The battle between west coast communities seeking to attract grey nomads is cranking up a gear.
For so long, in the shadow of tourist mecca Broome to the north, the Pilbara town of Port Hedland is stepping up its game … and funding for a spectacular new waterfront precinct has just been announced.
The West Australian government is to contribute $112 million and the Town of Port Hedland to $40 million towards the construction of the Spoilbank Marina, which will be completed by late 2020.
The new marina will have around 150 boat pens, and WA Premier, Colin Barnett says the whole precinct will create a high-quality community waterfront asset with the potential to change the face of Port Hedland.
“The marina precinct will eventually include a number of public outdoor spaces with three sites for food and beverage operators, large landscaped areas, a caravan park site and also a cultural and community centre,” said WA Premier, Colin Barnett. “The project will deliver required recreational facilities, unlock tourism potential as a visitor destination, create business and about 300 construction jobs as well as ongoing jobs when the marina is up and running.”
And the Port Hedland Acting Mayor, Camila Blanco, said it was a turning point in the town’s history.
“This truly is a once-in-a-generation project,” he said. “It will genuinely transform the image of Port Hedland and massively enhance our capacity to boost our economic base in key areas like tourism, which many experts are pointing to as the next big thing in Australia’s economic transforrmation.”
· Is Port Hedland on your Big Lap itinerary? Is Broome still a ‘must-visit’ destination for you? Comment below
Hope it it incorporates a caravan park. Have been to Port Headland on a few occasions and Cooke Point C.P. is usually very full
I wish Port Hedland well. I hope they do not rip people off like Broome, where the councilors control the van parks.
Not if they’re going to charge like wounded bulls. I can’t see any amount of spending turning that place into an oasis. I admire their self belief but I think they’re dreaming.
“Yep” I agree, I can’t see any increase in visitors coming to Hedland while the caravan parks charge $42.00 a night for a site that small we had to leave our car out at the visitors parking area !!
I’ve never seen such a dirty dusty town anywhere in the country like it is in Hedland.
Hedand should be congratulated for at least having a go.
Please be mindful that some grey nomads like to free camp….and we do spend $$$$ in each town….