Westport Port receives financial support from Regional Infrastructure Fund

Minister for Regional Development Hon. Shane Jones has today announced $3.216 million of funding for Westport Port from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment’s Kānoa – Regional Economic Development and Investment Unit, with co-funding of $1.656 million to be provided by Development West Coast.

Mayor Jamie Cleine says: “The total funding of $4.872 million, provided as suspensory loans, will enable the development of four port infrastructure initiatives aimed at improving the resilience and sustainability of the town’s port facilities.”

The four initiatives receiving funding support are:

Further extension of the existing floating pontoon marina berths that were installed in 2021, expanding the port’s berthage capacity and creating an opportunity for increasing Westport Port’s annual income.

Upgrading and improving berthing facilities at the Fisherman’s Wharf, which will allow a wider range of vessel sizes to be accommodated safely, maximising the commercial potential of the existing facility.

Construction of a roll-on-roll-off (RORO) ramp facility in the vicinity of the Floating Basin slipway near the Westport Yacht Club. This will improve the district’s response to a significant seismic event on the Alpine Fault. It will allow direct-to-land barge shipments of vehicles and supplies such as fuel that may not be accessible if road and rail access to the West Coast is compromised. The improved launching ramp facility will also benefit the community commercially and recreationally. Part of the funding for this initiative will provide $900,000 of income for the dredge Kawatiri in creating a deeper channel for barges to navigate from the river edge to the ramp.

Extension of the Kawatiri’s current dredging capability by fitting a supplementary, hydraulically driven Bell dredge pump. This will be suspended from the vessel’s crane and allow the dredge to cut channels into shallower areas than her current equipment allows and enable them to be cleared. This new system, along with the crane, grab and trailer suction equipment will allow the Kawatiri to better service the needs of existing clients. It will also open up new commercial out-of-port dredging opportunities, with the ability to offer clients unparalleled flexibility of approach in respect to meeting their dredging needs.

The new projects will build on the work completed previously, also utilising central government funding. Kānoa invested $4 million via the Provincial Growth Fund for the existing floating pontoon berths to be built in 2021, and $3.3 million for gravel removal, wharf repairs and upgrades to the bulk handling and shipping precinct in (2021-23).

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) provided $6.2 million of funding for critical infrastructure repairs to the Holcim #2 and Kawatiri wharves following the July 2021 and February 2022 floods.

“The continued investment in Westport Port will not only support the ongoing viability of the port but is also great news for our commercial fishing fleet, and will also create employment opportunities, grow the local economy and increase district and regional prosperity” says Mayor Cleine.

-ENDS-

For further information please contact:
Community Engagement Team
Buller District Council
Media.Enquiries@bdc.govt.nz