HEDLAND DOC A4 - library.dbca.wa.gov.au · Albert Facey House 469 Wellington Street Perth, Western...

Port HedlandAREA PLANNING STUDY

Published by the

Western AustralianPlanning Commission

Final

September 2003

© State of Western Australia

Published by theWestern Australian Planning CommissionAlbert Facey House469 Wellington StreetPerth, Western Australia 6000

Published September 2003

ISBN 0 7309 9330 2

Internet: http://www.wapc.wa.gov.au

e-mail: [email protected]

Phone: (08) 9264 7777

Fax: (08) 9264 7566

TTY: (08) 9264 7535

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Disclaimer

This document has been published by the Western Australian

Planning Commission. Any representation, statement, opinion or

advice expressed or implied in this publication is made in good

faith and on the basis that the Government, its employees and

agents are not liable for any damage or loss whatsoever which

may occur as a result of action taken or not taken (as the case

may be) in respect of any representation, statement, opinion or

advice referred to herein. Professional advice should be obtained

before applying the information contained in this document to

particular circumstances.

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Port Hedland is one of the Pilbara’s most historic and colourful towns. Thetownsite as we know it was established by European settlers in 1896 as a servicecentre for the pastoral, goldmining and pearling industries, although the area hasbeen home to Aboriginal people for many thousands of years.

In the 1960s Port Hedland experienced a major growth period, as a direct resultof the emerging iron ore industry. Port Hedland is now one of the largest iron oreshipping ports in the world. As well as the iron ore industry, Port Hedland ishome to a WA’s newest downstream processing industry, BHP’s Hot BriquettedIron Project as well as a large-scale solar salt operation. The port of Port Hedlandalso exports minerals such as manganese, copper concentrate and feldsparsourced from the east Pilbara. Live cattle export has recently emerged as agrowing export industry in the town.

Despite its reputation as an industrial centre, the Port Hedland area has some significant environmentalvalues, such as turtle nesting at Munda Beach, the wetlands of the De Grey River, and mangrovecommunities throughout the coastal zone. The Hedland area is also important to Aboriginal people whowish to maintain strong cultural and heritage links to the land and ensure that Hedland will be a goodplace future generations.

The $2 billion Hot Briquetted Iron plant and future establishment of the proposed Boodarie StrategicIndustrial Estate will further cement Port Hedland as a major economic centre in Western Australia.Possible expansion of the Port Hedland harbour will also cater for economic growth in the area.

While mineral resources are an integral part of Port Hedland’s economy, it is the Port Hedlandcommunity which makes the area memorable and full of vitality. It is important to attain a reasonablebalance between economic, social and environmental factors in the future development of the PortHedland area. Careful assessment of regional needs and community aspirations is necessary to maximisethe benefits to the local community, and to the economy of Western Australia.

The plan identifies new land for urban development at Pretty Pool to accommodate approximately 1,000dwellings and for infill development in the old Port Hedland area, which is possible due to the provisionof deep sewerage.

The Port Hedland Area Planning Study was first released as a draft for public comment in 1998. Sincethat time a number of land use proposals outlined in the draft Study have been evaluated in light of theGreater Port Hedland Storm Surge Study, which was commissioned following the release of the draftStudy. The Port Hedland Area Planning Study addresses all important regional issues and sets out aframework to guide State decision-making and detailed planning at the local level, with a planninghorizon of 20-25 years.

Hon. Alannah MacTiernan, MLAMinister for Planning and Infrastructure

Foreword



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Foreword ii

Summary of Recommendations vii

1.0 Introduction 1

1.1 Need for the Study 1

1.2 Major Issues Facing the Study Area 1

1.3 Purpose and Scope of the Study 2

1.4 Study Outcomes 2

1.5 Consultation 2

2.0 Planning Context 5

2.1 Commonwealth and State Government Policies 5

2.2 Land Use Planning Systems in Western Australia 5

2.2.1 Pilbara 21 (1992) 5

2.2.2 Pilbara Economic Development Strategy (1996) 6

2.2.3 State Planning Strategy (1997) 6

2.2.4 Pilbara Land Use Strategy (1997) 7

3.0 Regional Resources, Trends and planning Implications 9

3.1 Social and Demographic 9

3.1.1 Townsite Development 9

3.1.2 State Demographic Trends 9

3.1.3 Demographic Trends in the Town of Port Hedland 9

3.1.4 Service Population 10

3.1.5 Special Development Precincts 10

3.1.6 Land Supply 11

3.1.7 Housing 12

3.2 Heritage and Culture 13

3.2.1 Aboriginal Heritage 13

3.2.2 Recent Aboriginal History 14

3.2.3 Aboriginal Communities in the Port Hedland Area 14

3.2.4 Town Planning and Aboriginal Communities 15

3.2.5 Implications of the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972 15

3.2.6 Implications of Native Title 15

3.2.7 Built Heritage 16

3.3 Physical Characteristics 16

3.3.1 Landforms 16

3.3.2 Soils 16

3.3.3 Vegetation 16

3.3.4 Topography 16

Contents


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3.3.5 Climate 16

3.3.6 Flooding and Storm Surge 17

3.3.7 Water Resources 19

3.4 Environmental and Conservation Values 20

3.4.1 Turtle Nesting 20

3.4.2 Munda Beach/Cowrie Cove 20

3.4.3 De Grey River and Delta 20

3.4.4 Offshore Islands 21

3.4.5 Coastal Planning 21

3.4.6 Mangroves 22

3.4.7 Air Quality 23

3.5 Natural Resource Management and Economic Development 24

3.5.1 Land Tenure 24

3.5.2 Natural Resource-Based Economic Activity 24

3.5.3 Mining and Industry-Based Economic Activity 30

3.6 Infrastructure 31

3.6.1 Strategic Transport Overview 31

3.6.2 Transport - Roads 31

3.6.3 Transport - Railways 32

3.6.4 Ports and Other Marine-Related Infrastructure 32

3.6.5 Transport - Air 34

3.6.6 Industrial Land 34

3.6.7 Water Supply 34

3.6.8 Energy Supply 36

3.6.9 Service Corridors 36

3.6.10 Solid Waste Disposal 37

3.6.11 Regional Waste Disposal 37

4.0 Port Hedland Area Planning Study 39

4.1 Principles Guiding the Study 39

4.1.1 Principles from the State Planning Strategy 39

4.1.2 Principles from the Pilbara Land Use Strategy 40

4.2 Strategic Policy Framework 40


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5.0 Port Hedland Structure Plan 45

5.1 Introduction 45

5.2 Current Zoning and Development 46

5.3 Planning Considerations 46

5.3.1 Townsite Development 46

5.3.2 Social and Community Considerations 47

5.3.3 The Natural Environment 50

5.3.4 Natural Conservation Values 52

5.3.5 Current and Potential Environmental Issues 52

5.3.6 Existing Service Infrastructure 52

5.3.7 Opportunities and Constraints 55

5.4 Structure Plan 56

5.4.1 Proposed Land Uses 56

5.4.2 Structure Plan Implementation 59

6.0 Implementation 61

6.1 Implementation 61

6.2 Levels of Implementation and Co-ordination 61

6.3 Other State and Local Government Initiatives 61

6.4 Associated and Ongoing Studies 61

6.5 Private Enterprise and Private Involvement 61

6.6 Monitoring and Review 62

Appendix A 63

References and Studies Undertaken for the Port Hedland Area

Appendix B 66

People and Organisations Consulted in the Preparation of the PHAPS and People and Organisations Who Made Submissions on the PHAPS

Appendix C 67

List of Abbreviations


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List of Maps, Figures and Tables

Map 1 Study Area 68

Map 2 State Planning Strategy Map 69

Map 3 Physical Characteristics, Natural Resources, Vegetation 70

Map 4 Combined Storm Surge and Flood Map (1 in 100 year return period) 71

Map 5 Land Ownership (region) 72

Map 6 Land Ownership (Structure Plan area) 73

Map 7 Basic Raw Materials, Infrastructure and Industrial Development 74

Map 8 Sub-Regional Land Use 75

Map 9 Town of Port Hedland Town Planning Scheme No. 5 76

Map 10 Existing and Proposed Infrastructure and Industrial Development 77

Map 11 Commercial and Community Sites 78

Map 12 Port Hedland Structure Plan 79

Figure 1 Land Use Planning Hierarchy 5

Figure 2 Lot Approvals - Town of Port Hedland 1993-2000 12

Figure 3 Town of Port Hedland - Landlord Type by Location 13

Table 1 Census Counts, Estimated Resident Population and Population Projections for the Port Hedland Townsite and local government area 10

Table 2 1997 Housing Price Survey 13

Table 3 Summary of Aboriginal Communities in the Study Area 14

Table 4 Climate Characteristics of Port Hedland, Perth and Karratha 17

Table 5 Port Hedland Annual Rainfall 1987-1999 17

Table 6 Live Cattle Export Figures, Port Hedland 1993-2000 25

Table 7 Port Hedland Water Supply Summary 35

Table 8 Port Hedland Water Supply - Future Supply Options 35

Table 9 Major Land Uses in Port Hedland 46

Table 10 Capacity and Elevation of Water Tanks 53

Table 11 Population Capacity of New Residential Areas 56


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Environmental and Cultural

Principle from the State Planning Strategy

To protect and enhance the key natural and cultural assets of the State and deliver a high quality of lifewhich is based on environmentally sustainable principles.

Issues in the Port Hedland area

• Areas with environmental values are not recognised and subject to misuse.

• Impacts of noise and dust from industrial operations at Nelson Point and Finucane Island.

• Access to Port Hedland harbour area by recreational boat users.

• Protection of coastal mangrove communities.

• Identification and protection of Aboriginal heritage and other sites in the context of other land uses.

WAPC policy

The WAPC will use its statutory land use decision-making powers and responsibilities to secure thosenatural and cultural assets of the study area for the enjoyment of future generations. In order to achievethis, it will seek the support and co-operation of other State Government agencies and in particular theTown of Port Hedland, as well as Aboriginal Communities, the private sector and residential landowners.

Actions to achieve policy position

• Reserve Munda Beach and Cowrie Creek as an environmental protection and recreation reserve, with joint vesting between CALM and the Town of Port Hedland. (CALM/TPH, DOLA)

• Review the Port Hedland Coastal Plan and widen the study area to include coastal area within the entire local government area and address access to coastal areas. (TPH/DPI, CALM, DEP, PDC)

• Support the implementation of guidelines for the protection of arid zone mangroves along the Pilbara coastline. (DEP, all agencies)

• Support Air Quality Monitoring program. (DEP)

Proposals requiring further investigation

• Investigate the environmental and conservation values and agricultural potential of the lower De Grey River, and make recommendations for its future use. (CALM, DEP, WRC, AGWA, TPH)

• Investigate reservation of Cemetery Beach, with joint vesting between CALM and the Town of Port Hedland. (CALM/TPH, DOLA)

• Devise appropriate management strategies to protect Aboriginal sites in the context of other surrounding land uses. (DIA, TPH, CALM, DPI)

• Identify additional areas for environmental protection and recreation with a view to subsequent reservation and management. (CALM/DEP)

Summary of Recommendations


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Community


To respond to social changes and facilitate the creation of vibrant, safe and self-reliant communities.


• Residents and tourists have difficulty accessing coastal areas, limiting recreation opportunities.

• There is a lack of suitable housing for Aboriginal people, particularly those visiting town.

• Housing and community services are put under pressure with rapid population increases associated with resources development.

• There is an ongoing need to improve townscape and amenity.

• The future aspiration of Aboriginal Communities.

• The Impact of cyclones, storm surge and flooding events.

• The adequacy of existing social services and future service needs.

• The impact of increased port activity on the local road network.

WAPC policy

The WAPC will encourage proposals and activities leading to the creation of attractive communities orenhancement of existing communities in the study area. This will apply to the major urban settlements ofPort and South Hedland as well as individual Communities, the private sector and individual landowners.


• Prepare an implementation plan for any outstanding projects as the South Hedland Enhancement Scheme winds up its activities. (TPH, PDC, DPI)

• Town of Port Hedland formally to endorse revised Townscape recommendations and implement accordingly. (TPH)

• Support preparation of Community Layout Plans for Aboriginal Communities. (WAPC/DPI, DIA)

• Support the preparation of the Storm Surge Emergency Management Plan. (FESA)


• Prepare a short-stay accommodation inventory detailing potential sites for accommodation camps and tourist accommodation and their status in terms of zoning, Native Title and capacity. (DPI, TPH)

• Prepare Social Impact Assessments for all strategic industrial developments, with release of an EPA Bulletin for the project as the catalyst. (DPI/DIR/TPH)

• Undertake a detailed analysis of future heavy vehicle transport movements for the greater Port Hedland area and identify possible network conflicts and options. (MRWA, DPI, DIR, TPH)

• Assess the proposed Boodarie Strategic Industrial Estate Buffer Zones in response to the State Industrial Buffer Policy and assess impacts on surrounding land uses. (WAPC, DEP, DIR, LandCorp)


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Regional Development


To assist the development of regional Western Australia by taking account of the special assets andaccommodating the individual requirements of each region.


• Decisions affecting the region are often made outside the region, especially from Perth.

• There is a need to ensure co-ordinated actions from Government.

WAPC policy

The WAPC recognises the importance of the study area’s economy to the creation of wealth in the State.This Study provides a means for the various arms of government can be co-ordinated through a locallybased implementation mechanism, which is a principal aim of the Commission.


• Establish a locally based regional co-ordinating committee to progress implementation of the Port Hedland Area Planning Study. (WAPC/DPI)

• Prioritise recommendations for implementation. (Co-ordinating Committee)

• Review the Study every five years. (DPI)

Infrastructure


To facilitate strategic development by making provision for efficient and equitable transport and publicutilities.


• The need to plan for efficient infrastructure corridors throughout the sub-region.

• The capacity of waste disposal facilities and location of new sites.

WAPC policy

WAPC recognises that the area relies on the provision of physical and social infrastructure for economiceffectiveness and efficiency. The Commission will pay particular attention to the need to set aside andsecure land for the provision of necessary infrastructure and service corridors.


• Define infrastructure corridors for future linkages from the region into the greater Port Hedland area.(DIR, MRWA, PHPA, DPI)

• Protect infrastructure corridors through the Town of Port Hedland Town Planning Scheme. (TPH, WAPC)

• Locate future infrastructure in identified service corridors. (all servicing agencies)


• Identify landfill sites to cater for putrescible, inert and Class 4 waste and recycling. (DEP/TPH, DIR, LandCorp)


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Economic


To actively assist in the creation of regional wealth, support the development of new industries andencourage economic activity in accordance with sustainable development principles.


• Port Hedland has a narrow economic base.

• Port Hedland needs to secure basic raw materials (BRM) supplies and determine long-term supply options.

