity in Western Australia and Queensland to boost local economies, supply chains and shipping-reliant industries.
In Western Australia, establishing international activity at Onslow Marine Support Base and an expansion of services at the Port of Geraldton have been assessed as supporting the national interest under the Government’s Framework for New and Redeveloping International Ports.
An expansion at Queensland’s Port of Mackay has also been assessed as supporting the national interest, paving the way for the port operator to work with border agencies on the next steps required before international services can start.
Establishing border services at Onslow Marine Support Base could enable international vessels and cargo to be processed at the port, supporting economic development in Northern Australia, decarbonisation and renewable energy growth in the Pilbara.
Subject to border, infrastructure and operational requirements, increased international activity at Onslow could support more direct movement of cargo, renewable energy infrastructure, containerised freight and fuel, strengthening regional supply chains.
Further south, an expansion of border services at the Port of Geraldton could support more direct movement of containerised freight, renewable energy equipment, critical minerals freight and larger cargo.
This has the potential to help reduce the Mid West and Gascoyne regions’ reliance on long-haul road transport from Fremantle, supporting lower costs, less road congestion, lower emissions and reduced supply chain risk.
For Mackay, expanding border services at the port could allow more frequent containerised imports and exports, including goods and equipment used by the resources, agriculture, manufacturing and project cargo sectors.
Reducing the region’s reliance on road freight from Brisbane and Townsville will improve access to international markets, support lower transport costs and emissions for businesses, and boost the regional economy.
Australia’s border agencies, the Australian Border Force and Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, will now work closely with each port operator to determine what infrastructure, facilities, resourcing and operational arrangements are required to support the proposed international activity, while ensuring appropriate border and biosecurity controls are in place to facilitate legitimate trade and travel.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King:
“These decisions are about making regional supply chains stronger, more efficient and more resilient, while supporting the businesses and communities that depend on reliable access to international markets.
“Closer access to international port services can reduce the need for long-haul road transport, lowering costs, saving time and supporting lower emissions for businesses moving goods overseas or bringing in critical supplies.
“For communities and businesses across the Pilbara, Geraldton and North Queensland, supporting the growth of our regional ports means less pressure on our roads and more opportunity for international market access.”
