Spoilbank Marina on track to be operational late 2023 with basin rock wall construction 85 per cent complete

Port Hedland’s long-awaited Spoilbank Marina remains on track to be operational late next year with construction of the rock wall surrounding the basin almost complete.

Plans for the Spoilbank Marina began in 2012 before the project was revised in 2017 with a master plan released two years later.

In June 2020, the State Government announced the design had been finalised for the now $121.5 million project before announcing the budget had been adjusted to $187.5m in December.

Pilbara Ports Authority chief executive Roger Johnston told the North West Telegraph in January there had been an increase in the cost of labour and materials due to COVID-19.

The State Government announced in April the $21.4 million contract to dredge a new navigational channel, linking the marina basin to deep water was awarded to Queensland-based Hall Contracting.

Pilbara Ports Authority general manager engineering and infrastructure Charles Kretzmann said more than 60 per cent of the fill material was now removed from the marina basin.

He said 85 per cent of the rock wall around the marina basin was complete.

“SMC Marine, who was awarded the contract for the design and construction of marine structures, are due to arrive on site in September to commence work on the boat ramp,” he said.

“Concept designs for public artwork have been received and are currently being assessed by the Public Art Selection Committee, with works expected to be commissioned later this year.”

Mr Kretzmann said the final major contract for the project was the landside civil and landscaping works with the tender closing on September 30.

He said dredging works began in August to create the channel linking the marina to deeper water.

“The dredge has started at the northern end of the channel and will work back towards the marina,” he said.

“On completion, the 900m long channel will be 2.5m deep at the lowest tide — enough to accommodate most recreational vessels.”

The project is funded by the State Government, Town of Port Hedland and BHP.