The Spoilbank Marina is now open! The Town worked with the Department of Transport, Pilbara Development Commission, Development WA and the Pilbara Ports Authority for the delivery of the $187.5 million project. The project has transformed Port Hedland's waterfront into an attractive and popular destination for locals and visitors. 

What are the features of the Spoilbank Marina? 

• A four lane boat ramp
• 21 boat-pen marina with capacity to expand to 80 pens in the future
• Separate entrance channel to the main shipping channel
• Trailer parking for up to 200 vehicles
• Maintenance hardstand
• Publicly accessible breakwaters with pedestrian path
• Public recreation and event space and public amenities
• Public fishing jetty
• Water feature
• Shade structures at swimming beach
• Waterfront promenade to reflect the Yintha Kariyarra creation serpent story
• Public art and a cultural gathering space

What are the benefits of the project? 

• Provides sheltered anchorage and meets current future demand for boat pens
• Doubles the current number of boat ramps, alleviating demand on existing boat launching facilities
• Provides vessels with safer access to deep water
• Improves social and recreational community amenities
• Supports the future of the West End as a vibrant, historic arts and cultural hub
• Delivers the first stage of Marina and Waterfront Masterplan to attract and retain residents and built a vibrant community offering a fantastic lifestyle

Is there anything else planned for this area? Yes - Spoilbank Marina Adventure Playground

The new Spoilbank Marina precinct will include an interactive, adventure playground for children and families, courtesy of funding from the Cook Government. The Town of Port Hedland has been successful in securing a $4 million grant through Lotterywest to design and build the playground which will become a key feature of the Spoilbank Marina precinct.

Recent census data for the Port Hedland local government area shows 17.6 per cent of the population is aged under 10 compared to the State average of 12.6 per cent. It is envisaged the new playground will become a social hub for visitors and families living in Port Hedland and neighbouring communities. The playground will include secure perimeter fencing, shade structures, native trees and shrubs and wetpour rubber softfall surfaces in play areas.

Read more here

Frequently Asked Questions:

• Who is responsible for operating the Spoilbank Marina?
  The Department of Transport oversee marina operations. The Town of Port Hedland oversee landside.
  
  
• Why are there no ladders installed in the marina basin?
  Pilbara Ports considered installing ladders as part of the marine design scope, particularly at the jetty, however, they are not a requirement under the relevant Australian Standards and lessons from other ports found ladders encourage people to jump from structures into the water as ladders provide an easy exit. The Department of Transport will oversee any future changes.
  
  
• What is being done to reduce the slipperiness of the boat ramp?
  Pilbara Ports conducted monthly pressure cleanings of the boat ramp panels, as well as monthly washings of the pontoons to reduce slipperiness at the marina. Feedback has been passed on and the Department of Transport will oversee future maintenance.
  
  
• Are there plans to increase lighting at the boat pens and boat ramp?
  To protect nesting turtle populations, there are strict environmental approvals limiting the amount of artificial lighting at the marina. Feedback regarding the lighting has been passed on and the Department of Transport will oversee any future changes.
  
  
• Will the number of boat pens be expanded?
  Pilbara Ports has delivered the 22 boat pens which were part of the Spoilbank Marina project design scope. Any future expansion of the marina pens will be the responsibility of the Department of Transport.
  
  
• Why are the Spoilbank Marina navigation aids dim?
  The lights for the Spoilbank Marina navigation aids are deliberately dimmer than the lights for the main shipping channel, and the flash sequence is offset. This was implemented deliberately so as not to confuse shipping vessels within the main channel, which was deemed the bigger potential safety issue.
  
  
• Who will be responsible for maintenance dredging of the Marina channel?
  The Department of Transport will be responsible for ongoing maintenance dredging.
  
  
• Who is going to maintain the gardens and lawns?
  The Town of Port Hedland will oversee the landside maintenance.
  
  
• Is the turf irrigated?
  Yes, a sprinkler system has been installed. 
  
  
• What time do the sprinkers operate?
  Sprinklers start times are currently set to 4:30am and 9:30pm. The watering quantity and timings may vary to suit seasons, weather conditions, as well as conditions of turf and planting.
  
  
• Who is building the playground?
  The Town of Port Hedland has been successful in securing a $4 million grant through Lotterywest to design and build an interactive, adventure playground.
  
  
• Why do I need to purchase hose fittings to use the washdown taps at the boat ramp?
  The washdown taps were selected to mitigate vandalism and water wastage. The system means that anyone wanting to use the taps will need to purchase a hose fitting. Pilbara Ports passed details onto local retailers and they can also be purchased online: https://www.theboatwarehouse.com.au/plumbing-sinks-toilets-pumps/pumps-deck-wash-systems/deck-wash-outlet-angled-npt-adaptor-only/
  
  
• What will happen with the wastewater and offal from fish cleaning stations?
  Wastewater from the fish cleaning stations will run into septics and the Town of Port Hedland have engaged a contractor to take care of waste on site.
  
  
• Why does Spoilbank Marina have the dual name ‘Pirra Pirra’?
  Pilbara Ports engaged with Kariyarra Aboriginal Corporation (KAC) on dual naming options for the Spoilbank Marina, to recognise their strong connection to this waterfront location. The KAC board met and approved the name ‘Pirra Pirra’, pronounced ‘Bida Bida’, which means seashells in Kariyarra language.
  
  
• Are there any outstanding works to be completed?
  Pilbara Ports will install artwork plaques, wayfinding and story signage in early 2025. Five marine sculptures will also be installed around the fish cleaning stations. The Town of Port Hedland will manage design and construction of the playground.
  
  
• Will the Port Hedland Volunteer Marine Rescue contact details be displayed on the boat ramps? 
  The Volunteer Marine Rescue is in discussions with the Department of Transport regarding signage.
  
  
• How will the vulnerable flatback turtle habitat be protected?
  The peak flatback turtle nesting season is 1 December through to 31 March at Cemetery Beach, which is located east of the Spoilbank. The lights installed at the marina are designed to minimise impacts to turtles at nearby Cemetery Beach. Ongoing monitoring of these lights is part of the project’s environmental conditions

Image gallery from the official opening: 

• Coming soon!

Historical Information