Exmouth Day 3: the Gascoyne Gateway project and studying the sun

The first stop of the day, to the Exmouth Police Station, was, unfortunately, cancelled at the last moment. The Governor had intended to visit and acknowledge the staff on their efforts but the officers were called away to perform the very act the Governor had hoped to commend them on. That meant that stop number two became the first point of call for the day.

A new Gateway to the West

The Governor looks out over the proposed area of development.

The Gascoyne Gateway Deep Water Jetty and Renewables Hub is a proposed jetty off the coast of Exmouth that aims to provide an essential capability for a variety of marine operations, underpinning regional economic and social development in the Gascoyne Region with significant strategic implications to Australia and its Allies, the capability to support sovereign industrial capability and defence posture, and provide strategic fuel and explosive ordnance disposition and loading options. All just 10km south of Exmouth.

Managing Director and CEO Mr Michael Edwards OAM and Chief Operating Officer Mr Daniel Jackson walked the Governor through the proposed project, highlighting the strategic benefits of a new single jetty deep-water port and renewables hub to the state.

The Governor is shown maps of the land and proposal.

The marine side infrastructure would service cruise ships, private yachts and adventure cruises, Royal Australian and Allied Navies, Australian Border Force, agricultural exports, offshore support vessels, break bulk, cargo and fuel supply vessels.

Construction is expected to commence in mid-2023, with the port due to begin operating in early 2025.

The USA, the sun and Exmouth

The Governor is shown data about sun spots.

Established in 1977 alongside the US Government by a Treaty and Cooperating Agency Arrangement, the Learmonth Solar Observatory is jointly run by the Australian Bureau of Meteorology and the United States Air Force. Only one of five solar observatories operated by the US Air Force in the world, the base has continually operated for over 40 years, recording and studying the sun and space weather.

The Governor reviews some of the latest insights.

With the data collected, the team can provide critical data to defence and private clients about incoming solar impacts that may affect everything from communications systems to electrical grids and navigation.

The Governor was fascinated by the process and excited to see the team in action.

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