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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. 

GOODE STREET SEAWALL CONSTRUCTION – NOTICE OF WORKS

What is happening?

Construction has started on the Goode Street seawall, to protect the coastline from extreme weather events and erosion.

Stage three works will run until April, 2023, and includes rock installation for the seawall’s construction.

The seawall will protect properties and strengthen the integrity of beaches and pathways access as well as protecting fauna and flora including the flatback turtles.

Motorists, cyclists and pedestrians are asked be the mindful of signage, workers and machinery in the area and to stay out of construction zone areas.

Where is this happening?

 

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.