Marina on track, says Mayor

The Town of Port Hedland has sought to reassure residents its Spoilbank marina and waterfront development is on track despite a slumping investment climate.

While the Town has committed $40 million to the project and the State Government $72 million in its 2015-16 budget, little detail has been provided about who would fund and build the restaurant and retail outlets included in the plans.

Mayor Kelly Howlett sought to address the concerns last week as she said the details would be revealed in the marina’s soon-to-be-released business case.

“Together with its project partners, the Town is now progressing the economic analysis, risk assessment and business case for the marina waterfront development, ” she said.

“These reports are due in the coming months and will articulate how the business model will work for the marina, including developer and construction model.”

The imminent release of the business case comes as the Spoilbank marina has been hailed by not only the Town but also State politicians as a game-changing development for Hedland.

Proposals included 100 boat pens, a lagoon-style swimming facility, community events space, ecotoursim site, commercial and retail outlets and continued public access to Spoilbank.

The Town, in its waterfront place plan released last year, hoped the project would create a vibrant atmosphere and become “the heart of the community and the number one destination for visitors”.

However, it has already faced compromises after the Town this year backtracked on earlier plans to include a hotel and apartment complex on the Spoilbank site because of potential environmental concerns over dust and opposition from mining companies.

Despite this, Ms Howlett remained confident in the project’s viability.

“We remain optimistic that a waterfront development will attract the interest of commercial developers and hospitality providers to the only true community and commercially activated waterfront development and marina between Darwin and Geraldton, ” she said.

“Our community and our visitors would be sure to frequent such a precinct.”