Australia's largest privately owned dredging, civil and marine construction company, Hall Contracting, has been awarded a $21.4 million dredging contract for the Spoilbank Marina in Port Hedland.
The dredging will create a new navigational channel, linking the marina basin to deep water. Up to 190,000 cubic metres of material will be removed from the channel to create the required depth.
The McGowan Government is investing in community facilities in the Pilbara, with the Spoilbank Marina aiming to improve safety for recreational boaters and create a vibrant amenity for the community to enjoy.
With the contract now awarded, local businesses in the Pilbara are set to benefit from this investment, with $6.6 million committed locally, in addition to a pipeline of upcoming subcontracting opportunities already identified for the project.
These opportunities range from machine operators to landscaping, plumbing and electrical services. Local businesses are encouraged to register at pilbaraports.com.au
To date, more than 85 per cent of the Spoilbank Marina project spend has been awarded to local and registered Aboriginal businesses.
Mobilisation of equipment and commissioning works will begin in the coming month, with dredging works expected to start mid-year.
The $187.5 million Spoilbank Marina project is funded by the State Government, Town of Port Hedland and BHP, and is a key election commitment from the McGowan Government to unlock jobs and economic benefits for the area.
Comments attributed to Ports Minister Rita Saffioti:
"Congratulations to Hall Contracting, who has been awarded the $21.4 million dredging contract for the navigational channel as part of the Spoilbank Marina project delivered by the McGowan Government.
"More than 85 per cent of the spend for this project so far has been awarded to local and registered Aboriginal businesses. This is another great opportunity for local businesses to be a part of the Spoilbank Marina project.
"The Spoilbank Marina project will make sure our recreational boaters have safe access to boat launching and berthing facilities, and support the community through a pipeline of works within the region that creates new jobs and opportunities for local businesses."
Comments attributed to Pilbara MLA Kevin Michel:
"This is another great opportunity for local businesses to be part of building the Spoilbank Marina, with 30 per cent of the dredging contract to be committed locally.
"To date, $75.4 million in total contract value has been awarded as part of the Spoilbank Marina project, with this project being a fantastic example of the WA Government investing in our regions, creating new jobs and supporting existing jobs."