Go-ahead Given to Port Hedland Marina

Written on the 25 October 2016

The Liberal National Government today announced its full commitment to the long-awaited $152 million Spoilbank Marina in Port Hedland.

Premier Colin Barnett said the State Government would contribute $112 million to the project, comprising $72 million from Royalties for Regions and $40 million from consolidated funds. A further $40 million will be contributed by the Town of Port Hedland.

"The project will create a high-quality community waterfront asset with the potential to change the face of Port Hedland," Mr Barnett said.

"The plan provides for a marina with capacity for between 100-150 boat pens with 50 boat pens in the first stage, a two-lane boat ramp, plenty of vehicle and trailer parking and opportunities for boat repair and service facilities.

"The marina precinct will eventually include a number of public outdoor spaces with three sites for food and beverage operators, large landscaped areas, a caravan park site, and also a cultural and community centre.

"The project will deliver required recreational facilities, unlock tourism potential as a visitor destination, create business and about 300 construction jobs as well as ongoing jobs when the marina is up and running."

The new marina will provide a safer and dedicated launching facility for local boaties, who for the first time, will be able to launch via a separate channel to the large commercial vessels servicing Western Australia's largest bulk export port facility.

Regional Development and Lands Minister Terry Redman said the revised marina plan would balance the needs of the local recreational boating community with the needs of industry.

"The Spoilbank was originally a place to deposit sediment from dredging and the marina will transform an under-utilised Port Hedland landmark into a vibrant community, recreational and tourism asset," Mr Redman said.

"The vision for this project has evolved from its initial concept in 2012 and will now include land to accommodate a cultural and community centre, as well as the potential to explore commercial operations such as the leasing of marina land for vessel maintenance.

"Boating, fishing and diving play a big part in Hedland life and the Spoilbank facilities will provide a safer launching facility for local boaties while incorporating an asset such as the proposed cultural and community centre, which can be used by the whole community."

Mr Redman praised the Town of Port Hedland for helping the long-awaited project come to fruition.

For more information and artists impression of the project, visit http://www.landcorp.com.au/spoilbankmarina