Land released for hotel, 150 housing lots in Port Hedland

Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan has announced plans to release land for 150 housing lots and a major hotel development in central Port Hedland, addressing the booming town's demand for accommodation.

The full text of an announcement from the Minister's office is pasted below

Land for a major new hotel development in Port Hedland is expected to be on the market by the end of the month.

In addition, the State Government and Town of Port Hedland have agreed to release a further 150 housing lots in central Port Hedland.

Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan said almost six hectares of land in the town would become available to meet the booming town's demand for accommodation.

Ms MacTiernan said that a Port Hedland Land Release Co-ordinator would also be appointed in a part-time role for three months to work with government agencies to speed up land releases both in Port Hedland and South Hedland.

"The Carpenter Government is making decisions for the future, better accommodation in Port Hedland will help ensure that Western Australia's strong economy will continue to grow," she said.

"With the recent State Budget advancing plans for the new Hedland hospital project, the Health Department has agreed it no longer needs the land next to Port Hedland hospital - once the site of the Port Hedland Primary School.

"This site is ideal for a major new hotel with panoramic ocean views.

"We plan to begin the tender process for this development by the end of the month, with LandCorp managing the process.

"We are also working with the Town to make best use of three reserves east of the proposed hotel site, which will go a long way to relieve demand for housing in the town.

"I want to commend the council for the speed with which they have responded to our requests."

Central Kimberley-Pilbara MLA Tom Stephens said the new hotel development was fantastic news for Hedland and provided a great opportunity to build a world-class facility, responsive to the environmental issues of the area.

"As well as responding to our immediate need for temporary accommodation, the new hotel will become a cornerstone for developing Hedland's tourism potential after construction activity peaks," Mr Stephens said.

"The ability of the State Government and Town of Port Hedland to work together successfully is in stark contrast to the Federal Government's deceitful move in offering an unrealistic two-year lease for the former detention centre, ensuring that it will not be developed to its full potential.

"This development will also stimulate further enhancement of ocean-front parks and pathways and in particular, give a new lease of life to the 'Captain Bert Madigan Park'."