Mid West Ports Authority DustTamer fence to be installed by the end of February after iron ore dust complaints

Geraldton residents may soon see a reduction in dust particles from the port, with a wind fence scheduled to be built next month, after complaints iron ore dust was damaging boats at the fishing harbour. The Mid West Ports Authority has started preparations to install a DustTamer wind fence, designed to minimise wind impacts with balanced air pressure on either side of the fence. The structure was initially expected to be installed by October last year, but the material for its construction is yet to arrive in Geraldton. MWPA CEO Damian Tully said a contractor was onsite this week to install “in-ground sections” on Wednesday after the fence component made its way to Perth. “Installation will be undertaken by a specialist contractor, aiming for an end of February completion date,” he said. The 90m fence prevents debris from the open stockpile and rail corridor behind the fence, with aims to cut the dust carried into the Fishing Boat Harbour. Last year, Mr Tully said he acknowledged multiple dust complaints around the harbour and hoped the DustTamer fence would limit the movement of dust around the port. “The frustration is there at the moment which is why we are trying to reduce it. I acknowledge it is an issue for the fishing harbour,” he said. Rock lobster fisherman Frank Facchini was one commercial boater who complained of the iron ore dust that “constantly travelled” on to boats, costing owners money to clean and repair. “I’ve spent $50,000 on this boat getting it back to brand new and within 12 hours it’s covered in iron ore dust. The aluminium gets eaten by the iron ore and and it tarnishes the paint,” he said. “It just swirls around the harbour.” For more information visit the MWPA website.