Spoilbank Marina opening goes off with a splash

Hedland locals came in droves to witness a first look at the eagerly anticipated $187.5 million Spoilbank Marina with festivities and performances to mark the occasion. The milestone was celebrated on Friday, November 29 with a visit from Premier Roger Cook who unveiled the marina on stage alongside Town of Port Hedland mayor Peter Carter. “The marina is a fantastic facility; I’ve watched it grow over the years as we’ve been developing it and I think it has exceeded everyone’s expectations with just how good it looks and how great the facility will be for the community,” Mr Cook said. “It has a really nice community feel with lots of facilities, a playground and the boaties are going to love it too with the boat ramps. “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 community did just that at the unveiling with plenty of entertainment, food vans and live performances throughout the evening. The marina includes improved safety for recreational boaties, including a four-lane recreational boat ramp, boat pens, fish-cleaning facilities, fishing jetty and an event space with public amenities. Marina-goers also experienced a new art walk by Kariyarra artists with marine-themed sculptures and shaded areas decorated with patterns celebrating local plants and animals, highlighting Aboriginal culture. The Spoilbank Marina is expected to become a focal point for leisure, tourism and community events, enhancing the town’s appeal. “I’m thankful to the Roger Cook Government for giving me this opportunity to be part of this whole project and bring it to fruition, this is going to revitalise Port Headland,” Pilbara MLA Kevin Michel said. The project is managed and delivered by Pilbara Ports, in collaboration with the Department of Transport, DevelopmentWA, Pilbara Development Commission, BHP and the Town of Port Hedland. The project was funded by the State Government, the Town of Port Hedland and BHP.