Access to childcare remains a serious challenge for the Town of Port Hedland.

At last month's Ordinary Council Meeting, councillors voted to support a development application for an expansion project at Rose Nowers Early Learning Centre in South Hedland.

The expansion would see the centre's capacity increase from 43 places to 134.

It's been a busy time for young people in Hedland, with the Town hosting a range of activities during Youth Week 2024 from 5-12 April. It was great to see so many young people engaged in the activities throughout the week.

The Town's Youth Advisory Council also unveiled its unique brand which highlights the positive value the YAC brings to a range of plans and projects.

The Town is seeking your feedback on a number of items, with information available on our website. Consultations currently open for submission include:

• Public Open Space and Street Tree Strategy

• Ngalikuru Kuma-Marri Plan 2024-2028 (Hedland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnership Plan)

• Draft Rating Strategy 2024

Spoilbank Marina construction update

Pilbara Ports continues to make good progress on the landside area of the marina development. Latest updates include:

• Construction of the concrete retaining walls has progressed around the promenade/central hub (south-east corner of the marina basin).

• Work has begun on the footpaths near the boat pens and boat ramp.

• Installation of the picnic shelters is under way – footings have been constructed and steelwork is being erected.

• Steel columns have been erected for the shade structure near the public amenities building.

The $187 million Spoilbank Marina is being delivered by Pilbara Ports, and is funded by the State Government, Town of Port Hedland and BHP

Ranger Review

Vertebrate Pest Management Program begins in mid-April

Port Hedland Vertebrate Pest Management Program (VPMP) is a coordinated program targeted at managing environmental impacts caused by the Red Fox and feral cats. Both species are listed as declared pests under the Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Act 2007.

The main objectives of the VPMP include:

• Increasing awareness on threats and impacts caused by foxes and feral cats to native fauna and ecosystems.
• Reducing impacts and damage of foxes and feral cats on susceptible native fauna species and the environment by implementing effective controls according to best practices and guidelines.
• Promoting collaboration, information and resource sharing between stakeholders for a holistic approach to broadscale vertebrate pest management across multiple land tenures.

Projects Propelling Hedland

The Town of Port Hedland has been successful in obtaining $10 million in funding from the Federal Government's Heavy Vehicles Safety and Productivity Program.

The funding will help upgrade Route 1 of the Wedgefield road network, specifically the Schillaman and Peawah Street intersection and the Moorambine and Peawah Street intersections.

The JD Hardie Youth and Community Hub has been selected as a nominee for Community Facility of the Year in the Parks and Leisure Australia WA Awards of Excellence.

The Town committed to redeveloping the JD Hardie Youth and Community Hub in 2019. Stage one, featuring a roof replacement, new air conditioning and internal refurbishments was completed in 2021 with Stage 2 - the construction of shaded outdoor basketball courts and landscaping - finished in 2022.

The Town has invested more than $14 million in the first two stages, while the State Government contributed $750,000 to Stage 2 through the Community Sporting and Recreational Facilities Fund.

Winners of the Parks and Leisure WA Awards of Excellence will be announced on 20 June.