Port opposes Hedland’s Spoilbank marina

Port Hedland’s beleaguered Spoilbank marina has hit another major roadblock after the Pilbara Ports Authority was the latest group to declare its opposition to the project.

As the operator of the world’s largest bulk export port, the State Government body had earlier expressed concerns a marina on the Spoilbank’s western bank could lead to iron ore carriers colliding with small boats.

Now its stance has hardened into outright opposition after its board recently labelled a risk assessment report prepared by State land developer LandCorp and the Town of Port Hedland as inadequate, a PPA spokeswoman said.

“In the past year, PPA has recorded 23 incidents in the Port Hedland harbour, including 12 security breaches, 10 near misses and one interference with a navigation aid, ” she said.

“The risk assessment report fails to address the inherent safety risks and does not make clear what risks are being addressed, or the consequences of each risk.

“The proposed (Spoilbank) development … could see a greatly increased number of recreational craft launching westwards towards the shipping channel, potentially conflicting with commercial vessels and increasing the risk to safety of people in port waters.”

The PPA’s stance continues a history of objections to the project by powerful groups, with the Department of Health and BHP Billiton also previously expressing concerns.

The PPA even suggested a marina on the Spoilbank’s western edge could pose greater risks to safety and shipping than the current public boat ramp at Richardson Street.

This is despite recreational boaters launching straight into the shipping channel from the Richardson Street ramp.

Mayor Kelly Howlett said the Town of Port Hedland remained committed to the multimillion dollar waterfront development.