Major investment for Port of Bunbury

Berth refurbishment works at Southern Ports Authority’s regional ports at Albany and Bunbury are set to commence after WA-based TAMS Group was awarded two contracts totalling $4.5 million.

The works program includes a $2.5 million refurbishment of the Port of Albany’s Berth 3 – the Port’s most utilised berth which over the past year facilitated a record export of 3.75 million tonnes of Western Australian grain. 

An additional $2 million will be invested in the Port of Bunbury to maintain its multi-user and multi-commodity Berth 8 – the essential infrastructure which underpins the Port’s capacity for the growing trade in spodumene and other export commodities.

Southern Ports Chief Executive Officer Keith Wilks said the works program will ensure the ports’ critical infrastructure continues to be safe, efficient and capable of meeting current and future trade demand.

“Put simply, investing in our infrastructure means optimising trade outcomes for our customers. It means that our ports can remain efficient and operational 24/7 to meet current demand, while also positioning us well for future growth,” said Mr Wilks.

“Our ports already export the largest volume of lithium out of Western Australia, and as a key facilitator of our state’s trade in critical minerals and battery minerals, it’s exciting to know the investment in maintenance of our critical port infrastructure will allow future trade prospects to be harnessed.”

TAMS Group Chief Executive Officer, Lee Bartlett said they are pleased to secure the contracts.

“TAMS is very pleased to secure these contracts from Southern Ports to upgrade the infrastructure and facilities at the Ports of Albany and Bunbury,” said Mr Bartlett.

“The works will improve the ports’ longevity, while expanding capacity, trade, and jobs in the region.”

Mr Wilks stressed the importance of investing in the maintenance of existing infrastructure at the busy Port of Bunbury.

“Long-term planning has identified the potential for new berths to support increased bulk material throughput and for new commodity opportunities – but we mustn’t forget the importance of our seven current operational berths,” he said. 

“Berth 8, in particular, plays a critical role in the export of the growing commodity of spodumene so the $2 million investment in its upkeep is vitally important.

“The growth in renewable energy sources in the South West region, coupled with demand for critical and battery minerals and other new trade prospects, means our Port must be operating at optimal capacity.”

Southern Ports General Manager Port Development (Interim) Iain Robinson and TAMS CEO Lee Bartlett