Marina rival plan revealed

An alternative plan for the Spoilbank Marina Project is slowly gaining local traction after positive feedback at a public presentation.

More than 50 business owners and residents met at Port Hedland Yacht Club last month to hear a presentation outlining the plans and the benefits of an alternative Spoilbank Marina plan.

Led by Brad Young, of BJ Young Earthmoving, 12 business leaders from across Hedland have submitted an alternative plan to the State Government in hopes of creating a more diversified and positive Port Hedland.

The plan began after Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan voiced concerns over debt created for the Town because of maintenance costs.

Local business owner Jim Henneberry, who was one of the original 12 business leaders of the plan, said the presentation explained the financial viability of building the two-pronged marina.

“We wanted to share Brad Young’s design of the marina service facility and tourism park, as we’re calling it, to as many people as we could to get the word out there that there’s a really great alternative which benefits everyone involved,” he said.

“We sent letters off to stakeholders, we had verbal support ... and we’ve received a handful of replies in support, and Alannah MacTiernan is very interested in our take on it.”

Pilbara MP Kevin Michel said the State Government would be delivering on all the promises made during his election campaign despite recent delays.

Mr Henneberry said the next step for the planning group was to wait for the State Government to make a decision on whether it would fund its plan or that of the Town of Port Hedland.