PERTH (miningweekly.com) – The federal government has announced a A$565-million investment to expand the export and import capacity at the Port of Port Hedland, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese saying it would help unlock trade and investment opportunities, local jobs and help drive Australia's Net Zero future.

“In Port Hedland, we see something like 4% of our gross domestic product go through this port. It is a great wealth creator here in the Pilbara, and that's why my government is committing A$565-million for upgrades to port infrastructure in the Pilbara.

“This will make an enormous difference. Common-user facilities will be important for making sure that there is access across the board to the export and import facilities here at the port.”

Part of this funding will enable the expansion of Lumsden Point in the Port of Port Hedland, in partnership with the Western Australian government, which is contributing A$96.5-million to the project.

The project will deliver new multi-user facilities and berths that will help diversify trade in the Pilbara and support the growth of renewable industries in Australia and overseas.

This includes increasing the capacity to export battery metals such as lithium and copper concentrates, as well as import renewable energy infrastructure including wind turbines and blades. It will also support the rapid growth of direct shipping services to the Pilbara.

“Demand is growing locally and overseas for clean energy sources and our government's investment in the Lumsden Point expansion will help position Northern Australia to take advantage of the economic opportunities this demand presents,” Albanese said.

Growing the capacity of Pilbara Ports has been identified by Infrastructure Australia as a national infrastructure priority.

Lumsden Point forms part of the Port of Port Hedland Development Plan Review, which was undertaken to maximise export capacity at the port.

The first stage of works on the project will construct two seawalls and a new causeway, which will connect the wharf to the proposed logistics hub.

“The Pilbara has been at the heart of our nation's economic strength for decades, generating wealth for the entire country and supporting thousands of jobs across Western Australia,” said Western Australian Premier Mark McGowan.

"This port expansion will help to position Port Hedland at the forefront of the future green industries that will drive our state's economy for decades to come.

“We're investing in projects to diversify our economy and create local jobs right across the state.”