The McGowan Government is investing $10.7 million in the 2022-23 State Budget to improve Bunbury and Esperance Ports – helping to drive trade, enhance environmental practices, improve safety and create jobs.
The $10.7 million infrastructure and equipment projects include:
- $3.6 million for a new pilot launch for the Bunbury Port, which will ensure enhanced reliability of pilotage services for unseasonal weather events, improving the safe transfer of marine pilots and reducing the Port’s risk exposure to direct trade losses;
- $3.2 million for the upgrade and extension of the fire ring main around Berth 8 at Bunbury Port, extending fire hydrant coverage to all existing sheds and the quayside in the precinct; and
- $3.9 million for the installation of a best practice, first flush tank and dissolved metals treatment filter to improve Esperance Port’s environmental practices and enhance capacity to manage potential spills and dissolved contaminates under storm conditions on Berth 2.
The Southern Ports Authority oversees trade in the ports of Albany, Bunbury and Esperance, with 35.4 million tonnes of product being shipped through the ports in 2020-21.
These new projects will support the continued growth and development of Bunbury and Esperance ports – supporting local jobs, broader engagement with local suppliers and increased trade opportunities.
Works are expected to commence in late-2022.
As stated by Ports Minister Rita Saffioti:
“The South West and Goldfields-Esperance regions are well positioned for increased investment and activity over the next few years, which will see ongoing demand for import and export services at our Bunbury and Esperance ports.
“The McGowan Government has committed an additional $10.7 million, as our ports provide key opportunities for trade, local jobs and growth opportunities for the region.
“These projects are going to support existing trade, provide greater contingency across these Southern Ports and will help improve long-term environmental management practices.”
