Port Hedland Sea Walls » Town of Port Hedland

PROJECT OVERVIEW

Why is the project being rolled out?

Our coastline is always changing. Cyclonic weather events, rising sea levels and coastal erosion are long term challenges for Port Hedland which require strategic planning to mitigate risk. The construction of sea walls are integral to the Town's risk mitigation response.

In March 2020, Council endorsed the design and construction of seawalls at West End, Sutherland Street and Goode Street. These locations were identified as susceptible to coastal erosion and inundation as part of the Town's Coastal Hazard Risk Management and Adaptation Plan (CHRMAP). This Plan serves as the blueprint for how the Town will respond to the challenges of climate change into the future, identifying the areas which are the highest priority for attention.

The CHRMAP considers hazards and risks in the immediate term, the current planning horizon (to 2060) and the long-term (to 2120). The Plan finds that risk of erosion to public foreshore, roads and residential properties along Sutherland Street and in the East End of Port Hedland is likely to increase to a point that is intolerable.

If not managed, then over time residential properties and social and environmental values of the public coastal foreshore will be lost as a result of erosion.

Seawalls to preserve Hedland coastline for generations

The Hedland coastline will be protected for future generations following the completion of the construction phase of the Town of Port Hedland’s seawall project.

The Goode Street seawall – the third and final one of the $17.8 million project – was completed last week.

Other seawalls have been constructed at the West End and Sutherland Street.

Mayor Peter Carter said the seawalls would mitigate damage caused by cyclones or coastal erosion and help preserve the Port Hedland coastline.

“These seawalls will help protect our unique flora and fauna, including flatback turtle nesting sites,” Mayor Carter said.

“They will also help protect residential properties and other infrastructure from future extreme weather events.”

The design and construction of the seawalls was endorsed by Council in March 2020 with the West End, Sutherland Street and Goode Street locations identified as being susceptible to coastal erosion and inundation in the Town’s Coastal Hazard Risk Management and Adaptation Plan.

In total, 79,155 tonnes of rock have been used for the three seawalls.

“It has been a huge project and I thank residents for their patience during the construction periods,” Mayor Carter said.

“The Town’s vision is to build a thriving, resilient and inclusive future for our diverse community and projects like this help increase liveability and preserve our environment.”

The seawalls were funded by the Town along with a $3 million contribution from BHP for the West End seawall and $3.75m from the Federal Government.

Residents are reminded to be cautious around holes at the base of the Sutherland Street seawall, caused by the natural shifting of sand, and be aware of warning signs. These holes are being managed by the Town and contractors and are expected to continue to diminish naturally over time.

Above: drone footage of the Port Hedland Seawall adjacent to Marapikurrinya Park in Port Hedland's West End.

Key Benefits

Mitigates damage caused by future cyclonic weather events, rising sea levels and coastal erosion
Contributes to preserving Port Hedland's coastal values
Contributes to strengthening the integrity of beaches and pathway access
Contributes to protecting unique flora and fauna, including flatback turtle nesting areas
Helps protect residential properties in Port Hedland from erosion and rising sea levels
Helps secure operations at the port of Port Hedland, the world's largest bulk exporting port

Construction Timeline

Construction began in September, starting at Marapikurrinya Park.
- Marapikurrinya Park: 3-5 months construction on site
- Sutherland Street: 4-6 months construction on site
- Goode Street: 3-4 months construction on site

Project Partners

Sutherland Street: $11.4 million
Goode Street: $3.4 million
Marapikurrinya Park, Richardson Street and Gap: $3 million

In order to fund the Port Hedland sea walls, it is proposed for the Town to fund $7.5 million and for Government / Industry to fund $10.3 million.

News

Member for Pilbara Kevin Michael, Mayor Peter Carter and Town of Port Hedland Chief Executive Officer Carl Askew at the completed Sutherland Street seawall.

Seawall to protect Sutherland Street

December 14, 2022

The second stage of the Town of Port Hedland’s seawall project is complete – with properties, roads, flora and fauna along Sutherland Street now better protected from future extreme weather events.

Member for Pilbara Kevin Michel this week joined Mayor Peter Carter and Town Chief Executive Officer Carl Askew to officially open the Sutherland Street seawall.

Construction on the $6.2 million Sutherland Street seawall started in May with installation of about 38,790 tonnes of armour rock and 17,400 tonnes of filter rock.

The Sutherland Street seawall is Stage 2 of the Town’s $17 million seawall project, following on from the Marapikurrinya Park seawall at West End. Construction of Stage 3, at Goode Street, has now started.

Mayor Peter Carter said the Sutherland Street seawall would help maintain and protect the Hedland coastline.

“The seawall will help protect residences, roads, footpaths and other infrastructure along Sutherland Street during events such as cyclones,” Mayor Carter said.

“It’s also going to play an important environmental role in helping to prevent erosion and future-proof our beaches which are a critical nesting habitat for the endangered flatback turtles.

“The devastating impact of Cyclone Veronica in 2019 showed we needed to plan for the future – particularly in light of climate change – to mitigate against erosion and inundation risks.

“The Town would like to thank nearby residents for their patience throughout the construction period.”

Mayor Carter urged the community to be aware of construction works along Goode Street, which would continue until March next year.

“I would urge motorists, pedestrians and residents to be mindful of signage, workers and machinery in the area while the works are carried out,” he said.

Construction will occur between 7am-5.30pm Monday-Saturday and 8am-5pm on Sundays and public holidays.

No footpaths will be closed during construction, however beach access will be temporarily closed due to the location of the rock tipping point.