New import export wharf at Pt Wilson

A reopened export import Point Wilson Wharf in the Geelong region of Victoria initially focused on defence industries has created new avenues for value-added exports.

The 2.3 kilometre Point Wilson Wharf, the second largest in the southern hemisphere, was refurbished and reopened in a bid to increase guided weapons and explosive ordnance stocks for the Australian Defence Force (ADF), according to the federal government.

A response to the recommendations of the Defence Strategic Review (DSR), the wharf will see it recommence large-scale importation of guided weapons and explosive ordnance and associated materiel shipments.

This will help accelerate and expand long-range strike and guided weapons stocks and underpin the establishment of missile manufacturing in Australia.

Defence Minister Richard Marles strolled on the wharf after opening it, and said the significant refurbishment had supported local businesses and jobs in Geelong, with more than 200 people directly employed to deliver the work.

Marles said: “In addition to supporting the ADF, the upgrades to the wharf will see it also available to support other key Australian industries.”

Picture: Richard Marles