• There is uncertainty as to future commercial and industrial land supply.

WAPC policy

The WAPC will seek to ensure that the economic development of the area is able to flourish through theprovision of available and suitable land for industrial and commercial activities. Additional economicactivities designed to expand the area’s economic base will be actively encouraged.


• Ensure an adequate supply of commercial and light industrial land to support community and industrial development. (TPH, DOLA, LandCorp, WAPC)

• Advance horticulture project for Turner River precinct. (AGWA, WC)

• Maximise economic benefit from PHPA by allowing multi-user access. (PHPA, DPI)

• Support ongoing implementation of the Pilbara Economic Development Strategy. (PDC)


• Identify suitable marine and land-based sites for aquaculture and associated support facilities in support of the Pilbara Land Use Strategy. (DoF, CALM, DEP, DPI, PHPA, DIR)

• Prepare a tourism strategy for the Town of Port Hedland, identifying existing tourist products and infrastructure, possible tourist sites, development options and tourist markets. (PDC, CALM, AGWA,MRWA, WATC, DPI)

• Support the preparation of a development strategy and land use plan for the proposed expansion of the port of Port Hedland, including infrastructure corridors connecting to proposed Boodarie Strategic Industrial Estate. (DIR/PHPA, DEP, MRWA, DPI)

• Undertake a basic raw materials study in the Town of Port Hedland, identifying existing and future BRM sources and zone the land accordingly under the Town of Port Hedland Town Planning Scheme. (TPH/DIR, MRWA, WAPC)


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Recommendations Arising from the Structure Plan• Identify areas of natural heritage value within the Town of Port Hedland and minimise the potential

impacts of development, sediment loading, surface run-off and erosion on these areas. (TPH, all agencies)

• Past planning for roads identified land for major roads and interchanges between Wedgefield and South Hedland, and the land was subsequently vested with MRWA. The vesting of the land should be investigated in the context of providing additional land for community or infrastructure purposes. (TPH/MRWA, DPI)

• Provision for an additional rail link from the east, south or west into the western side of the harbour should be investigated. (PHPA/DIR, MRWA, DPI, TPH)

• An area to the north (180ha) of North Circular Road has been identified as subject to further assessment. This land has been reserved for a variety of purposes, including a regional hospital, road reserves and infrastructure purposes, but is now somewhat of a “no man's land”. It appears to be surplus to existing and future needs and could be used for civic, cultural or recreational purposes although the eastern area may provide opportunities for further subdivision as larger-lot rural residential uses for equestrian purposes. Development of the land must occur in the context of a detailed land use plan. (TPH, DPI)

• Outline Development Plans (ODPs) are an essential part of implementing the Structure Plan and shouldbe prepared for all areas marked as future residential. ODPs adopt the broad principles of the Structure Plan and take it to a further level of detail by outlining the road network, public open space, primary schools, neighbourhood shopping centres, public purpose sites and other major sites of interest. The area covered by the Structure Plan can be divided into a number of neighbourhood precincts. ODPs should be prepared in the Pretty Pool and Koombana areas as a matter of priority, then in other major residential areas as the need arises. (TPH, DOLA, DPI)


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1.1 Need for the StudyFrom 1996-99, Port Hedland experienced asignificant short-term growth phase associatedwith the progression of BHP’s Hot Briquetted IronProject and Capacity Expansion Project at NelsonPoint. In the next 20-25 years, industrialdevelopment in and around Port Hedland mayincrease, largely as a result of expansion ofexisting industries as well as the deregulation inthe energy industry which may provide greaterincentive for downstream processing industries tolocate in the area.

Provision has been made for additional industrialdevelopment through the identification of about2,500ha of industrial land in the proposedBoodarie Strategic Industrial Estate, including a2,000ha buffer. Major expansion of the port of PortHedland to the western side of the harbour is alsopossible.

Provision must be made to accommodate emergingeconomic activities that will diversify theeconomic base of the Port Hedland area - thesecan include tourism, live cattle export, aquacultureand horticulture. Although the Port Hedland areais vast, there are a number of competing land usesin the area. It is the intent of this Study to identifyand resolve land use conflict to assist regionaldevelopment.

The State Planning Strategy and Pilbara Land UseStrategy (PLUS) offer strategic planning guidanceat a State and regional level, and the local townplanning scheme provides detailed statutoryplanning provisions. The State Planning Strategyand PLUS outline the need for sub-regionalplanning, especially in the growth pressure pointssuch as Port Hedland.

In 1997, the need for sub-regional planning in thePort Hedland area was also acknowledged in thePort Hedland Land Development Program, whichsets out anticipated land development proposalsthat require consideration by government planningand servicing agencies.

The above reports note the need for a strategicplanning framework which details sub-regionalplanning needs and land uses, preferable townsiteexpansion areas and future infrastructure needs fora 20 to 25 - year period.

1.2 Major Issues Facing the Study Area

• Areas with environmental values are not recognised and subject to misuse.


• Impact of cyclones, flooding and storm surge events.

• Impacts of noise and dust from industrial operations and development sites.

• Residents and tourists have difficulty accessing coastal areas, limiting recreation and tourism opportunities.

• Housing and community services are putunder pressure with rapid populationincreases associated with resourcesdevelopment.

• Ongoing need for improvements to townscapeand amenity.

• Future aspirations of Aboriginal people livingin the area.

• Identification and protection of Aboriginalheritage and other sites in the context ofother land uses.

• Lack of suitable housing for Aboriginalpeople, particularly those visiting town.

• Adequacy of existing social services andfuture service needs.


• Port Hedland needs to secure basic rawmaterials (BRM) supplies and determine long-term supply options.

• Uncertainty as to future commercial andindustrial land supply.

• Planning for efficient infrastructure corridorsthroughout the sub-region.

• Impact of increased port activity on the local road network.

• Decisions affecting the region are often made outside the region, especially from Perth.

• Need to ensure co-ordinated actions from government.

Introduction


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1.3 Purpose and Scope of the Study

This Study has a future outlook of 20-25 years.The purpose of the Study is to undertake detailedplanning in accordance with the State PlanningStrategy and Pilbara Land Use Strategy by:

• ensuring that all current and future land usesare accommodated in an equitable manner;

• planning for future infrastructure;

• identifying preferable townsite expansionareas;

• improving town amenity and promotingregional identity on an ongoing basis;

• identifying areas of high environmental value;

• providing direction for development controland protection of the environment; and

• providing sound natural reserve management,particularly for coastal areas.

The study area is nominally the Town of PortHedland administrative boundary, as indicated onMap 1, which includes offshore islands. However,the Study incorporates linkages to the adjoininglocal governments of Roebourne and East Pilbara,principally through the existing and futuretransport network. The Study focuses on PortHedland which is the administrative centre for theEast Pilbara and exports the bulk of the sub-region’s resource output.

The report has two main components - a sub-regional plan and a Port Hedland StructurePlan. The sub-regional plan focuses on regionalissues, such as environmental protection andrecreation nodes, economic development andregional infrastructure. The Port Hedland StructurePlan outlines the status of existing services andland uses and indicates land use allocations toaccommodate development in the townsite area.

The Port Hedland Structure Plan area is boundedby the coastline and offshore islands, the proposedBoodarie Strategic Industrial Estate, 9 Mile Creekand the area to the south of the existing SouthHedland townsite.

A number of reports and projects have beenundertaken in recent years on the Port Hedlandarea. This Study has synthesised much of theinformation contained in these reports. A list ofcurrent and complete Port Hedland projects isincluded as Appendix A.

1.4 Study OutcomesThe projected outcomes of this Study are to:

• provide a long-term strategy and proposedland and water use plan to accommodategrowth and development in the Town of PortHedland;

• prepare a structure plan for the future urbanexpansion of Port and South Hedland andprovide a basis for the planning andprovision of infrastructure;

• provide guidance for the development of theTown of Port Hedland to support economicand social development; and

• identify gaps in current information andmake recommendations for appropriatestudies to be undertaken.

1.5 ConsultationThe draft Port Hedland Area Planning Study wasreleased for public comment in July 1998.Consultation had taken place with major publicand private landholders and service providers priorto release of the draft. A list of people andorganisations consulted is included as Appendix B,

During the public comment period, two publicinformation sessions were held in Port and SouthHedland. The publiccomment period wasalso extended untilDecember 1999.Seventeen submissionswere received on thedraft Port Hedland AreaPlanning Study. A list ofpeople andorganisations who madesubmissions is includedas Appendix B.


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2.1 Commonwealth and State Government Policies

Patterns of activity and development are affectedby global, national and State influences andassociated policies, agreements and legislation. Anumber of Commonwealth Government policiesseek to influence the land use and development ofthe area. Areas of interest include landcare, thecoast, the environment, oil/gas territorial waters,fringe benefits tax and Native Title.

The State Government considers land use planningsystems and procedures in Western Australia asprimarily State and local government matters buthas co-operated in some joint projects with theCommonwealth Government. Current key StateGovernment policies, policy documents underpreparation and agreements include:

• BHP Steel Industry Agreement Act 1952

• Iron Ore Beneficiation Agreement Act 1996

• Iron Ore - Direct Reduced Iron (BHP)Agreement Act 1996

• Iron Ore Processing (BHP Minerals)Agreement Act 1994

• Leslie Solar Salt Industry Agreement Act 1966

• Pilbara Energy Project Agreement Act 1994

• New Horizons in Marine Management (WAGovernment)

• State Planning Strategy (WAPC)

• Conservation Through Reserves Committeerecommendations to EPA

• State Industrial Buffer Policy (WAPC)

• The Way Ahead - Maritime TransportDirections for Western Australia (DOT)

• A Nature Based Tourism Strategy (Draft)(Western Australian Tourism Commission andDepartment of Conservation and LandManagement)

• A Background Paper for a State HeavyIndustry Policy (Dover Consultants)

2.2 Land Use Planning Systems in Western Australia

There are three levels of land use planning inWestern Australia: State, regional and local. Alllevels take into account social, economic andenvironmental factors and how they are dealt withby other government agencies. The relationshipbetween the levels and the components of each isillustrated by the following diagram:

2.2.1 Pilbara 21 (1992)

In 1992, State Cabinet endorsed Pilbara 21, whichdeveloped a number of recommendations for thePilbara Region and Port Hedland area into the 21st

century. The key recommendations were:

• the formation of the Pilbara DevelopmentCommission (PDC) to oversee theimplementation of strategies;

• to promote the tourism potential of thePilbara Region;

• to focus employment, education and trainingon the needs of industry in the region;

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2.0 Planning Context

State Planning Strategy

Regional Planning Strategies

Figure 1- Land Use Planning Hierarchy

Local Plans and Strategies

State Planning PoliciesState Development Policies

Resource Management PoliciesConservation Policies

Regional Strategy/PlansState Management Plans

Resource Development and Economic PlansEnvironmental Protection Policies

Statutory Region Schemes

Town Planning SchemesLand Use PlansStructure Plans

Improvement PlansDevelopment Plans

Environmental Management Plans


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• for relevant government departments toprovide a service and dedicated focus to thePilbara Region;

• the promotion of a new phase in socialdevelopment characterised by good planning,local management and coordination ofservices; and

• preparation of the Pilbara Land Use PlanningStrategy based on the principle of multipleland use.

2.2.2 Pilbara Economic Development Strategy (1996)

The Pilbara Economic Development Strategy wasreleased by the Pilbara Development Commissionin 1996 as part of a Regional Development Councilinitiative. The time frame of the strategy is to 2010,and generally supports the recommendations ofPilbara 21.

The aim of the economic development strategy isto achieve a less mobile, and increasingpopulation. The strategy outlines nine majorobjectives, with a number of strategies outlinedunder each objective:

• diversify the economy;

• create opportunities for Aboriginal people;

• remove impediments to development;

• normalise housing;

• improve and enhance service provision ofeducation, health and other social issues;

• improve the general public perception of thePilbara;

• exploit the Pilbara's competitive advantage;

• advocate multiple land use in the Pilbarabased on the principles of ecologicallysustainable development; and

• improve infrastructure.

2.2.3 State Planning Strategy (1997)

The State Planning Strategy was released by theState Government in December 1997 and providesa regional strategic planning and developmentframework. The strategy outlines scenarios for theState's development based on certain levels ofregional economic development.

The strategy outlines a vision for the PilbaraRegion:

“In the next three decades the Pilbara Regionwill be a world-leading resource developmentarea focusing on mineral extraction,petroleum exploration and production and theprimary stages of downstream processing. Theregion's population will grow in the future,fuelled by specific resource developmentprojects, the sustainable development ofKarratha and Port Hedland and a morediverse economy. A growing tourism industrywill have developed based on the region’sunique natural environment.”

To achieve this vision the strategy identifies anumber of regional strategies:

• protect sensitive environmental and heritageareas;

• provide co-ordination of government agenciesto minimise the delaying of resourcedevelopments and associated infrastructureneeds;

• give greater emphasis to local recruitmentand training of the workforce;

• promote opportunities for economicdevelopment;

• minimise the detrimental effect of fly-in/fly-out resource development projects;

• provide strategic transport linkages withinand to the Pilbara Region;

• improve access to water supplies for domesticand industrial use;

• ensure infrastructure provision is the focus ofappropriate government agencies;

• address the need for social facilities; and

• improve town amenity.


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The strategy also identifies a number of planningstrategies for the Pilbara Region. Those that relateto the Port Hedland area are:

• endorse the Pilbara Land Use Strategy as theframework for regional development needs inthe Pilbara. (WAPC, PDC)

• maintain and update the Country LandDevelopment Program for theKarratha/Dampier and Port Hedland areas.(WAPC)

• co-ordinate the provision of regionalinfrastructure in the areas identified fordevelopment under the Country LandDevelopment Programs. (WAPC)

• prepare an Area Development Strategy forPort Hedland. (WAPC, PDC, LG).

The PHAPS is not designed to address the actionsthat relate to fly-in/fly-out projects, increasing thelevel of resource royalty income returned to theregion and local training and recruitment of theworkforce. However, for all otherrecommendations, the Port Hedland Area PlanningStudy is able to progress the regional actions,either directly, as in the case of preparing a PortHedland Structure Plan, or in identifyingmechanisms to promote the actions outlined in theState Planning Strategy. The State PlanningStrategy outlines broad land uses throughout theState. The proposals which relate to Port Hedlandare shown on Map 2.

2.2.4 Pilbara Land Use Strategy (1997)

The Pilbara Land Use Strategy (PLUS) is a regionalland use strategy intended to guide the futuredevelopment of the region based on principles ofmultiple land use and ecologically sustainabledevelopment, while providing a framework formore detailed plans. Preparation of PLUS was inresponse to a recommendation in Pilbara 21.

The strategy proposes a wide-ranging set ofobjectives and strategies relating to land use, withsome of the proposed strategies having budgetimplications for government agencies. Inpreparation of the strategy, it was recognised thatthere is a relative scarcity of information about thePilbara's land resources, particularly in regard tothe environment.

