Published on Wednesday, 14 December 2022 at 2:01:49 PM
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.
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