New $152m marina to transform Port Hedland

The WA State Government has just announced its full commitment to the long-awaited $152 million Spoilbank Marina in Port Hedland that aims to create a vibrant community, recreation and tourism hub and attract visitors from all corners of the globe to the unique region.

Premier Colin Barnett said the State Government would contribute $112 million to the marina project that aims to deliver 150 boat pens, a boat ramp and recreational facilities to the fish-rich Pilbara region.

"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.

Premier  Barnett said 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," he said.

The new marina is being built to provide a safe launching facility for local boaties, who for the first time will be able to launch via a separate channel to that which is used by the ships and large commercial vessels servicing WA'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.

"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."

LandCorp will project manage the delivery of the Spoilbank Marina on behalf of the Town of Port Hedland. The State Government's $112 million contribution is made up of $72 million from Royalties for Regions and $40 million from consolidated funds.  A further $40 million will be contributed from the Town of Port Hedland.
   
The Port Hedland Spoilbank Marina is expected to be completed by late 2020.  For more information and artists impression of the project, see http://www.landcorp.com.au/spoilbankmarina.