Associate Regional Development Minister Mark Patterson said the deep-water wharf was accessible in all weather, making it a lifeline in natural disasters.
“This upgrade secures the wharf as a vital access point during disasters and supports the fishing industry by ensuring efficient seafood transport and supply chains.”
The money from the Regional Infrastructure Fund would be topped up with $990,000 from Westland District Council.
The upgrade included structural work, and new digital surveillance and signage so the council could enforce launch fees to pay for ongoing maintenance, he said.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary to the Minister for Oceans and Fisheries Jenny Marcroft commended the fishers and industry leaders, who she said worked tirelessly to secure the upgrade.
“The wharf is in a severely deteriorated state, so this upgrade is critical to keep it safe and reliable for all users.”
The government said the Jackson Bay wharf upgrades were the final component of a programme to upgrade West Coast ports.
Earlier this year ministers announced a $5.5 million loan from the Regional Infrastructure Fund to upgrade Westport Port and Greymouth Port.
