Published on Tuesday, 16 October 2018 at 9:37:13 AM
The Town of Port Hedland has welcomed the McGowan Government’s response to the Port Hedland Dust Taskforce Report, striking the right balance between decreasing community dust exposure without jeopardising Port expansion, industry development and job creation.
Mayor Camilo Blanco said action on the Report’s recommendations was a critical step in securing ongoing industry investment in the Town.
“I’d like to extend a sincere thank you to Premier McGowan and Minister MacTiernan for taking action to implement the Taskforce’s recommendations.
“This decision provides Council with much needed certainty concerning dust management and the future of the West End, and frees the gridlock on development applications in this area of town. Further, it takes the hand break off the future expansion of and tonnage through the Port with all the associated increases in local jobs for our community.
“As a Council, we have always taken the mitigation of potential environmental health risks as paramount, and thank the community for their patience on this issue.
“The Western Australian Planning Commission will be responsible for implementing the Taskforce’s recommendations, and responsibility for air quality monitoring will be under the jurisdiction of the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation.
“The Town of Port Hedland is committed to working with the State Government to ensure the smooth implementation of the Report’s recommendations.”
Mayor Blanco also commended the McGowan Government’s decision to proceed with detailed design work for the Spoilbank Marina Project.
“Yesterday, concept plans were unveiled for the Spoilbank Marina, reflecting the long-standing community desire for more recreational boating infrastructure and improved local amenity in Port Hedland.”
The marina concept plans include:
• The initial provision for 20 boat pens, with sufficient basin capacity to expand to 45
• A two lane boat ramp
• Two breakwaters and internal revetment walls
• Separate access channel to exit into deeper water to exit into deeper water adjacent to the main shipping channel
“Extensive community consultation over a number of years has shown that people want a marina in Port Hedland.
“On the landside, there are also plans for the development of a boat and parking area, boardwalks, a new combined event space, landscaping and a new dry dock area for the Yacht Club. The viability of a bespoke multi user community facility combining functions such as cultural centre, restaurant, art gallery, visitor centre, conference facility will also be explored.
“I’m excited by the vision to create new public, open spaces and commercial pop-up facilities, providing opportunities for economic diversification and tourism for our town.
“These plans are comprehensive and well thought out, with detailed work now commencing for not just a marina, but a hub of waterside recreation to support the needs of a liveable town.
“Importantly, funding has been set aside for a State contribution toward ongoing marina maintenance, reducing the prospect of rate payers footing the bill in the future.
“I’d like to thank the McGowan Government for delivering on these key election commitments for the future of Port Hedland.”
More information on the implementation of the Taskforce’s recommendations and Spoilbank Marina’s progress will be released in the near future.
For media information:
Laura Hawes
Manager Marketing Communication and Events
(08) 9158 9365 | lhawes@porthedland.wa.gov.au
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