The Town of Port Hedland will remove the Black Rock Stakes Sculpture from its current location behind the Port Hedland Visitor Centre on Wedge Street after inspections found the structure had deteriorated to the point where it presents an unacceptable public safety risk.
Council approved the removal at its Ordinary Council Meeting on 24 June 2026. This will start on Monday 19 October.
The decision was not taken lightly. While the existing sculpture cannot safely remain in place, the Town is committed to recording its history and ensuring the story of the Black Rock Stakes is not lost.
The Black Rock Stakes was a well-known charity event held between 1971 and 2010.
Teams competed by pushing a wheelbarrow containing iron ore along the approximately 119-kilometre journey from Goldsworthy to Port Hedland, with team members taking turns along the route.
The sculpture commemorates the event and its place in Hedland's history.
Why does the sculpture need to be removed?
The sculpture has deteriorated significantly over time.
A condition assessment found its structural integrity had been compromised to a level that presents an unacceptable public safety risk. The condition of the structure was assessed as irreversible and beyond reasonable conservation or restoration.
Before recommending removal, the Town undertook a structured assessment which included inspection of the sculpture, consideration of safety risks, a review of available records and consultation with relevant stakeholders.
The Town also reviewed its records relating to the original design, fabrication and installation of the sculpture. Unfortunately, this information is incomplete or unavailable, which limits the ability to undertake an informed restoration or engineering assessment.
On this basis, Council determined that safely dismantling and removing the sculpture was the most responsible course of action.
The sculpture will be carefully dismantled and removed from the site.
As part of this process, the Town will create a detailed record of the sculpture and its connection to the Black Rock Stakes.
This will include:
- photographic documentation of the sculpture before and during its removal
- recording available information about the sculpture and its history
- retaining relevant historical and archival material
- recording the sculpture's contribution to Port Hedland's cultural history.
This work will ensure there is a permanent record of the sculpture even though the structure itself can no longer safely remain at the site.
What happens next?
Removal of the existing sculpture does not mean the end of the Black Rock Stakes story.
The Town remains committed to preserving the story, history and legacy of the Black Rock Stakes and exploring opportunities to recognise its importance to Port Hedland's heritage.
The Town will investigate a range of options for future recognition of the Black Rock Stakes, including the potential for a replica artwork, a new public artwork or other appropriate heritage recognition opportunities. A report will be brought back to Elected Members by April 2027.
That work will consider matters including:
- possible locations
- the scope of a future project
- funding opportunities
- options for delivery and construction
- community and stakeholder engagement.
If a new public artwork is ultimately proposed, community consultation will help shape the outcome and how the history and significance of the Black Rock Stakes is represented.
Council has also directed that any future public art commission be designed and constructed using materials, construction methods and engineering standards appropriate for Port Hedland's environmental and climatic conditions.
FAQs
Why can't the Town just repair the existing sculpture?
Inspections found the sculpture's structural integrity had deteriorated to the point where it presents an unacceptable public safety risk.
The condition has been assessed as irreversible and beyond reasonable conservation or restoration. Information about the sculpture's original design, fabrication and installation is also incomplete or unavailable, limiting the ability to undertake an informed engineering assessment or restoration.
Why wasn't the community consulted before the decision to remove it?
The immediate issue facing the Town was public safety and whether the existing structure could safely remain in place.
The Town undertook condition and risk assessments and consulted relevant internal stakeholders and the Port Hedland Historical Society before the matter was considered by Council.
Community engagement will form part of the work considering how the Black Rock Stakes may be recognised into the future.
Has the Town tried to find the original artist?
Yes. The Town has searched its records and made enquiries in an effort to identify and contact the original artist, but has so far been unsuccessful.
The Town continues to welcome information from anyone who may know the identity of the artist or have information about the design, construction or installation of the sculpture.
What will happen to the sculpture when it is removed?
The sculpture will be safely dismantled and removed from the site.
The removal process will include photographic and historical documentation to create a lasting record of the artwork and its contribution to Port Hedland's cultural history.
Is the sculpture being replaced?
No final decision has been made regarding future recognition of the Black Rock Stakes.
The Town will investigate options, including a replica artwork, a new public artwork and other opportunities to recognise the significance of the Black Rock Stakes before recommendations are presented to Elected Members.
Will the community have a say in what replaces it?
Yes. Community and stakeholder engagement will be part of the work exploring a future public art opportunity.
If a replacement artwork proceeds, the Town wants the community to help shape an appropriate way of recognising the history and significance of the Black Rock Stakes.
Why can't the sculpture simply be moved somewhere else?
Moving the sculpture would not address the underlying problem. The concern is with the deteriorated structural condition of the sculpture itself, rather than its current location.
How will the Town make sure this history isn't lost?
Before and during removal, the Town will photograph and document the sculpture and collate available historical information about it and the Black Rock Stakes.
The Town is also inviting people with photographs, documents, stories or information about the sculpture to come forward to help strengthen that historical record.
Council has separately asked the Town to investigate options for future recognition of the Black Rock Stakes.
What will happen to the site after the sculpture is removed?
The site will be assessed as part of the Town's broader precinct-based planning for the area.
When will the sculpture be removed?
The Council decision authorises the Town to proceed with removal as a priority because of the identified safety risk. This removal work will start on Wednesday 21 October..
I know something about the sculpture or Black Rock Stakes. Who should I contact?
We would like to hear from you.
If you have information about the original artist, the design or construction of the sculpture, or historical photographs, records or stories connected with the sculpture or Black Rock Stakes, please contact the Town at council@porthedland.wa.gov.au.