Construction begins on new facility as part of $350m Geraldton Port project

The delivery of the transformative $350 million Geraldton Port Maximisation Project (PMaxP) has commenced with construction now underway on a $52 million materials handling facility. 

This is the first major activity as part of the infrastructure project that will future-proof Geraldton Port and drive economic growth in Western Australia’s Mid West region. 

Building the new materials handling facility will help streamline the loading of mineral sands as well as other products directly by conveyor from truck to bulk vessels alongside Berth 4. 

This facility will allow vessels to be loaded at increased speeds, ultimately delivering significant cost savings to the region’s exporters while also improving the port’s overall efficiency. 

Importantly, the facility has been designed to be fully enclosed and features dust extraction systems to manage dust emissions. 

This project will also install a state-of-the-art washdown water treatment system that will treat, reuse and recycle washdown water. 

The material handling facility is due to be completed in late 2026. 

“Geraldton Port is critical to the economic development of our Mid West region and the State, providing a gateway for high value agricultural and mineral products which are exported to the world. 

“This new facility marks an important milestone in the Geraldton Port Maximisation Project and will improve safety, environmental and efficiency outcomes across the entire port. 

“Export tonnage through Geraldton will only continue to grow, with more grain, iron ore and minerals exports handled every year. 

“The Cook Government’s major investment in the PMaxP Project is ensuring Mid West Ports’ infrastructure can meet significant projected demand and continue to support WA’s thriving economy. 

“I am thrilled to see this transformational project get underway,” Ports Minister Stephen Dawson said. 

Source: Mid West Ports

The next project in the PMaxP pipeline of works is the proposed Surge Protection Breakwater, which will address wave action restrictions that prevent ships entering and exiting the port – which is currently costing the port 30 lost productive days annually. 

The Surge Protection Breakwater is now under assessment by the WA Environmental Protection Authority. 

Once completed, PMaxP will significantly expand Geraldton Port’s capacity and facilitate the export of new commodities from the region. 

“By future-proofing the infrastructure at Geraldton Port, our government is investing in the Mid West community’s future and ensuring a pipeline of valuable local jobs for decades to come. 

“These new facilities will strengthen supply chains for the State’s important grain industry and our farmers, as well as enabling the export of new commodities our of Geraldton to help grow new industries in the region,” Mid West Minister Jackie Jarvis said. 

Mid West Ports has partnered with Felix to onboard, prequalify and manage vendors related to the procurement of goods and services for the Geraldton Port Maximisation Project. 

More work packages for PMaxP are anticipated to be released this year, with construction to commence following environmental approvals in 2026. 

Mid West Ports is encouraging businesses interested in working on PMaxP to register in the Felix platform here. 

Source: Government of Western Australia – Media Statements; Mid West Ports; Roads & Infrastructure Australia; Infrastructure Magazine