Published on Tuesday, 22 June 2021 at 12:22:41 PM
The construction of a seawall at Marapikurrinya Park in the West End will commence next month, following the award of the construction tender at the last Council meeting.
The $4,389,534.50 project has received a $3m contribution from BHP and a further $227,000 from the WA Department of Transport through their Coastal Adaptation Grant program.
In 2019, Tropical Cyclone Veronica caused significant coastal damage, leading to the Town engaging M P Rogers and Associates to conduct a coastal site inspection. M P Rogers and Associates identified sea wall construction as the most appropriate long term coastal risk mitigation measure. In March 2020, Council endorsed the design and construction of the seawalls.
Mayor Carter welcomed the funding contributions and said the project would help mitigate the impacts of future rising sea levels and erosion caused by cyclonic weather events.
“I’d like to thank BHP and the McGowan Government for prioritising public infrastructure investment. This project is a significant step in mitigating the future coastal erosion and inundation risks faced by Port Hedland, securing our coastal future.
“Following the completion of the seawall construction in the West End, further seawalls will be built at Goode Street and Sutherland Street; locations identified as facing intolerable coastal risk in the Town’s Coastal Hazard Risk Management and Adaptation Plan.
“Our coastline is part of Port Hedland’s identity. It boosts the region’s liveability, supports the world’s largest bulk exporting port, provides endangered Flatback Turtle nesting habitats, sustains recreational pursuits, hosts the Spoilbank Marina development and supports unique flora and fauna.
“We saw with Tropical Cyclone Veronica that our coastline is particularly vulnerable to erosion and the real impacts of climate change: as a local government, we have a responsibility to plan for the future."
For media information:
Laura Hawes
Manager Corporate Affairs
(08) 9158 9365 | lhawes@porthedland.wa.gov.au
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