Schools, sport, growth core of mayor’s vision

Town of Port Hedland Mayor Camilo Blanco has kicked off the year with a new year’s resolution to improve education, sporting facilities and industry growth.

Mayor Blanco detailed the Town’s vision and goals for 2018 in a media question-and-answer release last week, including upgrading key sporting facilities and developing a centralised sporting precinct to reduce operational costs.

“Our core focus will be clearly directed at improving and revitalising our existing assets,” he said.

“The reopening of the South Hedland Aquatic Centre and redevelopment of the Kevin Scott Oval in South Hedland, are key examples.”

Banking on a $112 million State Government commitment to invest in Port Hedland, Mr Blanco said he was listening to resident’s ideas about improving boating facilities, antisocial issues and quality education outcomes.

“We will continue to work closely with the State Government to improve education outcomes, in particular, the High School,” he said.

“We will look at incentives for small business growth — improved infrastructure by developing and funding high speed internet access.

“It is critical that we encourage and support port growth and industry investment that diversifies our town’s economy.

“With the development of the Lumsden Point wharf facility, we also have a significant opportunity in downstream processing, delivering jobs that increase our population.

“We are strategically positioned to benefit in areas such as cattle exports, gas, lithium, gold, and also becoming an international freight import hub.”