THE PORT Hedland community is set to benefit from a new navigational channel at the Spoilbank Marina, with dredging to commence in the coming months.
Australia’s largest privately owned dredging, civil and marine construction company Hall Contracting has been awarded the $2.1 million dredging contract.
Up to 190,000 cubic metres of material will be removed from the channel to create the required depth, linking the marina basin to deep water.
The Spoilbank Marina dredging project aims to improve safety for recreational boaters and create a vibrant amenity for the Pilbara community.
Mobilisation of equipment and commissioning works will begin in the coming month, with dredging works expected to start mid-year.
Pilbara MLA Keven Michel said the 30% of the dredging contract for the marina will be committed locally.
“To date, $75.4 million in total contract value has been awarded as part of the Spoilbank Marina project, with this project being a fantastic example of the WA government investing in our regions, creating new jobs and supporting existing jobs.”
Local businesses are expected to benefit from the investment, with $6.6 million committed locally and with upcoming subcontracting opportunities already identified for the project.
“The Spoilbank Marina project will make sure our recreational boaters have safe access to boat launching and berthing facilities and support the community through a pipeline of works within the region that creates new jobs and opportunities for local businesses,” ports minister Rita Saffioti said.
“More than 85% of the spend for this project so far has been awarded to local and registered Aboriginal businesses. This is another great opportunity for local businesses to be a part of the Spoilbank Marina project.”
The $187.5 million Spoilbank Marina project is funded by the Western Australian government, Town of Port Hedland and BHP.
