EPA ruling a blow to Port Hedland marina development

The Town of Port Hedland remains committed to a multi-million dollar marina development, despite the Environmental Protection Authority last week deeming the project environmentally unacceptable.

The ruling was made based on the unknown health implications of iron oxide dust and came after the Town requested a scheme amendment to rezone land for development.

Development in the West End of Port Hedland hit a roadblock with the EPA as early as January 2009, when the authority put on the public record its concerns about dust and noise levels affecting residents in the area.

Last week the EPA reiterated its objections to development in the West End due to perceived health risks of iron ore dust.

Chairman Paul Vogel said the organisation was advised by the departments of State Development, Health, Environment Regulation and Planning that they did not support the progression of the scheme amendment before the results of a Health Risk Assessment of Port Hedland dust was completed in 2015.

"As with its decision in 2013, the EPA has taken a precautionary approach with respect to rezoning land in the West End to land uses that would potentially increase the short or long-term populations in these areas," Dr Vogel said.

Town of Port Hedland Mayor Kelly Howlett said, while she understood the EPA had to consider residents in the West End, the organisation's ruling lacked clarity.

"I just think it's odd the way (the EPA) think the Spoilbank might be different and might be in a worse situation than the Finbar site, which doesn't really make much sense," she said.

"I think they probably need to provide a bit of clarity in terms of their decision-making and how they are coming about with these decisions.

"We can't jeopardise the $40 million that the Town of Port Hedland committed to the project and the $111 million that the State Government has contributed."