It’s impossible not to be excited about the potential of Port Hedland and the exceptional work being done by industry and the community, some of which is highlighted in this latest newsletter.

From environmental programs to the aspirations of our newest member, Red Hawk Mining, the vision of Fortescue, and the care and compassion of the Port Hedland Seafarers Centre, we get a glimpse of what makes Port Hedland great.

Our Community Industry Forum meetings continue to be the conduit for much of this information, delivering on PHIC’s promise for open and honest communication and information sharing.

Red Hawk Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Steven Michael outlined his company’s plans to be the Pilbara’s next iron ore producer, aiming to truck product to Utah Point at Port Hedland for export.

They see a future where first ore will be on ship and leaving for export markets by early 2026.

A remarkable achievement from, as Steven said, “a standing start 18 months ago”.

I am delighted to have Red Hawk as a member, and I look forward to their contribution as they continue to drive towards their project milestones.

Fortescue, meanwhile, has marked a new milestone in its mission to build a green metal supply chain with the start of works at its Green Metal Project at Christmas Creek.

We know that the Port Hedland Seafarers Centre is getting new headquarters. It will be a happy day when they can farewell their current building. While it has served them well since being built in 1973, it is far from being fit for purpose and well overdue for replacement.

Port Hedland Seafarers Centre Business Manager Phil Donnan gave us some insights into the work they do to support some of the 150,000 seafarers who come through Port Hedland every year.

COVID placed almost intolerable pressures on seafarers who effectively were trapped on their vessels, unable to come ashore because of the health and border protection measures.

Now, only a fraction of those who arrive can spend time ashore – but Phil and the staff at the centre are on hand to help those onshore as well as those who remain on the ships.

And he said they will happily take volunteers willing to spare some time to have a chat with the seafarers.

I was pleased to be able to tell the CIF that PHIC members are now collaborating on a marine environment quality program, supporting Pilbara Ports which has been managing the program since 2020.

This builds on the work we are doing with programs to target marine pests and foxes and feral cats.

The reach of the greater Vertebrate Pest Management Program has increased thanks to APA agreeing to its Port Hedland Power Station Solar Farm site being incorporated into the area.

Our Business Manager Chantel Cullen visited the solar farm last month to get a better understanding of the scale of the project.

She also represented PHIC at the recent Bush Summit in Port Hedland, where Roy Hill Executive Chair and Director Mrs Gina Rinehart was among the speakers.

And finally, congratulations to PHIC members Mineral Resources and BHP for the Indigenous work programs they have developed locally. Details of the programs are included in this newsletter.

What’s not to like about Port Hedland when that is just a snapshot of what’s happening here.

Kirsty Danby
Chief Executive Officer
Port Hedland Industries Council