Geraldton Port Maximisation Project (PMaxP)

Mid West Ports is progressing strategic upgrade works at Geraldton Port to ensure we can continue to meet the needs of our customers and our community in the years to come.

The Port Maximisation Project (PMaxP) has been funded by the State Government and will build on our proud history to prepare the Geraldton Port for the future.

PMaxP will cater for emerging industries and sustainable increases in trade demand over the next decade, to deliver lasting economic benefits that will enable our region to thrive.

Community consultation

In September and October 2024, we held community information sessions to share information about PMaxP and gather our community’s thoughts and feedback on the project.

These sessions conclude our community engagement activities for this stage of the project. Thank you to those who attended the sessions. Your insights are valued and will be considered as PMaxP progresses over the coming months.

We will continue to work with our community and stakeholders as the project progresses to share project information, identify ways we can reduce any potential impacts, and support strong community outcomes.

To remain up to date on the latest project information, subscribe to our e-newsletter here.

For all project-related enquiries, please contact the PMaxP Team at [email protected]

Future tenders

Mid West Ports is committed to supporting local business participation and opportunities, where possible, through the delivery of our projects and port operations.

We have partnered with Felix to provide a vendor database and source-to-contract platform which will be used to onboard, prequalify and manage vendors related to the procurement of goods and services for PMaxP.

Through the Felix platform, vendors can create a profile, answer questionnaires and upload information relating to compliance and service capability.

It is anticipated that work packages for PMaxP will be released in 2025, with construction expected to commence following the project’s environmental approvals in 2026.

We encourage interested businesses to register in the Felix platform here

To learn more about Mid West Ports’ procurement process, refer to our Procurement page. 

What’s happening 

Progressing environmental approvals

The environmental approvals process is underway for PMaxP upgrade works for Berth 1, the new tug facility, and Berth 6. While the delivery is not part of the PMaxP scope, environmental approvals will also assess the opportunities for future construction of Berth 8 / Berth 9 to support the activation of renewable energy projects in the region.

In August 2024, Mid West Ports referred the marine construction elements of the project to the relevant regulatory authorities for consideration of environmental impacts. This was the first step of the formal environmental approvals process.

A range of detailed terrestrial and marine investigations are currently underway to support our understanding of potential impacts. These investigations will ensure a thorough understanding of the project’s environmental impact and identify effective strategies to prevent, minimise, or manage these effects.

The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) have determined that the environmental impact of the project will be assessed based on the referral information submitted in August 2024, with additional information provided based on the outcomes of the technical investigations currently underway. The level of assessment determination can be viewed on the EPA’s website here.

It is anticipated that PMaxP’s formal Part IV environmental impact assessment will be formally submitted for the EPA’s consideration in Q1 2025.

You can learn more about PMaxP, project timings and the environmental approval process by scrolling to the bottom of the page, under the Resources heading.

PMaxP element updates

The following elements will be assessed as part of the Part IV Environmental Impact Assessment in Q1 2025:

  • Construction of a new Berth 1: 100% design complete.
  • Construction of a new tug facility and breakwater extension: 50% design review is now complete. Modelling works have concluded to allow design development to progress.
  • Future modifications and upgrades to the existing Berth 6: 100% design review being finalised. 
  • Berth 8/9: Construction of Berth 8 / 9 is not included in the PMaxP scope of works. The Part IV Environmental Impact Assessment will consider impacts associated with future construction of Berth 8 / Berth 9 based on a similar design to Berth 1.
  • Environmental studies and investigations:
    • Underwater noise, greenhouse gas and benthic modelling is close to complete.
    • Hydrodynamic plume modelling, landscape and visual impact assessment and sediment transport modelling (coastal processes) are well progressed. 
    • Noise modelling of construction and new infrastructure has recently commenced.
    • Marine water quality monitoring is an ongoing process with data available over a period of years.

Additional elements:

  • Lease 11 truck unloader:The Environmental Works Approval under Part V of the Environmental Protection Act has been granted and the construction package and supply of components are currently in Mid West Port’s review and evaluation stage. Long-lead items, sheet pile, transformers, and mechanical equipment will be procured ahead of construction contract award. Construction is expected to commence in the first half of 2025.
  • Berth 5 and 6 fuel line modifications: Works onsite have commenced with construction due to be completed late 2024. The fuel bunkering point at Berth 6 will be relocated further north, and Berth 5 will have fuel bunkering infrastructure reinstated to expand overall bunkering capacity within the Port.
  • Port West road upgrades: Currently in design development.
  • Demolition of the existing Berth 2 wharf deck: The removal of Berth 2 wharf deck will be completed concurrent with the other marine construction elements of PMaxP in 2026.

Understanding PMaxP

Project overview:

The Geraldton Port Maximisation Project (PMaxP) is a major infrastructure project that will modernise and improve the Geraldton Port. The $350 million State Government funded project will be designed and constructed by Mid West Ports over a four-year period.

Geraldton Port will play an important role in enabling emerging industries, new customers with a diverse product mix, and significant growth forecasted within the Mid West region, over the next decade.

Through PMaxP, we are building a community asset that will proudly support our region for years to come. PMaxP features sustainable infrastructure upgrades designed to maximise the use of our current harbour. PMaxP will improve operational efficiency, ensure our berth facilities meet the needs of new products and customers, and create greater opportunities for cruise ships and future Port expansion.

Delivery of PMaxP will result in a range of local and regional benefits, including continued economic growth, local jobs and business opportunities, and trade diversification.

 

Key facts

  • $350 million in State Government funding approved to design and construct PMaxP.
  • Reliable, safe, and efficient infrastructure to maximise the use of our current harbour.
  • Four-year project execution, commencing 2023.
  • PMaxP is aligned with the 2020 Geraldton Port Master Plan.

To learn more about PMaxP, view our project resources available at the bottom of this page.

Project timeline:

PMaxP will progress in stages, aligned with required environmental investigations and approvals. The environmental approvals process is underway for PMaxP upgrade works for Berth 1, the new tug facility, and Berth 6.

While not a part of the PMaxP scope, environmental approvals will also assess the opportunities for future construction of Berth 8 / Berth 9, to support future renewable energy projects.

Throughout the life of the project, Mid West Ports will keep our community and stakeholders up to date about the construction stages, and how we'll be working to ensure any potential impacts are minimised.

Resources

PMaxP Project Overview Brochure (August 2024) 

Frequently Asked Questions

Project information and approvals (August 2024)