Published: Thursday, 17 October 2024 at 3:49:57 PM
Mid West Ports Authority has released its 2023/24 Annual Report, highlighting a year marked by significant accomplishments across operations, community engagement, and infrastructure development.
Chair of Mid West Ports, Mr Noel Hart said “the hard work of staff needs to be commended, but also the strong partnerships with local communities, whose support and collaboration have been essential to the Port's success”.
A major focus of the year was engaging with the local community to inform strategic and operational decisions. This included the appointment of Mr. Ron Hayward as the first community-elected Chairperson of the Mid West Ports Community Consultation Committee. Mr. Hayward, a long-term Mid West resident, will lead the facilitation of community dialogue, ensuring the region's interests are addressed in port initiatives.
Mid West Ports awarded 18 community grants totalling over $115,000, supporting sports, environmental, and cultural projects. In addition, Theatre 8 Inc. became the third recipient of the three-year Not-For-Profit Partnership Program, receiving extensive support from the Port.
In a milestone towards reconciliation, the Port launched its Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan during NAIDOC Week 2023, reaffirming its commitment to building stronger relationships with local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Mid West Ports maintained a strong trade performance, with a total throughput of 17.3M tonnes, down slightly from the previous year due to a reduced grain harvest. Despite this, iron ore exports increased, bolstered by Fenix Resources' merger with Mt Gibson Iron and the addition of a new customer, Terra Mining.
In line with its focus on reducing environmental impact, Mid West Ports implemented several dust mitigation measures, including new fogger systems and a wind dispersion fence. Dust monitoring data is indicating significant improvements in air quality as a result.
Over the year, key infrastructure projects were successfully delivered, including the completion of the Marine Terrace Roundabout Project, improving safety for port-related traffic, and the opening of the Eastern Breakwater Jetty by Premier Roger Cook MLA. The jetty is set to enhance tourism, providing opportunities for larger commercial vessels visiting the Abrolhos Islands.
Mid West Ports also played a crucial role in supporting the evolving tourism sector, managing cruise ship visits and sponsoring local events such as the Shore Leave Festival.
Looking to the future, Mid West Ports is making progress on the $350M Port Maximisation Project, funded by the State Government. The project will enhance port capacity and improve operational efficiency, with design work nearing completion and environmental approvals pending.
Mid West Ports continues to collaborate with State Government departments to activate the Oakajee Strategic Industrial Area, positioning the Mid West as a hub for exporting hydrogen derivatives using renewable energy resources.
The Annual Report can be read in full on the Mid West Ports website:
Annual Reports » Mid West Ports
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