The Port Hedland Industries Council has welcomed the State Government’s commitment of $78 million for the ongoing development of Lumsden Point.

PHIC Chief Executive Officer Kirsty Danby said the State Budget allocation announced today by Transport, Planning and Ports Minister Rita Saffioti was further recognition of the economic importance of the Pilbara and the Port of Port Hedland.

She said this was reinforced in the 2022-23 Commonwealth Government Budget which pledged to upgrade Lumsden Port as part of a push to increase renewable energy exports.

Developing Lumsden Point would add to Port capacity, allowing for diversification of trade, increased investment and the creation of more jobs.

Ms Danby said the new State Budget allocation was good news for Port Hedland, following on from the State Government’s support for the Port of Port Hedland Development Plan Review which aims to maximise export capacity at the Port.

“These decisions will give port users the confidence to plan for growth knowing that the Port will be ready, and they enable the Port to diversify further,” Ms Danby said.

“The benefits of this expansion will be felt in Port Hedland and the wider WA and national economies.

“Congratulations to Pilbara Ports Authority Chief Executive Officer Roger Johnston and his team on continuing to plan for the future growth of the Port and of achieving the backing of the State and Federal Governments.”