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3.1 Social and DemographicSocial and demographic considerations are anintegral part of the Port Hedland Area PlanningStudy. The following section provides an overviewof the existing situation in Port Hedland, whileexamining some factors that will affect the lifestyleand opportunities of the Port Hedland community.

It should be noted that it is very difficult toprovide accurate population projections and trendsin an area like Port Hedland. The area's uniqueeconomy, being influenced by the world economyand workforce requirements, may give rise tosignificant variations in population projections. Amajor new industry in the area could boostpopulation numbers, especially in the constructionphase. Rapid population growth may compromisethe ability of the various servicing authorities torespond to changes in demand.

3.1.1 Townsite Development

Port Hedland was gazetted as a townsite on 22October 1896, and in its early years of operationwas a service centre for the pastoral, goldminingand pearling industries. Until World War I, PortHedland had a population 800 - 1,000 people.However, by 1946 only 150 people lived in thearea.

The discovery of large iron ore deposits in thePilbara and the lifting of the Commonwealthembargo on iron ore exports in 1962 gave rise tothe formation of the Mt Goldsworthy Joint Ventureand the Mt Newman Mining Co Ltd, which wereto have a great affect on the fortunes of PortHedland. The first shipment of iron ore from thePilbara occurred in June 1966 from FinucaneIsland.

Associated with the development of the iron oreindustry was the dredging of the harbour,construction of railway lines to Goldsworthy andMt Newman, and the construction of housing andfacilities to accommodate iron ore workers andtheir families.

Since then, the port of Port Hedland has becomeprosperous, shipping more than 65 million tonnesof iron ore per annum. In addition to iron ore, theport exports salt, manganese, feldspar, copperconcentrate and live cattle.

With the rapid of expansion of Port Hedland, itbecame evident that the forecast population couldnot be accommodated in the port town. A new sitewas chosen about 14km south of Port Hedland.

South Hedland was established in 1966 as aresponse to growing pressure on Port Hedland.The town was based on the Radburn style ofdevelopment which promoted a walkable livingenvironment, with houses facing onto open spaceareas and being linked by walkways. This resultedin a highly convoluted road network that wasinconvenient, for motorists and pedestrians. Theextreme climatic conditions of the region madethis subdivision design highly unsuitable andresulted in a low-quality visual environment andwell-documented social problems.

3.1.2 State Demographic Trends

The population of Western Australia has beengrowing at about 2.5 per cent per annum in recentyears. The State Planning Strategy outlinesprojections for the State and all of the regionsbased on natural increases, overseas migration andinterstate migration. Three projections were used -low, medium and high series - with the mediumbeing the most likely expected future populationlevels. It forecasts that the Pilbara Region isexpected to register a sustained growth from46,500 people in 1991 to 53,500 by 2021. Theseprojections do not take into account the possibilityof rapid increases or decreases in populationwhich may occur as a result of changes in themining industry.

3.1.3 Demographic Trends in the Town of Port Hedland

The population of the Town of Port Hedland at the2001 Census was 12,776. Table 1 shows Censuscounts for the Town of Port Hedland from 1971 to2001, and projections for the years 2006 to 2011.

The medium-level projections indicate that theTown of Port Hedland's population could grow to15,100 by 2011. This projection is based onprevious growth rates as well as future resourcedevelopments. These figures were based on trenddata up to 1996.

3

3.0 Regional Resources, Trends and Planning Implications


10

The Town of Port Hedland has a relatively youngpopulation with a strong bias towards youngfamilies. This is supported by the high percentageof people in the 25-44 and 0-14 age groups. Thepercentage of people aged over 65 in Port Hedlandis lower than the WA average, due largely to thehigh cost of living in the area and the lack ofservices and facilities for elderly people.

Port Hedland is a multicultural town with nearly30 per cent of all residents born overseas. Themain countries of origin include United Kingdom,New Zealand, Yugoslavia, the Philippines andSingapore. Almost 15 per cent of people living inthe Town of Port Hedland are Aboriginal,compared with a WA average of 2.6 per cent.

3.1.4 Service Population

The issue of service population is of particularrelevance to Port Hedland due to the recentpopulation influx associated with the constructionof the HBI plant.

Since the 1996 Census of Population and Housing,there was a substantial population build-up whichreflects issues raised in a 1996 Australian Bureauof Statistics discussion paper, When ERPs Aren'tEnough - A Discussion of Issues Associated withService Population Estimation. The discussionpaper highlights the difficulty of when, how oftenand the cost of collecting Census data to reflect theservice population accurately.

The population of Port Hedland is 12,776 based onthe 2001 Census. One figure that is not reflected inthe Census counts is the peak population of18,000, which occurred during the HBI Projectconstruction phase.

The sudden influx of construction workers in PortHedland placed enormous pressure on theaccommodation resources of the town, and onsome community services such as medical anddental care. While many sectors of the communitybenefited from the economic boom of the HBIProject construction phase, it is fair to say that thePort Hedland community was generallyunprepared for the social impacts of the project. Itwould be beneficial for Social Impact Assessmentsto be prepared for future strategic industrialdevelopments, so that all sectors of the communitymay be able to prepare for the positive andnegative impacts of large-scale industrialdevelopment.

3.1.5 Special Development Precincts

The Town of Port Hedland has a limited number ofspecial development sites offering lifestyle choices,including South Hedland Rural Estate (BosnaLodge), 12 Mile, Turner River and Redbank Bridge.The 12 Mile site has approximately 20 lotsavailable only for the stabling and paddocking ofhorses - no development is permitted on these lotsas there is no water supply. To date, only two orthree of these lots have been used. The RedbankBridge site has approximately eight lots availablefor rural residential development, with potential todevelop up to 19, depending on demand.

Year Census Counts LG Estimated LG Populationfor Resident Projection

Townsite Only Population (medium(ERP) series)

1971 7,229

1976 11,144 11,720

1981 12,948 13,370

1986 13,069 13,320

1991 11,344 12,516

1996 12,846 12,281

2001 12,776 12,615

2006 14,400

2011 15,100

Table 1 - Census Counts, Estimated Resident Population and Population Projections for the Port Hedland Townsite and Local Government Area


11

In 1997, the WAPC approved a subdivisionapplication for land at Turner River, south of theGreat Northern Highway. The proposal subdivideda 20ha site into 18 lots of approximately 1ha. Thishas effectively established the Turner River as adevelopment node, however at the time of writingvery few of the lots have been developed. TheSouth Hedland Rural Estate (Bosna Lodge) wasapproved in June 1998 and construction of thesubdivision commenced in November 1999. Heavyrains and flooding occurred on the site in early2000 and it is likely that further investigation willbe required to ensure that appropriate floodmitigation approaches are in place to protect estateresidents.

Wedgefield is also acknowledged as a specialdevelopment precinct, as over time, a significantresidential population has established in the area.While an increase in the level of residentialdevelopment in Wedgefield is not supported, theWedgefield community is a distinct cultural entity.Wedgefield’s role in the development of the PortHedland area is important, recently foraccommodating the vast number of people unableto find suitable accommodation during the HBIProject.

3.1.6 Land Supply

The majority of future residential, commercial andindustrial development in the Port Hedland area isto occur on Unallocated Crown Land (UCL) andmay be subject to clearance of potential claimsunder the Native Title Act 1993. Compliance withthe statutory provisions of the Act has thepotential to extend the development process. TheState Government is a major landholder in SouthHedland, with a range of residential andcommercial land.

Residential and Workforce Accommodation

The issue of land supply dominated planning inthe Port Hedland area during 1996 as a result ofBHP’s construction of a HBI plant and the NelsonPoint Capacity Expansion Project. However,analysis of land supply and demand undertaken bythe Department for Planning and Infrastructure forthe Port Hedland Land Development Programindicates that capacity exists to create residentiallots well in excess of anticipated demand.

Short-term land requirements for the anticipatedpopulation increase were expected in the order of:

• 130 lots for BHP; and

• 50 lots p.a. for Homeswest and private sectorhousing investment.

A further 300 lots may have been required in1999/2000, for Stage 2 of the HBI Project, but thisdid not eventuate.

Scope exists to create approximately 280residential infill lots within and between existingcommunities in South Hedland. Potential exists tocreate a further 680 lots predominantly inKoombana before any new broadacre releases aredeveloped that require major new roads, sewercatchments or schools. A portion of these latterlots will be created on proposed high school sitesthat are now surplus to requirement. A number ofother short to medium-term opportunities werealso identified in the coastal Port Hedland area.

In order to accommodate the needs of futureindustrial projects, it is important that sites beidentified for a range of accommodation styles,including permanent long-term accommodation,short-stay accommodation such as Single PersonsQuarters and chalets, and motel units.

Figure 2 shows that there has been considerablevariation in lot creation in Port Hedland over thepast years. The number of lot approvals in the firstsix months of the 1996/97 year was 300 per centgreater than the 1995/96 year. Lot creation hasdropped off significantly since the end of theconstruction period for the HBI Project. Figure 2refers to all lots created as a result of residential,commercial and industrial subdivision.

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Industrial

The issue of industrial land supply in Port Hedlandis complex. Wedgefield was established as ageneral industry area and permitted theestablishment of caretakers’ dwellings. Generalindustry, by definition, supports a wide range ofindustrial land uses, ranging from showrooms andwarehouses, to noxious or polluting industrieswhich must be licensed by the DEP. However, inthe eyes of the Port Hedland community,Wedgefield is an industrial area that supports aconsiderable residential population. As such, thereare some general industry uses which areconsidered incompatible with the Wedgefield areafrom the residents’ point of view, however, theprimary function of Wedgefield is industry, so caremust be taken to ensure that the residential landuses do not constrain the operation anddevelopment of legitimate industrial operations.

The issue for Wedgefield and Port Hedland is thatthere is no land available in the short term tosupport either a designated area for generalindustry (with no caretakers’ dwellings) or an areafor light industry, which would support caretakers’dwellings.

The Town of Port Hedland is undertaking furtherinvestigations in the area of industrial land supplyso that a suitable mix of industrial operations canbe established.

Commercial and Town Centre

There is considerable scope for additionalcommercial land supply in the South Hedlandtown centre. Most of this land is owned by theState Government. Additional land for servicecommercial activities includes the Byass and NairnStreet subdivisions, to the east of the SouthHedland town centre.

There is limited potential for commercialdevelopment in Port Hedland, though it isconsidered that the Wedge and Edgar Street areascan accommodate a considerable amount of infilldevelopment to meet demand. The focus forcommercial development is likely to be in SouthHedland as this area accommodates a greaterproportion of the current Port Hedland population,and will accommodate the majority of futuretownsite growth.

3.1.7 Housing

Although there is an adequate supply of land inthe Port Hedland area, there is a possibility of ahousing shortage, particularly as many newresidents arriving during the construction phase ofnew projects are provided with subsidised housingby their employers and have very little incentive tobuild their own homes.

Those residents not provided with subsidisedhousing usually require low-cost rentalaccommodation, traditionally provided byHomeswest. This was highlighted by BHP’sannouncement to construct a HBI plant, whichresulted in a spillover from the housing market tolocal caravan parks and transit villages. Therefore,mechanisms to encourage development of a morerobust private housing market should beinvestigated.

PRELIMINARY APPROVAL

FINAL APPROVAL

1993/94 1994/95 1995/96 1996/97 1997/98 1998/99 1999/00

115

51

181

74 72

8

101

182165

37

213

0

100

200

300

339

Nu

mb

er

of

lots

Financial Year

2000/01 2001/02 2001/02

33 43 115

Source: Department for Planning and Infrastructure

Figure 2 - Lot Approvals - Town of Port Hedland 1993-2000


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The high cost of housing construction andpopulation mobility limit private housinginvestment. While there has been a recent increasein private sector housing investment, clearly thereluctance of residents to be involved in landdevelopment adds to the uncertainty of demand.

In October 1997, the Pilbara DevelopmentCommission (PDC) undertook a survey todetermine the cost of housing in the Pilbaracompared with Perth. Using figures provided bythe Real Estate Institute of Western Australia(REIWA), and local real estate agents in thePilbara, a table of median housing prices wascompiled in index form, using Perth as the indexfigure of 100.0. The results are shown in Table 2.

These results show clearly that the HBI Project hada great effect on housing prices in Port Hedland,where the cost of renting a 3brm home in the PortHedland area was more than 300% greater thanthe cost of a similar home in Perth. It should alsobe noted that the purchase price of homes did notincrease as much as the rental price, indicatingthat demand was for short-term housing. There isa need to explore a greater range ofaccommodation options for workforces associatedwith strategic industrial development, particularlyfor people not directly employed by the project.

Figure 3 illustrates that housing tenure in the PortHedland area is markedly different from the rest ofthe State. Few residents own or are purchasingtheir homes, while there is a high percentage ofhouseholds renting homes from the Government.This can be attributed to the higher that averageproportion of Homeswest housing in the area, andthe provision of Government Employees’ HousingAuthority (GEHA) housing. It should also be notedthat Wedgefield is the only area in Port Hedlandwhere the proportion of “owned” homes iscomparable with the rest of the State.

3.2 Heritage and Culture

3.2.1 Aboriginal Heritage

Aboriginal people have lived in the Pilbara Regionfor over 30,000 years. Distinct tribal groups covermost of the region and have a close understandingof, and relationship with the environment.

The Nyamal and Kariyarra tribes were known togather in the Port Hedland area. Evidence of priorAboriginal occupation ranges from shell middens,rock carvings and mythological or religious places.Mythological sites are often natural features suchas rivers, hills and rock formations where people,animals and characters left traces of their journeyacross the landscape.

Other sites, such as religious and ceremonial“increase” sites take the form of rock or stonearrangements. This is where various ceremoniesare conducted to “keep the land alive”, known asthalus. The ceremonies are to ensure thecontinuation or proliferation of particular speciesof animals, plants and natural phenomena.

Thalu sites on the limestone ridge that runsalongside Wilson Street have been destroyed. It issuggested that some sites were for rainmaking andsome were for increase of marine fauna such asturtles and fish. There are rock engravings presentat Boodarie landing and 2 Mile.

