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WA Budget 2021-22: $9.9m allocation to complete firefighting system at Geraldton port

Geraldton Guardian
The Modi R, the trailer suction hopper dredge, at Geraldton Port.
Camera IconThe Modi R, the trailer suction hopper dredge, at Geraldton Port. Credit: Picture: Mid West Port Authority

An almost $10 million boost delivered in the State Budget last week will result in a better response should a major fire break out at Geraldton Port.

The State Government allocated $9.9 million to complete the installation of the $13.5, port-wide firefighting system, which will increase hydrant flow, provide a more responsive alarm system, reduce smoke exposure to personnel during evacuations and improve fuel berth firefighting.

Mid West Ports Authority acting chief executive Damian Tully said the system would better protect port personnel and the port’s critical assets.

“This is a major capital expenditure project which requires considerable design, staged upgrades and infrastructure upgrades throughout the entire port. The project will be completed in sections and those sections will become operational as they are finalised,” he said.

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The project has already started, with detailed designs under way and installation to be spread out over the next three years.

On Friday, MWPA started maintenance dredging of Geraldton Port’s shipping channel.

About 200,000 cubic metres of sediment will be sucked from the channel and deposited about 1km off the coast.

The authority says dredging is needed to ensure the safe navigability and continued operations at the port.

Geraldton port was last dredged nine years ago. This latest project will take two months.

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