The Spoilbank Marina project in Port Hedland reached a major milestone on Saturday, 20 January 2024 when the boat ramp, car park and main access road were opened to the Hedland community and visitors.
Member for the Pilbara Kevin Michel MLA officially opened the boat ramp to the public, with Marine Rescue Port Hedland’s Iron Pride the first boat down the ramp.
The four-lane boat ramp is accessible at all tides and has alleviated demand on existing boat launch facilities. It also improves safety for recreational boaters by providing access to a new navigational channel separate from Port Hedland’s main shipping channel.
The boat ramp is initially available 6am to 6pm due to the project’s strict environmental protocols. These hours will be increased permanently to 24-hours a day soon. Until then, the Richardson Street boat ramp remains open for use 24-hours a day.
The boat pens and fishing jetty at the marina will be the next stage to be completed and are expected to be opened by mid-2024.
Civil and landscaping construction is well progressed and will continue until late-2024, when the marina is expected to be fully opened. This final stage will bring the marina vision to life, providing a vibrant foreshore area for locals and visitors to gather.
The Department of Transport will take over operation of the Spoilbank Marina from Pilbara Ports in the coming months and will commence operating the boat pens.
The $187 million Spoilbank Marina project is a key election commitment from the WA Government. The project is being managed and delivered by Pilbara Ports, and is funded by the State Government, Town of Port Hedland, and BHP.
Further information about the Spoilbank Marina project is available on Pilbara Ports’ website.