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Median Perth Port South KarrathaPrice ($) Hedland Hedland

3brm house purchase 100.0 147.7 97.4 125.3

3brm houserental 100.0 423.1 275.9 160.8

Land 100.0 135.0 69.0 89.0

Table 2 - 1997 Housing Price Survey

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

Landlord Type by Location

Town ofPH

PortHedland

SouthHedland

Wedgefield WA

Owned Being Purchased Rented (Govt) Rented (Other)

33%33% 36%36%28%28%

19%19% 20%20%

0%0%

36%36% 26%26%45%45%

39%39%

8%8%

31%31%

22%22% 28%28% 20%20%28%28%

37%37%

4%4% 3%3% 9%9%

33% 36%28%

19% 20%

0%

36% 26%45%

39%

8%

31%

22% 28% 20%28%

37%

4% 3% 9%

Figure 3 - Town of Port Hedland - Landlord Type by Location

Source: Town of Port Hedland - A Social Profile, Hedland CollegeSocial Research Centre, 1996


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A number of sites in the area are registered sitesunder the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972. Some sitesare also registered heritage places under theNational Estate and the Heritage Council of WA.These are at Nelson Point (rock engravings), SouthWest Creek area (rock engravings, middens andstone structures) and Tulleryanna Hill.

As is the case throughout the Pilbara, the numberof sites registered under the Aboriginal HeritageAct in the Port Hedland is likely to represent asmall fraction of the number of sites capable ofregistration under the legislation.

3.2.2 Recent Aboriginal History

The introduction of the Pastoral Award in 1968 ledto large numbers of Aboriginal people having toleave their traditional lands which, with the arrivalof Europeans in the 19th century, had been takenup as pastoral stations. Prior to the introduction ofthe award, many Aboriginal people were able tolive on their traditional lands and retain strongcultural links, often through unpaid work on thepastoral stations. The award established minimumwages for people working on pastoral stationswhich meant that most pastoralists could nolonger support Aboriginal families on the stations.While most Aboriginal people lived in inlandareas, the Government established camps fordisplaced people in the coastal areas of Onslowand Roebourne. This separated people from theirtraditional lands and had a bad effect on culturalcustoms.

3.2.3 Aboriginal Communities in the Port Hedland Area

There are four Aboriginal Communities in theimmediate vicinity of Port Hedland. They areTjalka Boorda, Tjalka Wara, Ngarla Njamal andJinparinya. Yandeyarra, Warralong and Strelleycommunities are a little more distant, but are quitelarge communities which use Port Hedland as aservice centre. The population of the communitiesranges from 20 to 250, but it varies from time totime, due to social and cultural events.

Tjalka Boorda and Tjalka Wara have regularprovision of utility services, being connected totown water, sewerage and power supply. Table 3provides a basic summary of AboriginalCommunities in the study area.

Most Aboriginal Communities are on Crown landand administration has rested with variousagencies responsible for service delivery. This hasresulted in an ad hoc approach to the delivery ofservices and has led to problems and difficultieswithin these communities. Examples include theinappropriate location of housing areas andsewerage systems and the inefficient andhaphazard provision of services such as water andpower. These issues highlight a lack of integratedland use and infrastructure planning.

In response to concerns over the health and safetyof residents of these communities, a committee ofchief executive officers of a number of governmentagencies agreed that the best solution was to bringthe communities under the same controls andrequirements as conventional settlements. Thiswould include the need for planning.

Community Dist. from Port Hedland Water Supply Sewerage System Power Supply Population (variation)

Tjalka Boorda 2km extension of town yes extension of town 108 (25)(3 Mile) service service

Tjalka Wara 15km extension of town yes extension of town 90 (99)(12 Mile) service service

Jinparinya 35km bore water no no electricity 30 (25)

Ngarla 40km extension of town yes domestic generator 31 (49)Njamal service

Source: Ngarda Ngarli Yandu Region Community Profile, Aboriginal Affairs Department, 1995.

Table 3 - Summary of Aboriginal Communities in the Study Area


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3.2.4 Town Planning and Aboriginal Communities

In 2000, the WAPC released Statement of PlanningPolicy No. 13, Planning for AboriginalCommunities, a policy that provides a frameworkfor the planning of large permanent AboriginalCommunities. The objectives of the policy are toimprove the standard of living and quality of lifeof people living in Aboriginal Communities by:

• providing a framework to ensure that largepermanent Aboriginal Communities areafforded a high level of service;

• ensuring that these communities andassociated land uses are appropriatelyidentified and zoned within town planningschemes;

• providing a mechanism that will enable thelocal government and the Western AustralianPlanning Commission to approve layout plansprepared for Aboriginal Communities; and

• providing a framework for negotiation anddecision making between AboriginalCommunities and local government.

Community Layout Plans are similar to structureplans for housing estates and address housinglayout, existing and likely future infrastructurerequirements, services and facilities, open spaceand civic and community sites.

3.2.5 Implications of the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972

The Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972 provides for theidentification and protection of Aboriginal sitesthroughout Western Australia. There are thousandsof registered sites in the Pilbara Region,particularly in areas that have been disturbedthrough urban or mining development. It isestimated that there is a similar number of sites inmore remote or less travelled areas in the Pilbara.

The Aboriginal Heritage Act requires thatmanagement or research on Aboriginal sites besubject to permission under Section 18 from theAboriginal Cultural Materials Committee, anadvisory body to the Minister for IndigenousAffairs. Permission is usually conditional on the

approval and involvement of the Aboriginalcustodians of the site, and on the input of aprofessional heritage conservator.

Sometimes Aboriginal sites are also popularrecreation or tourism sites. For example, coastalsand dunes used for beach access often containcultural material or burial sites, and rock art sitesare tourist attractions in their own right. This maylead to site damage, for instance by traffic andpedestrian impact, loss of vegetation, pollution,graffiti, or litter. In such cases, management maybe required.

The involvement of Aboriginal people in themanagement of their heritage is very important.There is a need for sensitivity in the treatment ofcultural material, which can often be ensured onlyby the involvement of a heritage consultant.Development of vacant land generally requiresclearance under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972.

3.2.6 Implications of Native Title

The Native Title Act 1993 provides for therecognition and protection of Aboriginal and TorresStrait Islander peoples' Native Title rights andinterests. The Act provides a process to determinewhether Native Title exists and protects theexisting rights of governments, industry and thegeneral public. The Act also provides ways tonegotiate and enter into agreements regardingfuture public works and business activity on landor waters where Native Title rights and interestsare affected.

Certain Government actions, such as grants offreehold or other exclusive tenures to other parties,have been found to extinguish Native Title. Claimsfor Native Title cannot be made over areas whereNative Title has been extinguished, for example,land held by freehold or exclusive tenure indeveloped areas in Port Hedland. There has been aconsiderable degree of uncertainty regarding landsupply in relation to the Act and this has affectedmany communities in the Pilbara Region. As anincreasing number of determinations in regard toNative Title are made and indigenous land useagreements entered into, it is likely that certaintyin land supply will be restored.

3


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3.2.7 Built Heritage

In accordance with provisions of the Heritage ofWestern Australia Act 1990, the Town of PortHedland has prepared a municipal inventory,which details sites and buildings with heritagevalue, although not necessarily registered by theHeritage Council of WA.

St Matthew's Anglican Church and Medical StaffQuarters are registered by the Heritage Council ofWA, and the pastoral homesteads of Boodarie, DeGrey and Mundabullangana have been nominatedas having heritage value and are awaitingevaluation.

3.3 Physical Characteristics

3.3.1 Landforms

Much of the Pilbara Region is geologically very oldand has been subject to erosion over a longperiod.

The Port Hedland area contains five broadlandform units:

• coastal dunes

• coastal flats

• floodplains

• offshore islands

• the northern dissected plateau (the PilbaraBlock)

The rivers crossing the coastal plain haveextensive floodplains because of the nature of therelatively flat and featureless landform and thevolume of water in times of peak flow. Thevolume of water corresponds with the pattern ofrainfall in the region. The rivers are notpermanent, and may be dry for more than a yeardepending on the pattern of rainfall.

3.3.2 Soils

The soils of the area are predominantly red, due tothe presence of iron oxide. The rugged hills haveskeletal loamy soils while the tributary plains haveduplex soils which consist of sand overlaying clay.The floodplains, ancient lakes and areas withvolcanic rocks have clay soils. The soils of the

alluvial plains in the northern regions differ interms of texture and lime content because ofdifferences in the geology of the hinterland.

3.3.3 Vegetation

Vegetation in the Port Hedland area is sparse, andis mostly representative of semi-arid northernareas of the State. Shade is scarce, with thedominant vegetation communities being hummockgrasslands.

The Pilbara Region has eight recognised botanicaldistricts. Vegetation in the Port Hedland area ismainly characterised by the Dampier District,which features Pindan vegetation. This vegetationgroup includes a ground layer of spinifex, andother low shrubs and trees. Vegetation along thecoastal strip consists mainly of mangroves.

The South Hedland area is also home to Pundultrees, which provide a distinctive natural feature inSouth Hedland.

3.3.4 Topography

The topography is generally flat, with occasionalrocky outcrops, rising to 200m AHD above thecoastal plain. Approaching Port Hedland from thesouth, Mundabullangana Station generally marksthe “end of the rocky country”, and is attributed tothe Aboriginal meaning of the word.

Map 3 indicates the broad physical characteristicsof the study area.

3.3.5 Climate

The Port Hedland area is semi-arid characterisedby high temperatures, low rainfall and highevaporation. The area is also subject to tropicalcyclones between November and April, which canbring heavy rainfall. Table 4 shows average climatedetails for Port Hedland, compared with Perth andKarratha.

Table 4 shows that Port Hedland experienceshigher levels of rainfall, but higher temperatures(and for longer periods) than Karratha, thoughHedland is only 200 km north of Karratha. Onaverage, the highest average rainfalls occur fromJanuary to March as a result of thunderstorms andcyclonic activity. Table 5 shows annual rainfall in


17

millimetres and illustrates the extreme variation inannual rainfall levels. The long-term averageannual rainfall is 301 mm.

3.3.6 Flooding and Storm Surge

On average, two or three cyclones cross thenorthern coastline of Western Australia each year.During a cyclone, destructive winds of up to200kmh are not uncommon. Heavy rainfallassociated with some cyclones can result inwidespread flooding that supports the localecology by replenishing groundwater resources.

South West and South Creeks are the dominantnatural watercourses that traverse and drain asignificant catchment of approximately 73km2 intothe Port Hedland harbour. The catchment extendsabout 35km inland and rises to an elevation of80m AHD. The catchment includes threesubstantial development nodes in the lower

reaches: the proposed Boodarie Strategic IndustrialEstate, the South Hedland townsite andWedgefield. Although these creeks are dry for themajority of the time and the catchment small inthe context of the major rivers within the studyarea, the impact of run-off from a cyclonicdownpour is significant. Run-off is reduced by theMt Newman Railway that excises a portion of thecatchment immediately to the east of the line.

A subsequent drainage study of South West Creekwas commissioned by BHP for the HBI Project in1994. Public submissions to the ConsultativeEnvironmental Review raised concerns locallyregarding the proposed construction of the HBIplant in the 1 in 100 year storm surge and rainfallrun-off flood plains. The concerns extended to thepossible flooding of South Hedland and Wedgefielddue to the backwater effects of peak flood eventsbeing restricted by the Goldsworthy Railway. In aresponse outlined in EPA Bulletin 784, the EPArecommended environmental conditions requiringthe proponent to liaise with the Water Corporation,Department of Transport and Department ofMinerals and Energy on the detailed engineeringdesign to ensure no adverse impacts result,including the effects of backwater flooding ofSouth Hedland.

A further assessment was also made for LandCorp- Department of Resources Development in 1995 aspart of the Boodarie Resource Processing EstateEnvironmental Report. This assessment assumedthe eastern extent of the proposed Boodarie Estateabutting South West Creek would be filled above

3

Mean Daily Maximum Mean Daily Minimum Median Rainfall Days with tempTemp (C) Temp (C) (mm) >= 30 C

Perth Region 23.3 13.3 854.2 58

Karratha (Dampier Salt) 32.2 20.5 261.4 207

Port Hedland 33.1 19.2 309.5 261

Source: Bureau of Meteorology.

Table 4 - Climate Characteristics of Port Hedland, Perth and Karratha

Annual Rainfall 87 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99(mm)

Port Hedland 101 172 153 533 568 96 213 119 406 225 348 270 488 216 571

Source: Bureau of Meteorology

Table 5 - Port Hedland Annual Rainfall 1987-1999


18

the anticipated 100 year flood level. The impact ofthis assumption diverted flow further east into theproposed support industries area. The 1995assessment did not include modelling the impactof changes to the South West Creek flow regimeon the adjoining South Creek and flood levels forSouth Hedland. It is understood that BHP hasundertaken some storm surge modelling for SouthCreek, but at the time of writing, this wasunavailable.

Associated with cyclonic activity is the threat ofstorm surge. This occurs when low pressuresystems associated with cyclones raise sea levels,and when accompanied by a high tide, result insignificant inundation of low-lying coastal areas.This surge usually can be accommodated in thesystem of tidal creeks common to the area,although it is possible that more extreme eventsmay affect urban areas of Port Hedland.

In 1998, the Ministry for Planning, the Town ofPort Hedland and the Department of ResourcesDevelopment commissioned the Greater PortHedland Storm Surge Study into the combinedeffects of storm surge and rainwater flooding inthe area from the Turner River to 12 Mile Creek.This study provided a series of maps showing thelikelihood of inundation for 50 and 100 year returnperiods. The study methodology included threemain components:

• the establishment of a detailed storm surgemodel over the region which allowed stormsurge levels to be evaluated at a spatialresolution of 100 metres;

• the establishment of river catchment modelsfor three primary river stream systems(Turner River, the combined South West andSouth Creek system, and Beebingarra Creek)and the specification of 50 and 100 year eventdesign floods for each; and

• the integration of the two data sets to providedesign flood levels over the region.

A primary outcome of this process was thedelineation of the 100 year flood levels which isshown in Map 4.

The more important findings of the study were:

• The study confirms that storm surgerepresents the major risk to Port Hedlandtownship itself as well as for Wedgefieldwhich is partially flooded at 50 years and alittle more extensively flooded at 100 years.Surge levels at 100 years are generallyconsistent with previous studies, but alsoshow how predicted levels vary around theregion due to the local topography.

• Flooding from water running into the SouthWest/South Creek system appears only tothreaten the south-west fringe of SouthHedland with such events being unlikely tocoincide directly with peak storm surgeactivity due to the lag between surge peakand the run-off peak. It is noted however,that the accuracy of this component of thestudy is limited in turn by the accuracy of thetopographic data available to the Study Team.

• Beebingarra Creek is likely to floodsignificantly at 100 years (and to some extentat 50 years) as a result of rainfall run-off, butagain the topographic data available for thearea was not highly accurate. Nevertheless,the site of Tjalka Wara Aboriginal Communityappears quite vulnerable to flooding arisingfrom extreme rainfall events over theBeebingarra Creek catchment.

• While the Turner River is clearly vulnerableto major run-off events caused by extremerainfall over the upstream catchment, thestudy shows that the mouth of the Turner isalso particularly vulnerable to major stormsurge.

The study findings have serious implications forland use planning in Port Hedland, particularly inthe areas of town planning and emergencymanagement.

