The $187.5 million Spoilbank Marina project in Port Hedland is set to achieve a major milestone this month, with the public boat ramp facility to open at 6 am on 20 January 2024.
This opening will provide the Hedland community and visitors access to a new four-lane boat ramp and substantial car park area for recreational boat owners to use.
WA Ports Minister David Michael said: “The four-land boat ramp is accessible at all tides and will alleviate demand on existing boat launch facilities.
“It will also improve safety for recreational boaters by providing access to a new navigational channel separate from Port Hedland’s main shipping channel.”
Michael stated that this project will continue to boost the Pilbara economy, as local businesses and contractors would benefit from the Port Hedland waterfront transformation.
The Spoilbank Marina boat ramp will initially be available for use daily between 6am and 6pm, and the Richardson Street boat ramp will remain open for use 24 hours a day.
The marina’s boat pens and fishing jetty will be the next to be completed and are expected to open mid-2024.
Civil and landscaping construction has been progressing well and will continue on until late-2024 — which is when the marina is expected to be fully open to locals and visitors.
The Department of Transport is set to take over all marina operations when the boat pens are ready-for-use.
This project is delivered by Pilbara Ports and funded by the WA government, Town of Port Hedland, as well as BHP.