New boat launching facilities and the redevelopment of the Port Headland Yacht Club are just some of the initiatives to be undertaken after the State Government and BHP Billiton Iron Ore committed a further $2.2 million to enchance the town site.
New boat launching facilities and the redevelopment of the Port Headland Yacht Club are just some of the initiatives to be undertaken after the State Government and BHP Billiton Iron Ore committed a further $2.2 million in joint funding to enchance the town site.
Below is the full annoucement from the Minister for the Kimberley, Pilbara and Gascoyne Jon Ford:
Port Hedland reaps benefits as enhancement scheme powers ahead.
Benefits to the community of Port Hedland continue to flow, with the State Government and BHP Billiton Iron Ore today announcing a further $2.2million in joint funding to enhance the physical and visual amenity of the town site.
Kimberley, Pilbara and Gascoyne Minister Jon Ford said about $1million of the funds from the Port Hedland Enhancement Scheme would be specifically focused on the Spoilbank area, where it was planned to reinstate the basin, construct a new groyne and install additional boat launching facilities for the town.
Other new projects to be funded from the scheme included the redevelopment of the Port Hedland Yacht Club, replacement of the grandstand at the Port Hedland Turf Club, a skate park on McGregor St Oval, shade for new playground equipment at
Colin Matheson Oval, relocation of the old miner's hut to Dalgety House Museum and an upgrade of the Port Hedland Boat Ramp.
Mr Ford said he was excited by the depth of projects presented for funding approval and the expected long-term economic and social benefits to the town, particularly from the development proposals for the Spoilbank.
"The Spoilbank is a very popular recreation area for the community and there is great potential for further development of the site," the Minister said.
Central Kimberley-Pilbara MLA Tom Stephens said the re-establishment of the basin and new groyne, together with the proposed upgrade of the yacht club would provide important community infrastructure.
"It will also create new economic opportunities by establishing amenity that supports growth in the local tourism industry," Mr Stephens said.
BHP Billiton Iron Ore's regional manager of communications and community relations, Richard O'Connell, said the company was pleased to help fund a number of significant initiatives which would complement other scheme projects already underway or completed.
"The new projects that have recently been approved will result in valuable facilities that can be shared and enjoyed by the whole community as there is something for everyone and all ages," Mr O'Connell said.
"The projects will also play a critical role in the ongoing sustainability of the town by providing additional facilities to attract new people into the Hedland community."
The funds will also be used to finalise the development of the west end of Sutherland Street as a foreshore promenade, including the replacement of the bitumen footpath and the inclusion of activity nodes with seating and shade.
Lighting will also be installed in Cemetery Beach and Pretty Pool Parks to enable 'after hours' use of the facilities for recreation and leisure activities.
The Port Hedland Enhancement Scheme is a joint partnership between the State Government and BHP Billiton Iron Ore, with the support of the Town of Port Hedland, to improve the amenity of the Port Hedland townsite.
The Pilbara Development Commission (PDC) is managing the delivery of the scheme on behalf of the joint partners.