Town Planning

The 1 in 100 year return period for surge and floodevents is an accepted standard for assessingsuitable locations for urban areas within atownsite. This sets an acceptable level of risk forproperty and infrastructure in a community and iswidely used for insurance purposes in flood-proneareas. Matters are complicated if the 1 in 100 yearrisk areas are not known, particularly where a


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townsite is already in existence, as is the case withPort Hedland. The results of the Greater PortHedland Storm Surge Study will be incorporated inthe Town of Port Hedland's Town PlanningScheme No. 5 and will form the basis of statutoryrequirements for land use and development in thestudy area. This may have the potential to affectthe development potential of areas that areconsidered to be at risk from storm surge andflooding inundation.

Emergency Management

While a 1 in 100 year return period is anacceptable level of risk for town planningpurposes, it does not guarantee the protection ofurban areas for more extreme events, which mayhave return periods of 1 in 150 or 200 years oreven greater. The likely extremity of a particularcyclonic event is calculated by the Bureau ofMeteorology and it is then the responsibility of theappropriate emergency services personnel todetermine factors such as alert categories, roadclosures, areas to evacuate and timing ofevacuation.

3.3.7 Water Resources

The study area is covered by the Port Hedland(709) and De Grey (710) Drainage Basins asdefined by the Australian Water Resources Council.The Pilbara Region has harsh climatic conditionsand rainfall that is dependent on cyclonic andthunderstorm activity. As such, the river systemsof the study area are dry for much of the year buthave large floodplains that are a valuable source ofgroundwater when rainfall does occur.

Two major river systems flow across the coastalplain from the Chichester Range which risessteeply from 200-300m AHD to 400-500m AHDabout 180km inland. These are the Yule Riverabout 80km west of Port Hedland in the PortHedland Basin and the De Grey River about 70kmto the east. The De Grey has several majortributaries, including the Shaw, Coongan andOakover which are classified as rivers in their ownright and have significant potential yields.

Groundwater is currently extracted from wellfieldslocated in water reserves on the Yule and De GreyRivers. The water is pumped into Port Hedland forindustrial and domestic use. Two other wellfields

exist at Goldsworthy and Shay Gap to the east ofthe De Grey. The former is no longer in use butboth are potentially available to augment existingsources.

The Water and Rivers Commission has prepared acomprehensive review of Pilbara water resourceswhich are detailed in the 1996 Pilbara RegionWater Resources Review and Development Plan.The review sets out details of existing andpotential sources of surface water andgroundwater, existing demands and currententitlements and potential source developmentoptions to meet anticipated demand to 2025. Thesedetails are discussed subsequently in the contextof infrastructure to support economicdevelopment.

The Water Corporation (WC) undertook the PortHedland Water Source Strategy in September 1996.This study has a 50-year horizon and explored thefindings of the WRC review in greater detail. Thefindings indicated that there were numerousgroundwater resources in the Yule and De GreyRiver aquifers, capable of generating about 20-30GL in excess of current licensing.

The Port Hedland Water Source Strategy indicatedthere would be no need to establish dams toservice the Port Hedland area, nor to use the WestCanning Basin. Although initial planning has beenundertaken for the extension of the Yule and DeGrey aquifers, further research is required to provesupplies and refine costings.

The WC investigation established the cost of watersource development as a benchmark to assessfuture supply options, which include desalination.Desalination is becoming more affordable throughtechnological improvements and reduced energycosts, which include using waste heat from powergeneration.

A seawater desalination trial was undertaken in1996/97 to compare two seawater desalinationsystems which used different pre-treatmentmethods followed by reverse osmosis desalinationof seawater. Both desalination systems producedwater suitable for drinking. The sponsor group forthe project discontinued the trials after six monthswhen there was a loss of membrane integrity inone of the pre-treatment membranes, and thecause of this loss could not be determined.

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However, desalination remains an option for watersupply once technologies are improved.

The Turner River Alluvium has been used toaugment supplies for Port Hedland in the past, butthe wellfield is no longer in operation. Potentialremains for groundwater supplies from within theexisting wellfield, although not identified in theWater Resources Review.

The Turner River area was identified as a potentialhorticultural area in a 1993 PDC study, ThePotential for Horticultural Development in thePilbara, Western Australia. The area would bereliant on the Turner River water resource,although allocation of the source cannot occuruntil the project is formally progressed.

Between 1998-99 the Water and RiversCommission finalised a number of Water SourceProtection Plans for water reserves in the PilbaraRegion. In the Port Hedland area water sourceprotection areas were established for the De Greyand Yule River water reserves, which extended theexisting water source protection reserves. Areasadjacent to the De Grey and Yule River aquifersare now classified as Priority 1 water sourceprotection areas. The Priority 1 classificationrecommends that land uses in the reserve belimited to protect the water source.

3.4 Environmental andConservation Values

3.4.1 Turtle Nesting

Turtle nesting is an important conservation valuein the North-West of the State generally, and thereare two significant sites in the Port Hedland area -Munda Beach and Cemetery Beach. These areshown on Map 3.

Munda Beach is a significant nesting area forFlatback turtles, which are sea turtles found inAustralian waters. Most turtles use offshore islandsfor nesting purposes. The Munda Beach rookery isone of the largest for the Flatback turtle in theState and data collected by CALM in a taggingexercise indicate that several hundred femaleturtles lay eggs at this site each year. The Flatbackturtle is a threatened species under the WildlifeConservation Act 1950.

The greatest threats to nesting turtles are foxes andhuman activity. Human activity can range from4WD vehicles and lights disorientating nestingturtles to harvesting of turtle eggs. This is an areaof land use conflict between recreation,conservation and pastoral uses.

Cemetery Beach in Port Hedland is also a Flatbackturtle rookery, but nesting at this site is far lessdense than at Munda Beach.

3.4.2 Munda Beach/Cowrie Cove

Cowrie Cove and Creek, adjacent to Munda Beach,also has conservation value in that it represents amangrove community characteristic of the Pilbaracoast. Besides being an important area forprotection, Munda Beach is also a popularrecreational area, being accessed by 4WD vehiclesfor boating, fishing, swimming and turtlewatching.

Munda Beach forms part of the Mundabullanganapastoral lease, however the 40m strip between thepastoral lease boundary and the high water markis Unallocated Crown Land (UCL).

The Wilson Report (1994) recommends thatreservation of the beach and hinterland is urgentlyneeded to protect the Flatback turtle rookery. Italso suggests that the tidal waters of Cowrie Creekbe included in this reserve. The proposal is toreserve the land for the purpose of publicrecreation and protection of flora and fauna.

3.4.3 De Grey River and Delta

The De Grey River is approximately 80km north-east of Port Hedland. It enters the sea at BreakerInlet between Poissonnier Point and Larrey Point.In this vicinity there are extensive mud andsandbanks associated with the river delta.

The State Planning Strategy identifies the De GreyRiver as being a Strategic Terrestrial EnvironmentalAmenity Area, and areas adjacent to the river areshown as Strategic Agricultural Areas, withpotential for intensive/irrigated agriculture.Identification of the De Grey as an agriculturalarea could be a source of conflict in terms of watersupply, in that the De Grey borefield is the majorsupplier of water to the Port Hedland area, fordomestic and industrial use. Any detailed study of


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the potential for horticulture on the De Grey Riverdelta would require assessment of the quality andquantity of water available.

The De Grey River once featured extensive wetlandareas, which have deteriorated in size andecological integrity over the years. However, somelarge freshwater pools remain and the river systemis considered to have significant conservationvalue. The wetlands of the De Grey River areconsidered to be of national importance and arelisted in the Australian Nature ConservationAuthority's Directory of Important Wetlands inAustralia.

Given the environmental significance of the DeGrey River, and the identification of the area assuitable for intensive agriculture/irrigation, there isa need for a detailed ecological investigation of theriver, to establish possible areas with conservationvalue and to make recommendations on the futureuse of the river and surrounding areas.

The saltwater crocodile has been establishing itselfin this river in recent years, which is consideredby CALM to be a natural reclamation of thecrocodile's traditional habitat. The De Grey Riveris considered the best crocodile habitat south ofthe Fitzroy River. At present, it is estimated thatabout half a dozen crocodiles have established apermanent presence in the Pilbara.

CALM has a Crocodile Management Plan whichrelates to the Pilbara Region. This manifests itselfin signage along the De Grey River and semi-regular patrols to the site. Up to 12 sightings peryear are reported in the Port Hedland area,although most are unconfirmed (i.e. not sighted bya CALM officer).

Crocodile control areas exist in within a 15kmradius of Finucane Island. This means that anycrocodiles found in the area will be caught andsent to a crocodile farm. In other areas, crocodilesare managed, rather than controlled. This meansthat they are allowed to remain in the area, andCALM erects crocodile warning signs.

3.4.4 Offshore Islands

There are several offshore islands in the PortHedland area: North Turtle, Bedout, Downes,Weerdee, Ronsard and Reef. North Turtle Island islocated about 20km north-west of Larrey Point andBedout Island is approximately 40km north ofPoissonnier Point. Both islands are importantnesting sites for a range of seabirds and are ClassA Nature Reserves.

Downes and Weerdee Islands are about 2km fromthe Port Hedland harbour area. These islands havemoderate conservation value and have beenrecommended in the EPA's Conservation ThroughReserves as being suitable for reservation. DownesIsland has been recommended for inclusion in theCALM estate as a reserve for recreation,conservation and other purposes. Downes Islandhas significant intertidal areas, providing a habitatfor wading birds, and also contains areas ofAboriginal significance and several species ofmangrove particular to the Pilbara Region.

The waters around Downes Island are also hometo an aquaculture operation and an aquacultureoperation has been approved on the island itself.Given the level of development pressure on theDampier Archipelago, it is possible thataquaculture operators may begin to consider PortHedland as a suitable location.

3.4.5 Coastal Planning

A coastal management plan was prepared for theTown of Port Hedland by the then Department ofPlanning and Urban Development in 1992. Theplan’s focus is the Port Hedland townsite, fromOyster Point to 6 Mile Creek. It was released for aperiod of public comment, which did not result inany changes to the plan, and the draft documentwas subsequently endorsed by Council.

The Port Hedland Coastal Plan made 23recommendations on coastal planning. In 1998,the Town of Port Hedland established a CoastalPlanning and Management Committee. One of thekey tasks for the committee was to examine the1992 Coastal Plan and determine to what extentthe recommendations had been addressed, as wellas identifying other areas which required attention.

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Commonwealth funding for Coastcare projects hasbeen utilised by community groups in the Town ofPort Hedland for several years, with a range ofprojects receiving assistance, including:

• dune stabilisation, beach access and walkwayrepairs & replacement, $48,700 (1995);

• Cemetery Beach dune stabilisation, beachaccess, walkway repairs & replacementconstruction $50,000 (1996);

• Interpretative program for the protection offlatback turtles $3,900 (1998); and

• Sutherland Street Cyclone Relief Funds$50,000 (incorporated with 1995 =$98,700)(1999).

Access to the coast in the Port Hedland areaoutside the townsite is primarily via pastoralstations. Conflict arises where fences are damaged,gates left open/or closed, or tracks are damaged.In addition, uncontrolled access to pastoralstations may present a quarantine risk, especiallywhere tourist vehicles are involved. Pastoralstations accessed in order to gain coastal accessare Mundabullangana, Boodarie, Pippingarra andDe Grey. Access to pastoral stations is subject to anumber of provisions outlined in the LandAdministration Act.

The Roads 2020 Regional Development Strategy(MRWA, 1997) identifies a number of roads/routesthat are subject to review. These include YuleRiver Access, Turner River Access and De GreyRiver Access, which could all provide access fromthe North West Coastal Highway to the coast. Theneed for these roads will be reviewed at intervalsof five years. Their construction would minimiseconflict between pastoralists and those seeking

access to the coast, but could also provide anunacceptable level of exposure to sensitive coastalenvironments.

3.4.6 Mangroves

The Port Hedland area is home to several speciesof mangrove. Mangroves are plant formationswhich inhabit sheltered tropical and sub-tropicalcoastlines. They act as nursery, feeding andbreeding grounds, and as buffer zones againstwave action, thereby reducing erosion and stormsurge damage to coastal areas. They areconsidered an integral part of coastal and marineprocesses.

In April 2001, the EPA released GuidanceStatement for Protection of Tropical Arid ZoneMangroves Along the Pilbara Coastline. Fourmanagement areas were designated, with thefollowing guidelines:

Guideline 1 Regionally significant mangroves located outside designated industrialareas and their associated port areas.

Guideline 2 Other mangrove areas located outsidedesignated industrial areas and theirassociated port areas.

Guideline 3 Regionally significant mangroveslocated inside designated industrialareas and their associated port areas.

Guideline 4 Other mangrove areas located insidedesignated industrial areas and theirassociated port areas.

There is potential for land and water use conflictin management areas subject to Guideline 3. Thisis not the case for the Port Hedland townsite area,as no regionally significant mangrove stands havebeen identified in the guidelines. However, nearlyall the coastline from Weerdee Island, west to theYule River has been identified as containingregionally significant mangrove areas.


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3.4.7 Air Quality

The Government has provided funding through theDEP to commence the development of air qualitymanagement plans for industrial estates in thePilbara. In the Port Hedland area, this involves theBoodarie Strategic Industrial Estate. Thecomponents of the air quality management planare expected to be:

• advice on relevant air quality standards;

• advice on air quality issues pertinent toindustrial development within the particularestate;

• definition of buffer zones around and withinthe estate to limit the likelihood ofunacceptable impacts;

• guidelines for siting of particular types ofindustry in relation to their air quality impact(e.g. ground-level odour omissions vs tallstacks), to optimise the use of the estate;

• comprehensive air quality and meteorologicaldatabases, assembled from existing databasesand from monitoring programs undertakenfor this purpose; and

• advice on, and provision of, a computermodel for dispersion of industrial emissionsat the site.

Funding for air quality monitoring has beenprovided to the DEP over a four-year period,commencing in the 1997/98 financial year. This isto be supplemented by meteorological and airquality data from industry, the Bureau ofMeteorology, and DMPR/LandCorp. It isanticipated that the first two years of the program,in monitoring the selected industrial estates, willdevelop comprehensive air quality andmeteorological databases.

In the Port Hedland area, BHP undertakesmeteorological and air quality monitoring at theHBI plant on Boodarie Station and provides thisdata to the DEP on a monthly basis. This data willalso be used by DMPR/LandCorp to establish abaseline air quality of the proposed BoodarieStrategic Industrial Estate.

The Air Quality study will model sea breezes todetermine air circulation patterns. The outcome ofthe study will be an Environmental Protection

Policy on Air Quality, which will be a legallybinding document through the EnvironmentalProtection Act 1986. This is similar to policies thathave been established for the Kwinana IndustrialArea, and for sulfur dioxide in Kalgoorlie. Theoutcomes of air quality modelling will be requiredby law to be incorporated in future land use plans.

