The McGowan Government has finalised the design of the Port Hedland Spoilbank Marina, with early works on the transformative, job-creating election commitment set to begin within months.
Following extensive consultation with the local community and Marapikurrinya Kariyarra Traditional Owners, the final design has been expanded to include construction of a public fishing jetty, water feature and shaded swimming beach node.
Features of the development, which will transform Hedland’s waterfront, include:
- a four-lane boat ramp;
- 21 boat-pen marina with capacity to expand to 80 pens in the future;
- separate entrance channel to the main shipping channel;
- trailer parking for up to 200 vehicles;
- maintenance hardstand;
- publicly accessible breakwaters with pedestrian path;
- public recreation and event space and public amenities;
- public fishing jetty;
- water feature;
- shade structures at swimming beach;
- waterfront promenade to reflect the Yintha Kariyarra creation serpent story; and
- public art and a cultural gathering space.
A request for proposals to complete marine works wll be advertised late July with final tenders expected to be awarded in October.
Site mobilisation and early works will begin in October, with an estimated 221 direct jobs to be created during the two-year marina build.
The total construction budget is $121.5 million, and the State Government has set aside an additional $15 million towards operating the Marina. The Town of Port Hedland will contribute $37.5 million towards the project.
Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan and Pilbara MLA Kevin Michel, who chaired the Spoilbank Marina Community Reference Group, will host a Community Open Day at the Port Hedland Yacht Club this Friday, June 12, 2020.
Community members are invited to visit the Yacht Club between 11.30am and 1pm to meet the project team and learn more about the Spoilbank Marina development.
Minister MacTiernan will also hold a Local Contractors’ Forum in Hedland on Friday to discuss potential work opportunities on the job-creating project with potential local contractors and sub‑contractors.
As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:
“My Government is getting on with delivering this key election commitment and long-held dream for the Hedland community.
“This will be a transformative project for Hedland, creating a stunning new waterfront development for the community and driving more than 200 local jobs during construction.”
As stated by Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan:
“The Spoilbank Marina has been talked about for more than 20 years, and our Government is making the dream a reality.
“The Spoilbank Marina will significantly improve access and safety for boaties in Hedland while also creating a fantastic new amenity for a town that makes a massive contribution to WA’s economy.
“The project will drive transformational change in Port Hedland as part of our commitment to revitalising Port Hedland’s West End into a commercial, cultural and recreational hub.”
As stated by Pilbara MLA Kevin Michel:
“This is a major project that the local Hedland community has wanted to see delivered for a very long time. This project will not only give Hedland fantastic boating facilities but create a whole new waterfront public recreational space where the Hedland community and its visitors can attend cultural events, markets and or just go to relax.
“The two-year construction period also provides a welcome economic stimulus and boost to local business confidence following disruption due to COVID-19.
“Along with the total $126.6 million investment and 221 direct jobs, the additional flow-on effect from this build to the local economy is estimated to be in the region of $66 million.”
