Hedland’s Olympic-style boost

A proposed marine-based infrastructure project at Port Hedland has been likened to the announcement of the Sydney Olympics for the town.

Commerce Minister Simon O’Brien was in town to announce Lumsden Point or Anketell Point, 30km from Karratha, would house a new common-user facility.

That facility would provide infrastructure for a variety of sectors at the port, including marine, defence, oil and gas, and could lead to the creation of new jobs.

It would consist of wharves, lifting lay down areas, repair, maintenance and load-out facilities.

“This is very exciting for Port Hedland,” Mr O’Brien said.

“It will create a flow of jobs and all sorts of opportunities.

“If the facility is ultimately located here, I think it will be a marvellous thing for Port Hedland,” he said last Friday.

Benefits to local businesses would be strong, and would flow to the community, Mr O’Brien said.

“It will reassert the North West’s credentials as a hub of industrial and economic activity.”

Mayor Kelly Howlett was enthusiastic about the project.

“This is like being awarded the Sydney Olympics for Port Hedland,” she said.

“Day one, in terms of on-the ground action, starts today.”

Mr O’Brien, who visited the Small Business Centre East Pilbara, reminisced about the time he spent in the town during the 1980s, and caught up with old workmate John Giles of Port Hedland Port Authority.

“It’s interesting to see how it’s grown over the years,” the former Webster Street resident said.

“We left in ’85 and there have been some big changes, but some things stay the same.”

A consultation period for the facility is due to take six months.