In 1996, the EPA assessed a program by BHP IronOre to upgrade its dust management at FinucaneIsland and Nelson Point (EPA Bulletin 831). Theproposed program has four main components toaddress the following key issues:

• impacts of airborne dust on communityamenity;

• potential impacts of airborne dust on publichealth;

• potential ecological impacts of airborne dust;and

• potential impacts of wastes containing ironore fines on the water quality and mangroves.

On the basis of information contained in BHP'sdust management program and in the submissionsreceived by the EPA, the main environmentalfactors relevant to the program are:

• airborne dust in relation to the health andamenity of Port Hedland residents;

• airborne dust in relation to the surroundingecological values, particularly the health ofmangroves; and

• wastes containing iron ore fines in relation towater quality and health of mangroves.

It was concluded that the dust managementprogram can meet the EPA's objectives subject tothe satisfactory implementation of the program,the proponent's commitments, and the conditionsand procedures recommended by the EPA.

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3.5 Natural Resource Management and Economic Development

3.5.1 Land Tenure

The Pilbara Region has a variety of land tenurearrangements, with most of the region covered bypastoral leases. Areas not covered by leases,National Parks, reserves, State Agreements andfreehold ownership are Unallocated Crown Land(UCL). In the Port Hedland area, this includes landfor urban expansion at Pretty Pool, Wedgefield andSouth Hedland. Competing uses for UCL includeindustry expansion, town expansion,environmental protection, recreation and tourism,and heritage.

The Land Administration Act 1997 came into effectin early 1998, and replaced the 1993 Act. The Actaimed to tidy a range of land administrationmatters, including:

• subdivision and development of Crown land;

• management, classification and amendmentof reserves;

• classification and dedication of roads; and

• pastoral leases.

The introduction of the Land Administration Act1997 has a number of implications for the PilbaraRegion, as it has a diverse and complex range ofland tenure agreements compared with other areasof the State, and supports a range of tenures in amultiple-use setting. All these arrangements aim tomeet the varied needs of pastoralists, the resourcesdevelopment industry, tourists, land managementagencies, traditional land owners and public utilityservice providers.

The proclamation of the Native Title Act in 1993generated considerable confusion and uncertaintyin regard to land tenure in particular and land useplanning in general. Until the interpretations ofvarious aspects of the Act are clarified, it isdifficult to suggest how to address the potentialimpacts on a range of existing land uses. Thissituation may be resolved as various Native Titleagreements are reached between traditionalowners and other groups. The principles of NativeTitle and their application may also be clarified as

a body of common law accumulates to supplementany Commonwealth or State Governmentlegislation.

There is a range of land tenure arrangements inthe Port Hedland area. Most of the study area iscovered by pastoral leases, with the old De Grey -Mullewa Stock Route and old North West CoastalHighway providing a link between the stationhomesteads.

Land tenure in the Town of Port Hedland is shownon Maps 5 and 6.

3.5.2 Natural Resource-Based Economic Activity

3.5.2.1 Pastoral Use

Pastoral use is the dominant land use in the studyarea, with seven pastoral stations in operation:Mundabullangana, Boodarie, Indee, Wallareenya,Pippingarra, Strelley and De Grey. Stations in thestudy area predominantly run cattle.

All pastoral leases expire in 2015, which haspotential to have a considerable impact on landtenure arrangements in the State and also the PortHedland area. The Land Administration Act 1997attempts to resolve a number of issues regardingleasehold titles. Part 7 of the Act acknowledgesthat Commonwealth legislation will not allowpastoral lessees to enjoy any more beneficial rightsunder their leases than they presently enjoy. Untilthe matter of granting perpetual leases is resolved,new pastoral leases in the new Act will be limitedto a term no greater than that granted under theexisting lease. This restriction, based on theprovisions of the Native Title Act 1993, will resultin extensions of leases for terms varying between21 and 49 years.

Part 7 of the Land Administration Act covers theadministration of pastoral leases and provides forthe establishment of the Pastoral Lands Boardwhich is required to place greater emphasis onland use, ecologically sustainable development,prevention of degradation, and rehabilitation ofdegraded and eroded rangelands. Pastoralists arerequired to manage their lease to its bestadvantage as a pastoral enterprise. It is essentialthat improvements are maintained and the Board


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may require lessees to submit a development planfor the progressive achievement of improvements.Stock and improvement declarations must besubmitted each financial year.

The Act also provides opportunities for enterprisediversification through a permit system. A lesseemay apply for a permit for clearing, sowing ofnon-indigenous pastures, other agricultural usesand tourism. The permit is available only to thepastoral lessee and is not transferable. If anoutside investor is sought for a diversificationproject, then the land must be excluded from thepastoral lease and a general purpose leasenegotiated with DOLA.

3.5.2.2 Livestock Export

Livestock export from Port Hedland resumedduring 1994 after a lull of 11 years. Table 6presents details of recent cattle export activitythrough Port Hedland since 1993/94.

An increase in potential export of up to 50,000cattle p.a has been identified over the next five toeight years through changes in demand for specificbreeds. Stock is exported mainly to Malaysia andIndonesia, however the Middle East is emerging asa strong market, taking larger loads of cattle thanthe South-East Asian markets. The PHPA has beenactive in pursuing the live cattle export trade, andhas constructed a weighbridge and roadconfiguration to assist.

Due to environmentally imposed sustainablestocking rates and uncertainty of regular seasonalrain in the Pilbara, Port Hedland’s export activitydraws on a catchment from Carnarvon toMeekatharra and east to Anna Plains. Threats tothe potential of this growing trade are freight andloading rates from other ports around the WAcoast.

Holding yards were established on the North WestCoastal Highway in 1994, approximately 25kmwest of Port Hedland, to enable pastoralistscoming to Port Hedland from all over the PilbaraRegion to marshal their cattle in one place. Cattlecan be loaded only during a six-hour periodbecause of tidal conditions. The PHPA hascommissioned a feasibility study into extendingthe No. 1 wharf to reduce berthing delays forcattle ships.

It is likely that there will be significant demand forport facilities if port expansion occurs to thewestern side of the harbour, and access for livecattle exports must be considered in the context ofcompeting uses. In the event of major andsustained growth in the live cattle trade,consideration must also be given to demands onlocal resources and opportunities to establish otherlocal economic activity such as horticulture togrow stockfeed.

The existing cattle holding yards are locatedimmediately adjacent to the proposed BoodarieStrategic Industrial Estate, on land vested for thepurpose of cattle holding. The yards take up only afraction of the 225ha lease area and the lease areais crossed by easements for the Pilbara Energy PtyLtd gas pipeline.

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Year Ships Cattle Weight Tonnage (financial) (tonnes) variation (%)

1993/94 2 2,361 956

1994/95 4 4,849 1,720 79.9%

1995/96 10 11,195 4,566 165.5%

1996/97 18 21,689 7,635 67.2%

1997/98 8 14,832 4,062 -46.8%

1998/99 16 28,772 10,737 164.3%

1999/00 19 31,807 11,801 9.9%

2000/01 27 63,610 18,991 62.1%

2001/02 16 47,687 15,404 18.9%

Source: PHPA

Table 6 - Live Cattle Export Figures, Port Hedland 1993-2000


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With the likely expansion of the live cattle exportindustry, there may be a need to upgradesignificantly and expand cattle facilities in PortHedland. This may involve the holding facilities,watering facilities, feed stock facilities, addition ofon-site accommodation, addition of an officebuilding, holding facilities for other animals suchas goats and sheep and the inclusion of an abattoiror other spin-off industries.

Significant expansion and upgrades of the existingholding yards are likely to conflict directly with theindustrial land use proposals in and around thecurrent cattle-holding site. A new site adjacent tothe Turner River, outside the proposed BoodarieEstate and buffer, and adjacent to the Turner RiverAquifer, may present opportunities for expansionof the live cattle industry.

3.5.2.3 Agriculture

At present, there are no agriculture or horticultureprojects in the Port Hedland area. In 1993, thePDC undertook a horticulture feasibility study,investigating three possible sites for horticultureuse in the Pilbara. Land at the Turner River, to thenorth of the North West Coastal Highway wasconsidered to be the most feasible. On the basis ofthe study, three sites of 40ha were chosen, locatedhalfway between the Turner River borefield andthe North West Coastal Highway. There is alsosome potential to develop another site to the southof the highway.

The horticulture project established that a watersupply for the horticulture sites could be obtainedfrom the Turner River borefield, with a licenceissued by the Water and Rivers Commission. Thelots have not been excised from the BoodarieStation pastoral lease to date. The De Grey River isalso identified as a potential site for intensiveagriculture/irrigation in the State PlanningStrategy. Investigations into the impact ofhorticulture proposals on water supply fordomestic, industry and environmentalrequirements should be undertaken.

3.5.2.4 Commercial Fishing

Fishers operating from Port Hedland operate to thenorth and north-east of the town up to 120N eastlongitude, or approximately to the mouth of the DeGrey River. Port Hedland is used periodically as a

fishing area, with fishers accessing portinfrastructure for offloading. There is a lack ofsuitable infrastructure for fishers, which hastended to limit the number of operators fishing inthe area.

A number of fishing activities are licensed in thePilbara Region, which is defined as being from114N east (Exmouth Gulf) to 120N east (De GreyRiver Mouth):

Fish Trapping - There are six licences in thePilbara. Fishers are limited to 13 traps per vessel,and must fish outside the 30m depth contour line.Fish trapping is a limited entry fishery, althoughthere are no limits to the catch and operatinghours of fishers.

Wetline Fishing - In April 1997, the Minister forFisheries announced a review of fishing limits forthis industry in the Pilbara Region. Department ofFisheries is currently determining a benchmarkfigure to allow sustainable use of the resource. Partof this process will be to establish a suitabletonnage figure for wetline fishers, and will limitthe number of operators in the Pilbara Region. Atpresent there are 1,200 wetline licences throughoutthe State, with no restriction below the ExmouthGulf as to where fishing can take place. Followingthe Minister’s announcement in April, noapplications are being accepted for new wetlinelicences in the region. The number of vesselspermitted to operate in Pilbara waters will belimited, pending the determination of a suitablebenchmark figure.

Fish Trawling - There are 10 licences for fishtrawling in the Pilbara Region. Trawlers must fishoutside the 50m contour, which is approximately40 miles offshore. Fish trawling yieldsapproximately 3,500 tonnes of fish per annum. In2000 the fishery yielded 2,075 tonnes of finfish,and is considered a fully exploited resource. ThePilbara Trawl fishery is considered minor in thecontext of WA’s other fisheries.

Prawn Trawling - There are 14 licences for prawntrawling in the Pilbara Region. Approximately sixboats currently use the Port Hedland area. Prawntrawling is a limited entry fishery and fishers arerestricted on the net length they can use. Thisindustry yields approximately 110 tonnes perannum.


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Use of the Port Hedland area for fishing andunloading varies on a periodical basis. However, itis estimated that there may be up to 18 vessels inthe region at certain times of the year. This wouldtypically include six prawn and fish trawlers, threewetline fishers and two or three visiting trap boats.Port Hedland is the only major port facilitybetween Point Samson and Broome.

The provision of facilities for commercial andrecreational fishers would assist in diversifying thelocal economy in terms of fishing and tourism,and provide more recreation opportunities forresidents. However, it should be noted that mostcommercial fisheries in the Pilbara are limitedentry and fishers are restricted in the amount offish resources they may extract. Thus, the potentialgrowth of the fishing industry is limited. Inaddition, infrastructure at John's Creek has beenimproved to assist commercial fishing vessels.

3.5.2.5 Recreational Fishing

Fishing from recreational craft is an importantrecreational pursuit for many Port Hedlandresidents, given that access to coastal areas byvehicle is extremely limited. Department ofFisheries estimates that there are about 2,000recreational craft in the Port Hedland area. Twomajor boat-launching areas are provided in thePort Hedland townsite, at Finucane Island andadjacent to the port. The PHPA has constructed afishing/small craft jetty, which permits commercialfishing boats access to a wharf when thecommercial wharves are unavailable.

3.5.2.6 Aquaculture

There are currently two aquaculture leases in thePort Hedland area - a pearling lease betweenWeerdee and Downes Islands and a land-basedhatchery for marine shells (including trochus andpearl oysters) on Downes Island. Given thedemand for aquaculture leases in the Karrathaarea, it reasonable to suggest that operators maybegin to consider Port Hedland as a suitablelocation for aquaculture enterprises.

Interest has been expressed in establishingaquaculture operations in some tidal creek areas,including 4 Mile Creek but these proposals havenot progressed.

Trials have been conducted for a pilot betacarotene project within the Cargill Salt lease area.Beta carotene is a yellow-orange pigment producedby an algae, grown in land-based saline ponds. Itis a naturally occurring chemical that can be usedby the body to produce Vitamin A. Production ofbeta carotene has not progressed to market stage,but there is potential for this type of developmentto occur in or around the Port Hedland area.

The Pilbara Land Use Strategy recommends thatdetailed research be undertaken to prepare anaquaculture/mariculture development plan for thePilbara Region in full consultation with, andagreement of, all interested parties. Until thisdevelopment plan is prepared, appropriate sitescannot be identified in this land use planningStudy.

3.5.2.7 Tourism

Tourism is viewed as a desirable economic activityin the Pilbara Region, and one with the potentialto diversify an economy dominated by resourcesdevelopment. The majority of tourists in thePilbara Region are self-drive tourists, who usuallytravel during the mild Pilbara winters. This trendis likely to continue in the next 20-25 years.Changes to the tourist market are dependent onthe provision of tourism infrastructure such assealed roads, resorts and airports, particularly inthe tourist target areas of Karijini National Parkand the Dampier Archipelago. Port Hedland isrecognised as a ‘gateway’ in the Pilbara Region,especially for people travelling from KarijiniNational Park and Karratha to the KimberleyRegion.

Tourist Infrastructure

Port Hedland has a range of tourism infrastructureto cater for a variety of tourists, with four caravanparks, five motels and a number of smalleraccommodation providers, catering forbackpackers and contractors. All the caravan parkshave on-site chalets and caravans, as well ascaravan and camping sites.

During the construction peak for the HBI Project,there was considerable pressure on local caravanparks to meet tourist demand. Each caravan parkin Port Hedland designates a number of sites for

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exclusive tourist use, and the Town of PortHedland offers overflow sites in times of extremeneed.

Tourist Features

The main tourist enterprise in the area is industrytours through BHP’s Nelson Point port area. Thereis also a diving tour operation in Port Hedland,which offers guided dives to various shipwrecksand other marine features in the waters off thetown. At present, there are few designated touristand/or camping nodes, which has resulted inuncontrolled use of the coastal zone and inlandwaterways. Areas subject to use, which intensifiesduring the tourist season, include De Grey River,Cape Thouin, Coongan River, Mystery Landing andthe Yule River.

