The WA Government has taken its first major step on the $350 million Geraldton Port Maximisation Project (PMaxP).
Construction has started on a $52 million materials handling facility at Geraldton Port, as part of plans to increase the port’s capacity, reduce dust emissions, and enhance safety and efficiency.
The new facility will streamline the loading process by moving mineral sands and other products directly from trucks to bulk vessels at Berth 4 using a fully enclosed conveyor system.
This design includes dust extraction systems to minimise emissions and a washdown water treatment system to recycle and reuse water.
According to Ports Minister Stephen Dawson, the facility will “improve safety, environmental and efficiency outcomes across the entire port”, while also supporting Western Australia’s growing export volumes in grain, iron ore, and minerals.
The PMaxP is a multi-stage initiative intended to boost export capabilities and future-proof Geraldton Port.
The next project in the pipeline is the proposed Surge Protection Breakwater, which is currently under assessment by the WA Environmental Protection Authority. The project is expected to mitigate wave action that currently disrupts port operations, costing an estimated 30 productive days each year.
The materials handling facility is scheduled for completion in late 2026.
WA’s Mid West Minister Jackie Jarvis says the project has serious potential for local job creation and economic growth, noting that it will “strengthen supply chains for the State’s important grain industry” and enable the export of new commodities.
