Council rejects Pretty Pool project

Contentious plans for a caravan park in Pretty Pool were knocked back at a council meeting last Wednesday after a chorus of dissent from the community, but Town of Port Hedland Mayor Kelly Howlett said she was still committed to the idea.

The prospective village-style development, earmarked for construction on the north-east corner of Styles and Sheridan roads, had been a cause for community discontent since it was advertised in December.

A business plan, prepared by the Town and Australian workforce accommodation provider The MAC Services Group, proposed a facility comprising 18 tent spaces, 36 caravan sites, 24 backpacker beds, nine bungalows and 348 single rooms.

Ms Howlett said community opposition to the plans played a decisive role in the council's rejection of the motion.

"The next step will be part three of the resolution, which will look at developing alternative plans now," she said.

"So council is still committed and very keen to get a top-quality caravan/holiday park in that location, but also looking at other opportunities and perhaps retirement village or lifestyle village options might be more suitable and palatable for the community.

"But 70-100 caravan bays alone don't stack up to make it an economically feasible proposal, so people in the building industry are saying it needs to be partnered with something, like maybe the retirement option, which might be the way to go."

Ms Howlett said the process would now start again, with an expression of interest period, and further community consultations in due course.

She said The MAC Services Group was welcome to continue being involved in the process.

The MAC Services Group declined to comment.