During the mild winter months, Port Hedlandhosts such activities as the Blackrock Stakes,Spinifex Spree and the winter horse-racingcarnival. These events attract tourists from withinthe Pilbara, as well as those travelling in theregion.

Tourist Activities

The Port Hedland area has great potential todevelop tourism based on Aboriginal culture andheritage, particularly in the area of tours guided byAboriginal people. Nature-based or ecotourism isalso possible. Specific areas with potential fordevelopment of tourist product and infrastructureinclude:

• Munda Beach - turtle watching, fishing,swimming, boating, short-stayaccommodation, station-basedaccommodation;

• Cemetery Beach - turtle watching;

• Offshore waters and maritime history -historic ship re-building and tours, whalewatching and dive tours; and

• Station-based accommodation - using DeGrey-Mullewa Stock Route with travel from stationto station.

Tourism Management

Besides the local Port Hedland Tourist Bureaus,based in Port Hedland and South Hedland, thereare two peak bodies in the Pilbara Region whichassist the tourism industry:

• The Western Australian Tourism Commission(WATC); and

• The Pilbara Tourism Association (PTA).

The WATC supports the development of tourismproduct and infrastructure to assist the tourismindustry. This largely occurs through the TourismDevelopment Fund, which provides dollar-for-dollar funding to approved non-commercialprojects. Examples include entry statements,board-walks and interpretive centres, though arange of products may be considered in the annualfunding applications.

The PTA was established in 1996, with the keyrole of marketing and promoting existing touristdestinations in the Pilbara Region. The PTA isfunded jointly by the WA Tourism Commission,resource companies, the four local governments inthe region and the Department of IndigenousAffairs.

The Pilbara Land Use Strategy recommends theidentification of suitable sites for the developmentof tourism infrastructure and product. This isstrongly supported, given the lack of touristproduct in the Port Hedland area.

3.5.2.8 Mineral and Energy Resources

There are no known major economic mineraldeposits within the Port Hedland local governmentarea, although iron ore and salt are stockpiled inand exported from Port Hedland. In addition,mineral producers in the Eastern Pilbara use theport of Port Hedland for the export of mineralssuch as manganese, copper concentrate andfeldspar. There is also the prospect of otherexports in the future. The following provides abrief summary, and indication of existing andfuture prospects of export materials from the portof Port Hedland:


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Existing

• Manganese (Woodie Woodie) - long-termshipping capacity up to 300,000tpa. Totalresources could amount to a seven to eightyear life. Further exploration could extend lifeof project well beyond this time frame. Recentproduction has been approximately100,000tpa. The company is examining theestablishment of a possible manganese alloyplant at Port Hedland to produce 100,000tpaof manganese alloy.

• Copper Concentrate (Telfer) - Supply of5,000-10,000tpa likely, but could beintermittent/unpredictable.

• Feldspar (Pippingarra) - Good demand forthis product. Could have a output of 50 -70,000tpa for up to 20 years.

• Copper (Nifty) - Currently exporting 9,000-12,000tpa, with product transported to Perth.Stage 2 is proposed to be phased in followingthe depletion of ores from the phase 1 projectand will involve the treatment of primary oreto produce copper concentrate. Rates ofoutput are estimated at 250,000tpa, with amine life of 10-15 years. It is highly likely thatthe concentrate would be shipped from PortHedland.

Proposed

• Copper (Maroochydore) - This projectconsists of a very large, very low-gradecopper cobalt resource of 167Mt. If theproject proceeds, it is likely that 50,000 tpa ofcopper cathode will be exported from PortHedland.

• Copper-Zinc (Panorama) - This project is atexploration stage and deposits are located 120km south-east of Port Hedland. Speculativeeconomic plant size is 150-250,000tpa.

• Chromite - Has previously been shipped toChina, but is not currently viable. Resource islocated at Coobina, 585 km south-east of PortHedland. Proven reserves are 400,000t, withresources up to 2Mt. Shipping recommencedin 1998/99, exporting 60,000-80,000t perannum.

• Uranium (Kintyre) - Uranium production atKintyre is planned at a rate of 1,200 -1,500tpa. A project life of about 15 years isexpected.

• Manganese Sulphate - ore to be mined at AntHill, 320km south-east of Port Hedland to beprocessed in Port Hedland prior to export.Approximately 20,000 tonnes per annum maybe produced.

3.5.2.9 Basic Raw Materials

Potential development projects in the Port Hedlandarea and ongoing road construction andmaintenance requires the provision of basic rawmaterials (BRM) such as sand, limestone, graveland hard rock.

The Port Hedland area obtains supplies of BRMfrom a variety of sources, including privateorganisations and Main Roads WA:

• 9 Mile Quarry - located on the south side ofthe Great Northern Highway on the oldGoldsworthy line. This is a local governmentsite that supplies Pindan sand. It is not usedregularly.

• Flashbutt site - local government site thatsupplies river sand. Located near railway areabetween the tip and the North West CoastalHighway.

• BJ Young - privately owned Pindan quarrylocated behind the South Hedland landfillsite.

• MRWA quarry - located at 21 Mile, providesgravel for road construction for MRWA andShire roads.

• Turner River Quarry - privately owned siteoperated by CSR Readymix. Suppliesroadbase and aggregates (blue metal) andcrackendust for road verges.

• BGC Quarry - privately owned site, supplyingaggregate/road base. Located south of theTurner River.

• Tabba Tabba - provides supplies of hard rock.

• Cargill Salt - provides limestone.

Map 7 shows the location of BRM reserves in theTown of Port Hedland.

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A BRM study was undertaken for the Shire ofRoebourne in 1998 which identified a number oflinkages between the Town of Port Hedland andthe Shire of Roebourne in terms of the availabilityof BRM, most significant of which being therelative abundance of sand in the Port Hedlandarea and the abundance of hard rock in theKarratha/Dampier area. While it is possible tomanufacture gravel from hard rock to variousspecifications, this is more expensive than the useof natural gravel.

At present, the use of BRM occurs in an unco-ordinated manner. Most supplies areobtained from private companies, and there is nooverall 'picture' as to the long-term supply andsourcing options within the Town of Port Hedland.It would be useful if an inventory of BRM sitesand resources was prepared for the Port Hedlandlocal government area.

3.5.3 Mining and Industry-Based Economic Activity

3.5.3.1 Salt Harvesting

Cargill Salt has a major solar salt operation in PortHedland, harvesting salt from seawater. The CargillSalt lease area covers about 7,800 hectares and hasthe capacity to produce in excess of 2.7 milliontonnes per annum. The evaporation ponds in PortHedland are supported by major lease areas to theeast. Brine is transferred through a series ofchannels and pumping stations running parallel tothe coast. The lease areas are shown on Maps 7and 12.

Current indications are that Cargill Salt does notintend to expand its operation beyond its currentleases.

3.5.3.2 Iron Ore

The main industry in Port Hedland is currently thecrushing, screening, blending, stockpiling andshiploading of iron ore. This industry commencedin 1962 with Goldsworthy Mining Ltd constructinga 115km railway line from Mt Goldsworthy to PortHedland. Since this time, BHP Iron Ore hasbecome the major industrial operator in the PortHedland area, using iron ore deposits, includingMt Whaleback (Newman), Jimblebar and Yandiapproximately 460km south of Port Hedland.

Although the Goldsworthy and Shay Gap depositseast of Port Hedland have been exhausted, theGoldsworthy railway line has been extended to theYarrie deposits.

Processing and shiploading facilities for theNewman and Yandi operations are at Nelson Point.An expansion of the Nelson Point Port capacity iscurrently under way and will increase capacity to64Mt per annum.

Finucane Island is used for processing andshiploading of ore from the Yarrie iron oredeposits. The capacity of this facility is in theorder of 2Mt per annum. The capacity upgrade atNelson Point, combined with production fromFinucane Island will make Port Hedland the largestiron ore shipping port in the world.

BHP Iron Ore is also the main employer in PortHedland, employing approximately 1,300 people.


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3.5.3.3 Hot Briquetted Iron

BHP has constructed a Hot Briquetted Iron (HBI)plant at Port Hedland, which can produce 2 to2.5Mt per annum of metallic iron product in abriquetted form. The HBI Project receivedenvironmental approval in 1995, constructioncommenced in 1996 and was completed andcommissioned in 1999. There is also a proposal toestablish a second stage of the HBI Project, andalthough this has not been finalised, it remains apossibility. The HBI plant is located adjacent to theproposed Boodarie Strategic Industrial Estate,7.5km south-west of Port Hedland. The site isapproximately 5km from the nearest SouthHedland residential area and Wedgefield.

The briquettes are produced through the directreduction of iron ore fines using modified naturalgas. The iron ore fines needed for the HBI processare sourced from Nelson Point and FinucaneIsland. They are transported from Nelson Point toFinucane Island by a below-harbour tunnel andfrom Finucane Island by an overland conveyor. In1999/00, more than 1,066,109t of HBI wasexported from Port Hedland. The State AgreementAct for the project requires that no land be zonedUrban within a 5km radius of the HBI plant.

3.6 InfrastructureKey strategic infrastructure components areindicated on Maps 7 and 12.

3.6.1 Strategic Transport Overview

The Pilbara Regional Transport Strategy wasreleased in 1997. The preparation of the documentrecognised the Government’s focus on transportissues in regions outside the Perth MetropolitanRegion, and was one of the recommendations fromPilbara 21. Key recommendations that relate to thePort Hedland area are:

• Prepare strategic port development plans foreach port site where industry planning issufficiently advanced on key projects todetermine port needs.

• As part of the 10-year State road program,provide the Ripon Hills connection betweenMarble Bar Road and Woodie Woodie Road.This will provide a sealed link to the MarbleBar Road by the end of 2002.

• In view of competition policy developments,examine the need and scope for the sharingof key transport infrastructure in consultationwith industry and taking into account issuesincluding train scheduling, railwayinfrastructure constraints and economicviability.

• Develop a State infrastructure fund, basedupon a proportion of royalties attracted byresource developments within regions, to beused to contribute to the development ofessential infrastructure, includingservice/infrastructure corridors, new portfacilities, and roads required to access remotemining developments.

In 1999, the State Government released TransformWA which makes provision for a strategic roadlink to the Goldfields, which will improvetransport between the Goldfields and PortHedland. The Goldfields Highway (Wiluna toMeekatharra) is estimated to be completed in2003/04 at a cost of $70 million.

3.6.2 Transport - Roads

Consumables for the local population are primarilymoved by road transport, while most minerals aremoved by rail. However, a significant number ofeastern Pilbara mineral producers truckmanganese, feldspar and copper concentrate to theport of Port Hedland for export. Road transport toor from the port may increase significantly, linkedto resource projects, which may have a significantimpact on the local road network.

The Roads 2020 Regional Road DevelopmentStrategy identifies a number of regional roadrequirements for the Pilbara Region. In the PortHedland area, the two main strategies are:

Great Northern Highway and Port HedlandRoad

The strategy is to construct a second carriagewayon the Port Hedland Road between the Broometurn-off section and Wedge Street in Port Hedland,and on the Great Northern Highway between theBroome turn-off and Pinga Street (Wedgefield).Duplication of Redbank Bridge will be requiredeventually to accommodate the dual carriageway.

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South Hedland Townsite Roads

The strategy is to provide link roads within theSouth Hedland townsite to allow more directmovement of local traffic between the townsitelocalities and east to the Great Northern Highwaysouth of Port Hedland Airport. The needs ofcyclists and pedestrians will be considered withthe provision of dual-use paths where possible.

Though the priority proposals identified in Roads2020 provide an indication of road planning in theHedland area, the strategy does not allocate fundsto any particular project, so there is scope forother roads links to be identified on the basis offuture development and expansion scenarios.

Port Hedland acts as a service centre for mineralproducers from the eastern Pilbara and mostminerals from this region are transported to theport via road trains. An increase in mineralproduction is likely given the prospect of roadupgrades outlined in Roads 2020, which wouldimprove access to areas such as the Nifty andWoodie Woodie mines, and the townsites ofMarble Bar, Nullagine and Telfer. The Roads 2020study is subject to review on a five-yearly basis.

3.6.3 Transport - Railways

Railways in the Port Hedland area are restricted toBHP’s Goldsworthy and Newman lines at present.Both of these lines are private, and reserved forthe exclusive use of BHP. Recent legal actionbetween major Pilbara mining companies hasindicated that there may be limited potential forprivate rail lines to be shared between companies.

With the potential for a second iron ore producerto establish in Port Hedland, there is a possibilityfor rail transport corridors to access the port fromthe western side of the harbour, to the east of theproposed Boodarie Strategic Industrial Estate. It isalso possible that the BHP rail corridor to thenorth and east of South Hedland may beduplicated for a new iron ore industry.

The matter of a rail link into the Boodarie Estatewas investigated in a study commissioned by DRD.The 1994 study was an engineering andenvironmental assessment of the proposedindustrial site and associated corridor, stockpileand port sites. The study produced a conceptual

design and layout of the infrastructure required toservice the proposed industrial site, corridors,stockpile areas and port sites to accommodatepotential industry types. A rail link from BHP’srailway was identified, however, the route will bereassessed when a project proposal eventuates.

A new line in from the west could run adjacent tothe Great Northern Highway before deviating intothe estate to join proposed infrastructure corridors.Alternatively, a parallel line could be establishedadjacent to the Newman and Goldsworthy lines foraccess into western side of the harbour. Provisionfor an additional rail link from the east, south orwest into the western side of the harbour isrequired.

The State Planning Strategy indicates a possiblelong-term link to the Goldfields and ultimately theeastern seaboard. The Pilbara Regional TransportStrategy indicates this link between Newman andLeonora is unlikely within the 15-year horizon ofthe regional transport strategy and suggests itwould require a minimum of three million tonnesof freight p.a. to make the route viable.

3.6.4 Ports and Other Marine-Related Infrastructure

Ports

The port of Port Hedland is in a dredged basin atthe end of a 20 nautical mile long channel, and isoperated and managed by the Port Hedland PortAuthority (PHPA). The port has five berths, ofwhich two are owned and operated by the PHPAand three by BHP Iron Ore for the export of ironore. Two of the iron ore berths are located atNelson Point and the third is across the harbour at


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Finucane Island. In the 1999/00 financial year,more than 65Mt of imports and exports movedthrough the port.

The PHPA produced the Port Hedland PortAuthority - Port Strategy in 1995, to guide strategicdirection and development within the portauthority area. Of particular relevance to thisStudy is the proposed expansion of the port to thewestern side of the harbour, and the impact of portexpansion on the existing and proposed roadnetwork.

