Hedland Volunteer Marine Rescue secures BHP, PPA funding, seeks further $900k for revamp of century-old base

Hedland Marine Rescue has managed to secure $1.8 million in funding to replace its dilapidated base, with group leaders hoping for further private and government contributions to fulfil the $2.7m goal. Led by commander Zac Slaughter, Marine Rescue Port Hedland coordinates often dangerous rescue operations in the world’s biggest bulk export port, as well as helps with natural disaster preparedness operations among other marine duties. The group is so valuable to the community it has received several awards in the past decade including multiple nominations and wins in the WA Fire and Emergency Services awards. In an open letter to stakeholders in March, Mr Slaughter said the volunteer-run group had, for six years, been pleading for funds to replace its McKay Street base, which in 2020 was found to be “uninhabitable” after a certified structural engineering inspection. He also said should funds not be committed, the group could close down, with all responsibility for rescue operations to be coordinated from Perth. Speaking to the North West Telegraph on August 11, Mr Slaughter said mining giant BHP and the Pilbara Ports Authority had, in part, answered their plea with $1.8m in funding. “MRPH is pleased to announce we have received $900,000 from BHP and have a commitment of $200,000 from Pilbara Ports Authority, which adds to the $713,000 committed by DFES/State Government,” he said. “Total funding secured is now $1.8m with a further $900k to raise to complete the project in full. “This represents a significant contribution from both stakeholders and notably, BHP was extremely quick to respond following previous coverage by the North West Telegraph.” Mr Slaughter said he was now hoping to secure the remaining funds from a number of grant opportunities, as well as discussions with private businesses. “The biggest hurdle for us, aside from completing the funding, is the planning approvals needed for the project to take place,” he said. “The 117-year-old building is actually heritage listed by the Town of Port Hedland, so there will be a number of hoops we need to jump through to get the project going. “Ideally we would like to see the building taken off the heritage list, but there have been a few delays in negotiating that.” Mr Slaughter said he remained “optimistic” the project would go ahead, with hopes first ground would be broken in early 2024.