The Spoilbank Marina (also known by its traditional dual name “Pirra Pirra”) is a $187.5 million waterfront and marine infrastructure development in Port Hedland, Western Australia. Managed by the Pilbara Ports Authority and jointly funded by the State Government, the Town of Port Hedland, and BHP, the project officially reached full completion and opened to the public in November 2024. The marina features a four-lane recreational boat ramp, a 22-pen basin, a two-storey public fishing jetty, and extensive community recreation spaces, transforming the town’s coastline into a vibrant cultural and boating hub. This revitalization of maritime capacity is echoed in South Korea, where the $69M Saemangeum Port New Harbor extension is setting the stage for an industrial port boom by expanding breakwater infrastructure to protect and grow the region’s shipping capabilities.

Project Overview

Type: Marina, boat launch, and waterfront community precinct

Location: Port Hedland, Pilbara region, Western Australia

Total Project Cost: $187.5 million

Capacity: 22 boat pens (with infrastructure capacity to expand to 80 in the future) and a four-lane boat ramp

Key Marine Features: Two-storey public fishing jetty (featuring an artificial reef underneath), breakwaters with pedestrian paths, maintenance hardstand, and trailer parking for 200 vehicles

Community Amenities: Waterfront promenade reflecting the Yintha Kariyarra creation serpent story, shade structures, BBQ areas, an art walk highlighting Kariyarra Aboriginal culture, and a planned interactive adventure playground (backed by a $4 million Lotterywest grant)

Construction Start: June 2021 (Bulk earthworks commenced)

Initial Milestones: Basin connected to ocean (July 2023); Boat ramp officially opened (January 2024)

Full Completion Date: Officially opened to the community on November 29, 2024

Funding: Jointly funded by the Western Australian State Government, the Town of Port Hedland, and a $12.4 million direct contribution from BHP

Project Team

Lead Delivery Agency: Pilbara Ports Authority (in collaboration with DevelopmentWA and the Pilbara Development Commission)

Operators: Department of Transport (overseeing marine operations) and the Town of Port Hedland (overseeing landside operations and maintenance)

Landside Civil & Landscaping Contractor: Ertech (awarded the sixth and final major contract, which included electrical upgrades)

Marine Structures Contractor: SMC Marine Pty Ltd

Cultural Partners: Kariyarra Aboriginal Corporation (KAC)

Published 30th June 2023: The sixth and final major contract for the Spoilbank Marina Project in Australia has been awarded by Pilbara Ports Authority. In a nutshell, it’ll feature landscaping and landside civil works on the development.

Moreover, the contract includes the construction of marina footpaths, roads, and car and trailer parking. This is in addition to shade structures, retaining walls as well as barbeque areas. It will also feature the installation of services and utilities.

Pilbara Ports Authority awarded the project’s development contract to Western Australian Business Ertech. According to an official statement, the leading developer has already mobilized to the site, and construction works are set to begin in July 2023.

As a whole, the Spoilbank Marina Project is reported to benefit the Western Australian economy, as 95% of its expenditure will occur within the region. Additionally, 30% of the aforementioned expenditure will be in the Pilbara. 

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The Spoilbank Marina Project to Deliver its Marina Vision to Western Australia

The project’s joint funding is by Port Hedland, BHP, and the Western Australian State Government. Meanwhile, its management is under the expertise of Pilbara Ports.

Quite impressively, the multi-million development forms part of a key election commitment from the State Government. Thus far, the basin’s excavation and connection to the ocean have been completed. Further work will continue on new navigation channels and marine structures, alongside breakwaters. 

While commenting on the project, Pilbara Ports’ Chief Executive Officer noted that the landscaping and landside civils will bring the marina vision to life. Furthermore, Sam McSKimming added that it will contribute to the provision of a vibrant community.

This, in turn, will lead to gathering space for Port Hedland visitors and locals to enjoy. As a result, the $187.5 million project’s final award marks an exciting milestone that will open doors to greater opportunities. More especially, for and to local businesses and contractors.