PORTS of Bunbury and Esperance will together receive $10.7 million in funding across three new infrastructure and equipment projects.
The investment was committed as part of the 2022-23 state budget with a stated goal to drive trade, enhance environmental practices, improve safety and create jobs.
It also aims to support broader engagement with local suppliers and increased trade opportunities.
At Bunbury Port, $3.6 million has been allocated to the construction of a new pilot launch, which intends to ensure enhanced reliability of pilotage services for unseasonal weather events.
The launch would improve the safe transfer of marine pilots and reduce the port’s risk exposure to direct trade losses.
Bunbury Port will also receive a $3.2 million upgrade and extension to the fire ring main around Berth 8, which would extend fire hydrant coverage to all existing sheds and the quayside in the precinct.
And, $3.9 million has been allocated to the installation of a best practice, first flush tank and dissolved metals treatment filter at Esperance Port.
The installation aims to improve the port’s environmental practices and enhance capacity to manage potential spills and dissolved contaminates under storm conditions at Berth 2.
Ports minister Rita Saffioti said the ports provide significant opportunities for trade, local jobs and growth opportunities in the region.
“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,” Ms Saffioti said.
“These projects are going to support existing trade, provide greater contingency across these southern ports and will help improve long-term environmental management practices.”
Project works are scheduled to commence later this year.
