Published on Saturday, 24 September 2022 at 10:28:58 AM
Opening of no. 4 Berth by Lorin Cox
The year 1966 saw the opening of a much needed 4th berth at Geraldton for the purpose of further expansion of iron ore export. Not long prior (during the 1950’s) iron ore export was experiencing a very uncertain future as the Government enforced an export embargo. Had this remained in place for an extended period of time, progress in this space could have been severely delayed. As it was, the embargo was lifted and the government backed the development of the Geraldton Harbour culminating in the opening of the No. 4 Berth on 15 March 1966. There was a little controversy around the ceremony with Mayor C.S. Eadon-Clarke, the official first citizen of the town, noticeably absent from those invited to speak. An article published the day following outlined the direct involvement of the Mayor with the iron ore export project and harbour extensions. It also noted that for over a decade prior, the export of iron ore deposits was actively canvassed in civic circles. A speech was, however, made by Premier of Western Australia, Mr David Brand to acknowledge such a historic occasion.
Image caption: Premier of Western Australia, Mr David Brand on stage during the official opening of No. 4 Berth, courtesy of Geoff Wallace.
Snapshots is an initiative of the Geraldton Regional Library. For more information, or to donate a historical photo or slide to the Library, contact Heritage Services at the Geraldton Regional Library on 9956 6659 or library@cgg.wa.gov.au
Image: P 13738
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