Labor want to improve the Geraldton Port so it can accommodate cruise ships

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Mark McGowan speaks with press regarding port announcement, flanked by upper house member Darren West (rear), lower house candidate Lara Dalton (left) and upper house candidate Renee Ellis (right). 

Background:

  • Geraldton's port suffers regularly from tidal surges. 
  • During periods of tidal surge, ships cannot dock in the Geraldton Port due to safety risks, damage to cables etc.
  • The downtime means productivity losses. 
  • Cruise ships that visit Geraldton have also been unable to use the Geraldton port and instead rely on smaller boats to run people to shore. 

Labor today announced two changes they plan on making to the Geraldton Port, if they're elected to government at the upcoming state election in March 2017. 

1. Installing 'Shore Tensioning Hydraulic Dampening Units' which will allow ships to remain berthed during tidal surge, and allow cruise ships to use the port. 

2. A 'roll-in roll-out' port terminal, that will allow cruise ship passengers to disembark when the other terminals are being used by mineral and grain ships. 

Regarding the suitability of the Geraldton Port for such a product, 'ShoreTension', the company, currently lists the Geraldton Port as 'under investigation'. Everything Geraldton has reached out to ShoreTension for comment.

From ShoreTension: "ShoreTension has performed a trial/demonstration at the Port of Geraldton earlier this year and that the mooring system is under investigation by several parties."

The ShoreTension units will cost $1.5 million. 

We have asked Labor what they estimate the 'roll-in roll out' terminal to cost. 

Labor leader Mark McGowan was in Geraldton for the announcement, and gave two main benefits for the port improvements. 

1. Increased tourism. 

2. Increased efficiency at the port with mineral and grain loading and unloading. 

Candidate for lower house Lara Dalton (Left), State Labor leader Mark McGowan (centre), and upper house candidate Renee Ellis (right)

Labor candidate and former Salt Dish owner, Lara Dalton, said the initiative would benefit the Geraldton community.  

“People in Geraldton have been telling me that more needs to be done to diversify the economy and create local jobs.

“With my hospitality background, I understand the importance of tourism to the local economy and the need to get our town cruise ship-ready.

“The cruise ship industry is growing and Geraldton is perfectly positioned to take advantage of the lucrative opportunities that come with increased tourism.

“By aligning retail trading hours with cruise ship arrivals, investing in technology to make it safe for cruise ships to berth, and providing a state-of-the-art welcome terminal will greatly increase the tourism opportunities for the town, creating jobs and boosting the economy.

“Increasing overall productivity at the Port will also benefit local businesses and farmers, who provide significant employment for locals.

“It makes sense to invest in these sorts of initiatives that will work smarter and harder for the benefit of the Geraldton community.”