- Winners of Pilbara Ports Name the Cranes competition announced
- Competition celebrates two mobile harbour cranes at the Port of Port Hedland's landmark Lumsden Point development
- The cranes will support future-focused trade, including renewable energy infrastructure and battery materials, strengthening the Pilbara's role in global supply chains
The names of two cranes which will form a key part of the Lumsden Point project have been revealed following a local competition launched in Port Hedland last year.
The cranes will be named Julie and Arnold, after two well-known and well-respected Port Hedland identities, Julie Arif and Arnold Carter. Several nominations were made by the Port Hedland community for these two names.
The competition invited local residents to name two mobile harbour cranes that will operate at the Lumsden Point development at the Port of Port Hedland.
Running over six weeks last year, the competition generated strong community interest, attracting 210 entries and 404 name suggestions reflecting themes including First Nations heritage, the environment, and local history.
A shortlist of entries was voted on by Pilbara Ports Port Hedland Community Consultation Committee with the final winning names selected by the Ports Minister for their originality and local relevance.
The winning entrants will have their chosen names displayed on the cranes and will also receive a local caf voucher, a guided harbour tour, and a site visit to Lumsden Point.
Currently under construction and set to stand 84 metres tall, the mobile harbour cranes will together provide a 400-tonne tandem lifting capacity and incorporate leading hybrid technology to improve operational efficiency and minimise on-site carbon emissions.
These cranes will play a critical role in supporting efficient operations at Lumsden Point, including the export of battery materials, the import of renewable energy infrastructure, and the growth of direct shipping services to the Pilbara.
The Australian Government is investing $565 million in common-user port upgrades in the Pilbara, $450 million of which will enable the development of new multi-user facilities and berths at Lumsden Point. This is in partnership with the State Government, which is contributing $96.6 million to the project.
As stated by Ports and Regional Development Minister Stephen Dawson:
"Julie Arif and Arnold Carter were strong advocates for the Hedland community and have left a lasting legacy in the town. Congratulations to the community who nominated these two important figures.
"I also want to thank everyone who took part; the enthusiasm this competition garners highlights how major infrastructure projects can actively involve and reflect the communities they serve.
"Lumsden Point is a transformative investment for the Pilbara, and these cranes will play a critical role in supporting new industries, improving port efficiency and creating long-term economic opportunities for the region."
As stated by Pilbara MLA Kevin Michel:
"This was a great opportunity for the Port Hedland community to leave its mark on a project that is taking shape right in their backyard.
"It's exciting to see local ideas reflected in infrastructure that will support jobs and growth in the region for years to come."
