Ports Minister Rita Saffioti has celebrated the opening of a new boat manufacturing facility in the Geraldton Fishing Boat Harbour, which will serve as the new location for the regional boat builder Dongara Marine.
The Western Australia Government has invested $3.6 million to support the development of the new boat building precinct including a new heavy haul road, utilities, and fire-fighting equipment.
The Geraldton Fishing Boat Harbour Development Plan expands upon the current Port of Geraldton Masterplan by offering more information on prospective growth and investment opportunities that will allow more companies to enter the harbour, resulting in a more lively and diverse precinct, the government said in a media release.
Western Australia is investing in several critical projects in Geraldton to support the local marine, port, and tourism industries, including the $350 million Port Maximisation Project, the delivery of new jetties to support the local tourism industry, and the expansion of the Geraldton FBH.
“Our Government is investing hundreds of millions of dollars to support the expansion of the marine industry and ports in Geraldton, and today’s opening of the new Dongara Marine facility is a great example of how we’re helping to grow local businesses and jobs,” remarked Minister Saffioti.
She said that Dongara Marine currently employs 65 locals across a variety of trades and skills relevant to boat building, and the investment and support from the government to establish this new facility that will ensure job opportunities for local citizens continue to grow.
“The opening of Dongara Marine is the start of an exciting period for the Geraldton Fishing Boat Harbour, with the release of the Development Plan today, highlighting exciting opportunities to drive new investment and business opportunities within the precinct,” the minister added.
Meanwhile, Geraldton MLA Lara Dalton pointed out that Dongara Marine’s opening is just the beginning of a new chapter of development for the Fishing Boat Harbour, which will see local businesses and jobs expand in the years to come.
“Whether it’s the $350 million Port Maximisation Project or investing in critical infrastructure, our Government recognises the importance of the local marine and tourism industry to Geraldton and is making significant investments to support the growth of local jobs,” Dalton noted.
The official launch of the new site comes just days after Dongara Marine was awarded a nearly $8 million contract to deliver two new pilot boats for Fremantle Port, highlighting the company’s reputation in Western Australia.
