Port Hedland’s $187.5 million Spoilbank Marina hosted its first official community event as hundreds of people enjoyed the family focused atmosphere at the grand opening.
Premier Roger Cook joined the crowd on November 29 saying, “there’s only one thing better than a Pilbara sunset and that’s watching it from this brand-new marina with a beverage in hand with the local community”.
The crowd was entertained throughout the evening, enjoying live performances, and taking advantage of the many food vans.
Work started on the first stage of the project in 2020. Since then, more than 55 per cent of the project spend was awarded to local and Aboriginal businesses.
The marina includes a four-lane recreational boat ramp, boat pens, fish cleaning facilities, fishing jetty and a recreation and event space with public amenities.
In collaboration with the Kariyarra Aboriginal Corporation, the marina has been dual named Pirra Pirra, meaning ‘seashells’ in the Kariyarra language to reflect the Kariyarra people’s strong connection to the waterfront location.
Work will soon start on an interactive adventure playground for children and families at the marina, funded by a $4 million Lotterywest grant awarded to the Town of Port Hedland.
The marina was funded by the State Government, Town of Port Hedland, and BHP.
Mr Cook said: “Hedlanders have been asking for a marina at the Spoilbank for decades, and I’m proud that my WA Labor Government has delivered.
“This is more than infrastructure – it will become the heart of Port Hedland, a new community hub on the waterfront for locals and visitors alike.
“Projects like these are vital for making sure our regional communities remain great places to live and work.”