The Hedland region was largely spared the impacts of Severe Tropical Cyclone Ilsa, which crossed the coast about 150km to the northeast of Port Hedland last week.

The category 5 cyclone packed the highest 10-minute sustained wind speed ever recorded by the Bureau of Meteorology of 218km-hr. It also had a three-second sustained wind speed of 295km/hr, also a record.

Given the ferocity of Cyclone Ilsa, we were lucky the cyclone deviated to the south-east late on Thursday afternoon rather than tracking straight for Hedland. It is fair to say a direct impact would have been devastating.

We spare a thought for our East Pilbara neighbours at Pardoo Roadhouse and elsewhere who were directly impacted by the cyclone and wish them a speedy recovery.

It would be timely to remind motorists driving between Port Hedland and Broome that there have been reports of many livestock on roads, due to fences being damaged by the cyclone. So please remain alert and safe while driving.

The Anzac Day dawn service will be held next Tuesday morning at the Port Hedland War Memorial. The formalities will begin at 5.30am and include wreath laying, with the parade from the War Memorial to Marrapikurinya Park starting at 6.15am.

Spoilbank Marina April Update

Marine construction activities resumed on 1 April, following a four-month break to allow the Flatback turtles to breed, feed and nest along the coast. 

• The dredge is returning to site and will be operating seven days a week for the next few months to connect the new navigational channel to the marina basin.

• Construction of the breakwaters has also resumed. Once complete, they will help keep waters calm in the marina channel and basin.

The $187.5 million Spoilbank Marina is being managed by the Pilbara Ports Authority, and is funded by the State Government, Town of Port Hedland and BHP

Ranger Review

Volunteer Seasonal Caretaker

Do you love volunteering, camping, meeting new people and supporting the community? The Volunteer Seasonal Caretaker role at the Town of Port Hedland might be the perfect for you!

During the Australian winter, travel in the north of Western Australia is at a premium. To assist people accessing the Port Hedland region, the Town of Port Hedland facilitates access to the RV overflow camp site on McGregor Street. This area enables people to park their RVs and other vehicles for accommodation purposes.

The Town relies on volunteer/s who are staying at the RV overflow to welcome new campers, keep watch and report to the Town if there are any issues that need to be addressed.

As the Voluntary Seasonal Caretaker you will be assisting the Town on a voluntary basis. To support you during this volunteer opportunity:

• you can stay onsite free-of-charge for the season.

• Power and potable water connections

• You will be reimbursed for approved out-of-pocket expenses while under this arrangement (to a maximum of $150/week). 

For more information about the requirements for the role, please contact Keryn on 9158 9321 or visit https://www.porthedland.wa.gov.au/employment/ to apply.

PROJECTS PROPELLING HEDLAND

The $3.17 million reconstruction of the Yanana Street and Morrambine Street intersection in Wedgefield is nearing completion.

The project, co-funded by the Town and the State Government through the Regional Road Group, is part of the Town’s strategic approach to improve the Wedgefield road network to improve compliance, safety, and address defective issues.

In May last year, Council endorsed a fully compliant network design to address geometry, drainage, maintenance and pavement defects throughout the Wedgefield.

This reconstruction is part of the Town’s vision to commit to delivering a safer and more durable road network within Wedgefield and is due to be completed in early April.