Geraldton Marine Services Precinct
Proponents: Mid West Development Commission, Geraldton Boat Lifters Limited.
Value: $3-4 Million
Location: Geraldton, Western Australia
Description:
Establishment of a Marine Services Precinct incorporating a 200 tonne capacity heavy boat lifter in Geraldton.
A facility to lift large boats in excess of 6.8 metres has not existed in Geraldton since 1998 when the Geraldton Port Authority made the decision to close the existing slipway due to its age and deteriorating condition.
Since this time the Mid West Development Commission has been working to secure an alternative facility. A review of the project in 2004 identified a heavy boat lifter as an alternative to a slipway, with the advantages including:
- lower capital cost;
- lower operating costs; and
- greater flexibility/increased functionality.
An economic impact study was completed in 2004 followed by business and marketing plans, all of which supported the existence of a Marine Services Precinct in Geraldton centring around a 200 tonne heavy boat lifter.
This facility will located at the fishing boat harbour and will be managed and operated independently by a consortium of industry representatives who have contributed capital to the project (Geraldton Boat Lifters Limited (GBLL)).
It is forecast, that after ten years, the precinct will generate more than 600 direct and indirect jobs and inject $15 Million annually into the Mid West economy.
The project became a reality in March 2006 when the State Government committed $1.5M to the project via the Mid West Development Commission. Other contributions to the project include $1M from the Federal Government, with the balance of the required funds being provided by GBLL. The Geraldton Port Authority has also provided significant in-kind support for the project.
Site works have commenced on the hard stand area, wash down bay, docking bay and runway piers. The disassembled heavy boat lifter has arrived.
Next Steps:
The heavy boat lifter will be assembled and construction of the facility including paint/sandblast shed(s) and site fencing will progress until completed. The facility is currently expected to be operational in August 2008.
Mid West Development Commission Contact: Assistant Director Neil Condon - 9921 0704