THE WESTERN Australian government opened a new boatbuilding facility in Geraldton on Friday (17 March). It is to become home to local ship builder Dongara Marine.
The official opening closely follows the announcement that Dongara Marine had been awarded a contract to build and supply two new pilot boats for Fremantle Ports.
Dongara Marine in 2021 identified the need to develop a purpose-built facility to accommodate the firm’s growth, the state government said.
It said the business took the opportunity to relocate to an established marine industry at Geraldton Fishing Boat Harbour.
The new boatbuilding facility, located in the Geraldton Fishing Boat Harbour, will form part of a new boatbuilding precinct.
Plans for the precinct are outlined in the government’s development plan for the fishing boat harbour, released on Friday.
The government said the Geraldton Fishing Boat Harbour Development Plan builds on the existing Port of Geraldton masterplan and provides greater detail on potential expansion and investment opportunities that will enable more businesses to enter the harbour.
“Our government is investing hundreds of millions of dollars to support the expansion of the marine industry and ports in Geraldton, and today’s opening of the new Dongara Marine facility is a great example of how we’re helping to grow local businesses and jobs,” ports minster Rita Saffioti said.
“Dongara Marine is a leading example of a regional business that has embraced opportunity and invested in local people to develop the required skill sets to build a successful business,” she said.
“Dongara Marine currently supports seven apprentices within the business and employs 65 locals across an array of trades and skills relevant to boat building, and the investment and support from the government to establish this new facility will ensure job opportunities for local citizens continues to grow.
“The opening of Dongara Marine is the start of an exciting period for the Geraldton Fishing Boat Harbour, with the release of the development plan today, highlighting exciting opportunities to drive new investment and business opportunities within the precinct.”
The state government said it has invested $3.6 million in the development of the precinct, covering a new heavy haul road, utilities and firefighting equipment.
It said it is investing in several critical projects to support local marine and port industries in Geraldton, including the $350 million Port Maximisation Project, the delivery of new jetties to support the local tourism industry and supporting the growth of the Geraldton Fishing Boat Harbour.
“Whether it’s the $350 million Port Maximisation Project or investing in critical infrastructure, our government recognises the importance of the local marine and tourism industry to Geraldton and is making significant investments to support the growth of local jobs,” Geraldton MLA Lara Dalton said.
“The opening of Dongara Marine is just the start of a new phase of growth for the Fishing Boat Harbour, that will see local industries and local jobs grow into the future.”
