PRIME MINISTER Anthony Albanese has promised to upgrade Western Australia’s northern ports if Labor wins the coming federal election.
Speaking in Kununurra, Mr Albanese said port services in Wyndham, Ashburton and Dampier would be expanded to secure local supply chains and fast-track imports.
Applications for expanded border services at the three northern ports have been given the green light for First Port of Entry status allowing goods subject to biosecurity and other controls to land and enter Australia.
A media release from Mr Albanese said the approval will allow for more direct international shipping, giving businesses and industries in the north the ability to import and export goods closer to their operations, without having to transit through ports further way.
“This will benefit businesses and communities particularly in the East Kimberley and Pilbara regions, cutting costs, boosting productivity, providing jobs, and improving the resilience of WA supply chains, including for clean energy and green fuel projects,” the release said.
It is expected to save businesses millions of dollars in transport costs and time.
WA Premier Roger Cook welcomed the move saying first point of entry is a critically important decision that will unlock significant economic opportunities across the Kimberley and Pilbara, supporting local business, local jobs and local communities.
“Allowing direct imports and exports through Wyndham Port is a major boost for the East Kimberley’s agricultural, resources and tourism industries, reducing costs for local businesses and kickstarting a new era for economic development in the region,” Mr Cook said.
Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Catherine King said the number of vessels to pass through the Port of Wyndham each year is expected to double by 2033.
“This builds on other work including our $115 million commitment towards upgrades to common user port infrastructure at the Port of Dampier, demonstrating how we are investing in the future of Western Australia,” Ms King said.