The Department of Resources Development andthe Port Hedland Port Authority undertookengineering and environmental studies during1997 to investigate development options for theharbour at future basic berth locations at UtahPoint, Stanley Point and Anderson Point on thewestern side of the harbour. The studiesconsidered four development scenarios whichincorporate an additional general cargo, multi-userand iron ore berth, associated stockpiling andlaydown facilities, and service corridors to connectto the proposed Boodarie Strategic IndustrialEstate.

The three berth locations were reported to begenerally acceptable on engineering andenvironmental grounds, with stockpiling facilitieslocated inland or on the higher ground thepreferred option to minimise impact onmangroves. The study excluded the Lumsden Pointarea between South and South East Creek that wasidentified as a stockpile and cargo marshallingarea in the 1995 Port Strategy. The environmentalcomponent of this study did not include formalEPA assessment.

The Port Hedland harbour contains areas ofmangroves, and future use of the harbour willneed to address the ecological viability of thesemangrove stands. In April 2001, the EPA releasedguidelines for the protection of arid zonemangroves along the Pilbara coastline. This reportdid not identify mangroves within the PHPA areaas being areas of very high conservation value.They were not considered to be regionallysignificant, although the guideline that relates tothe PHPA area did recommend the protection ofmangroves and impacts on mangroves be kept to aminimum practical level.

The future expansion of the port area, as outlinedin the Port Hedland Port Authority - Port Strategy,raises a number of crucial issues. The location andexpansion of the port operations may have asignificant impact on the surrounding area ofWedgefield, and the hinterland between the twoareas. It has the potential to affect infrastructurecorridors, road networks and the role and functionof Wedgefield.

The PHPA has commissioned a Port Master Plan,to examine the development potential for the portfor a 20-year period, and for the “ultimate”development of the site. It is expected that thisplan will be completed in 2002/03.

Boating

There are several boating facilities in the PortHedland area for use by recreational craft. Theseinclude boat-launching areas at Port Hedland,Finucane Island and Pretty Pool. The area adjacentto the Spoilbank was under consideration for asmall-boat harbour/marina, but was an unpopularchoice with local residents and boat users. Thedevelopment of small-boat facilities is likely to belinked with substantial growth of mariculture,fishing and tourism industries.

The boating needs of the Port Hedland area arelinked to operations of the Port Hedland PortAuthority, as the port is often used to gain accessto tidal creeks adjacent to the port, both forrecreation, and for shelter against cyclones. Theuse of the harbour by recreational boat users is notseen as a major issue for the PHPA, though theremay be benefit in educating recreational boat usersas to their responsibility in terms of harbouraccess.

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3.6.5 Transport - Air

The Port Hedland International Airport has theonly air traffic control service in the region andcan accommodate aircraft up to and including737s. The airport has accommodated larger aircraftfrom time to time in emergencies, however, regularuse of the airport by craft larger than 767s wouldrequire an airport upgrade.

The Town of Port Hedland prepared an Airportbusiness plan which proposes a number ofcommercial land uses associated with the airport,as well as an extension of the main runway. Landon the airport site may be suitable for uses such astransport-related depots, which could be relocatedfrom the prime real estate areas of Port Hedland.

In September 1997, BHP established a constructionvillage on airport land to house 400 workers. Thevillage is on the Great Northern Highway (BroomeRoad) and was decommissioned following thecompletion of the construction phase of the HBIProject and Nelson Point Capacity ExpansionProject.

3.6.6 Industrial Land

Proposed Boodarie Strategic Industrial Estate

The proposed Boodarie Strategic Industrial Estatehas been planned to provide a location in whichnew strategic industries can establish. Theproposed estate is a pro-active initiative to providesuitable land and infrastructure for futureindustrial development. LandCorp will beresponsible for the development of the estate, inits role as the State’s industrial land developmentagency.

The estate is to comprise the followingcomponents:

• a heavy industry core;

• a surrounding buffer zone containing supportindustry; and

• two service corridors linking to the port ofPort Hedland area.

By late 1997, two industries had located adjacentto the estate - the BHP Hot Briquetted Iron Projectand the Pilbara Energy Pty Ltd gas-fired powerstation.

Map 10 shows the proposed outline of theBoodarie Strategic Industrial Estate and associatedinfrastructure and industry areas.

Other Industrial Land

Although the proposed Boodarie StrategicIndustrial Estate will provide a site for heavyindustry, there is also a need to allocate suitableland for light and general industrial uses,particularly those associated with users of theestate. Land has been allocated in the buffer zoneof the Boodarie Strategic Industrial Estate, and theTown of Port Hedland is currently investigatingfuture industrial land options.

The majority of this land, like Wedgefield, issubject to peak storm surge inundation andflooding.

3.6.7 Water Supply

The Port Hedland Water Supply Scheme extractsgroundwater from the De Grey River and YuleRiver Alluvial Aquifers. In 1997, water use in PortHedland was 40 per cent industry and 60 per centdomestic. The scheme provides water to BHP-MtNewman and BHP-Mt Goldsworthy through awater agreement with the Water Corporation. Thecurrent water agreement is 6.5GL per annum,although current use is approximately 3.0GL p.a.

While covering industrial water use, thisagreement also covers domestic use, which hasbeen complicated by the fact that BHP has beenselling homes to its employees. The Water andRivers Commission has recommended the wateragreement between BHP and the WaterCorporation be renegotiated to exclude domesticwater supply.

In 1993/94, 6.6GL of water was delivered from thePort Hedland Water Supply Scheme. BHP intendsto use the balance of its current agreementallocation for the HBI Project and Nelson PointCapacity Expansion Project. Scheme demand isthen expected to increase to 10GL p.a.

Infrastructure planning is in place to upgrade andautomate the borefield and transfer pump stationto deliver water at 15GL p.a. from the Yule and DeGrey systems. Table 7 summarises the currentdemand, allocation and capacity, existing andproposed, for the Port Hedland Water SupplyScheme.


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As part of its Pilbara Region Water ResourcesReview and Development Plan, the Water andRivers Commission evaluated several surface andgroundwater options to meet medium-termdemand. Table 8 illustrates those options. Thegroundwater resources component in the reviewnotes further investigations are required to enableadequate assessment of resources along the DeGrey, Coongan, Turner and Yule Rivers.

Effluent Re-Use

Treated wastewater effluent is used for landscapeand recreation watering in Port and SouthHedland. The capacity and operation of the SouthHedland Effluent Re-use Scheme has been

reviewed as part of the South HedlandEnhancement Scheme as the system has beenoperating below optimum in recent years. This hasbeen due largely to high algae content in thetreatment ponds, the length of the pipe to pumpwater from the WTP into South Hedland resultingin long detention times which causes algae build-up, resulting in odour impacts.

The Water Corporation considers effluent disposaland re-use on an ongoing basis, and a futurestrategy for the system is required with the end ofthe construction boom experienced in PortHedland from 1997-1999.

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Water Average Use Use 1997/98 Allocation Installed andSource per annum Ultimate Capacity

De Grey 3.0GL 6.5GL 13.5GL 7.0GL & 13GL

Yule 3.0GL 2.2GL 8.5GL

Source: Water and Rivers Commission; Pilbara Region Water Resources Review andDevelopment Plan, 1996.

Table 7 - Port Hedland Water Supply Summary

Surface Water Supply Options

Surface Water Options Est. Yield Approx. dist. from PH Comments

Kangan Pool - Yule River 8.0GL 100km Est. cost $81m. Catchment is in the immediate locality of the(Dam Site 95) Yandeyarra Aboriginal Community. Likely to be used for

groundwater recharge.

Marble Bar - Coongan 26GL 150km Est. cost $155m. Would have some impact on mining in theRiver (Dam Site 85) area.

North Pole - Shaw River 80GL 130km Est. cost $122m.(Dam Site 88)

Nullagine River 0-20GL 250km Not costed due to distance from PH.

Oakover River 20-50GL 300km Not costed due to distance from PH.

Groundwater Supply Options

Yule River 14GL 40km Considerable potential from a 48km southerly extension along(extend existing wellfield) Yule River Alluvium. Est. cost $47m.

De Grey River 7GL 65km Considerable potential from a 21km south-easterly extension(extend existing wellfield) along De Grey River. Est. cost $40m.Yield is based on current

licensing only.

Goldsworthy Town 1.5GL 120km Projected demand may be obtained from existing borefields -Wellfield (reinstate) option not assessed in detail. Yield is based on previous yields.

Shay Gap Wellfield na 180km Projected demand may be obtained from existing borefields -option not assessed in detail.

West Canning Basin na 260km Projected demand may be obtained from existing borefields -option not assessed in detail.

Source: Water and Rivers Commission; Pilbara Region Water Resources Review and Development Plan, 1996.

Table 8 - Port Hedland Water Supply - Future Supply Options


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3.6.8 Energy Supply

Electricity

Electricity in the Port Hedland area is supplied bythe Western Power’s integrated North-Westnetwork that links Port Hedland toDampier/Karratha, Wickham/Cape Lambert andTom Price/Paraburdoo.

Western Power purchases electricity fromHamersley Iron’s Dampier Power Station and RobeRiver Iron Associates’ Cape Lambert PowerStation. Western Power controls and monitors theNorth-West transmission network from a controlcentre at the Karratha Terminal Station.

A 220kV transmission line links the KarrathaTerminal to the Hedland Terminal located justsouth of Wedgefield. Power generation has recentlybeen supplemented with the addition of BHP’sPilbara Energy Pty Ltd (PEPL) gas turbine powerstation. Addition of the PEPL plant has allowedWestern Power to decommission the existingdiesel-fired Redbank power station, and relyentirely on the 220kV supply from Karratha.Western Power currently has a standbyarrangement with BHP’s PEPL Power Station.

The impacts of the Open Access TransmissionPolicy introduced in 1997 will principally apply tolarge power producers or users. Development ofany future infrastructure will become part of thepublic domain. The intention of the policy is toreduce the cost of power, particularly for industryand large users and consumers of energy. While itshould be noted that the State would not controlgeneration or transmission of power under thepolicy, the State Government has a Uniform TariffPolicy which is intended to ensure the provision ofenergy to householders at a uniform cost.

Gas

The PEPL pipeline is 213km long and runs fromDampier to Port Hedland. The pipeline wasconstructed to supply the PEPL Power Station tomeet BHP’s existing and future energyrequirements in Port Hedland.

3.6.9 Service Corridors

A number of strategic infrastructure corridorstraverse the study area. These are shown in Maps7 and 12 and include the regional road network,railways and high-pressure gas pipelines forresource companies.

At this stage, most industrial infrastructure in PortHedland is associated with BHP Iron Ore’soperations. Due to limited land availability, it islikely that major new resource operations willestablish in the proposed Boodarie StrategicIndustrial Estate and may use the western side ofthe harbour for major new loading facilities. It isimportant that infrastructure corridors be identifiedand protected in order to accommodate futureindustry requirements. The proposed BoodarieStrategic Industrial Estate’s environmental reportsmake provision for two 150m service corridorsbetween Boodarie and the western side of theport.

Existing infrastructure lines to Port Hedland arelocated in a variety of alignments. As Map 7shows, infrastructure to the west of the townsite isnot aligned in any particular way, whereas to theeast of the townsite infrastructure is more or lesscontained in an orderly alignment.

The following is a list of major infrastructure inthe Port Hedland area:

Railways

BHP - Port Hedland to Newman - 80m

BHP - Port Hedland to Yarrie - 60m

Roads

North West Coastal Highway

Great Northern Highway

Port Hedland Road

Water Supply

De Grey River to Port Hedland

Yule River to Port Hedland

Gas Pipelines

PEPL Pipeline - Karratha to Port Hedland -600m wide corridor


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Transmission Lines

Western Power 220kV - Cape Lambert to PortHedland

Communications Network

Telstra Optic Fibre Cable

Shipping Channels

BHP - 200m wide, dredged to a depth of 14.1-15.3m

The provision for infrastructure corridors in theimmediate Port Hedland area will be discussed inmore detail as part of the Structure Plan.

3.6.10 Solid Waste Disposal

The landfill site for the Town of Port Hedland iseast of South Hedland and 1,500m from thenearest residential area. The site is licensed by theDepartment of Environmental Protection (DEP) asRural landfill - Management Category C. Themanagement category is an indication of volume,and the South Hedland site is capable ofaccommodating between 5,000 and 50,000 tonnesof waste per annum. The site is currently classifiedas suitable for Class 2 waste only, which meansinert waste, putrescible waste and low hazardouswaste (certain types of metals).

A DEP assessment of the site found that it iscapable of rating as a Category D site (more than50,000 tonnes per annum). However, given thatmost of the waste to the site at the time ofassessment was inert, being associated withconstruction of the HBI plant, and thatapproximately 16 tonnes of putrescible waste perannum was deposited at the site, it was consideredunfair to assess the site as a higher grade whenmost of the waste was associated withconstruction. Subsequently, the site wasreclassified as Category C.

The landfill site operates within State policies. Astandard landfill buffer zone is 500m from the faceof putrescible waste, and the South Hedland site is1500m from the nearest residential area. There areno beneficial users downstream from the site. Thelife of the landfill depends largely on the rate ofurban encroachment, although management of thesite will determine the extent to which residentialareas are affected.

3.6.11 Regional Waste Disposal

The DEP engaged a consultant to investigate theneed for a Class 4 landfill in the Pilbara that couldaccommodate hazardous waste, more metals, lead,mercury, pesticides and hydrocarbons. The reportfindings suggested that the current and forecastamount of low-hazard waste for disposal to asecure landfill at Karratha and Port Hedlandindicates the need for the development andoperation of sites at each of these locations. Theannual volumes estimated indicate that a 30,000m3

secure landfill at Port Hedland will accommodatewaste for about a 10-year period. A secure landfillof this size could be housed within a wastemanagement centre so facilitating effectivemanagement and minimising transportation andoperational costs.

This study did not identify potential landfill sites,and this needs to be undertaken in the PortHedland area in the short to medium term. EPABulletin 874 (Dec 1997) recommends that DEP,LandCorp and DIR review the suitability of currentlandfill sites. In the short term, the Shire ofRoebourne's 7 Mile Waste Management Facilitymay be able to accept some waste.

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This section addresses the findings of currentavailable reports and initiatives as identified inChapter 3. It presents a balanced and integratedstudy which is designed to encourage social andeconomic development in the Port Hedland areaconsistent with responsible management of thenatural environment.

4.1 Principles Guiding the Study

The Port Hedland Area Planning Study (PHAPS) isbased on the principles set out in the StatePlanning Strategy and the Pilbara Land UseStrategy. The intent of the principles relate to thestrategies developed for the Port Hedland area. Theprimary purpose of the Study is:

To provide a link between State, regional andlocal planning which is based on a balance ofeconomic, social, cultural and environmentalconsiderations.

Based on this purpose, the following broadprinciples provide the foundations for the Study:

4.1.1 Principles from the State Planning Strategy

4.1.1.1 Environmental Principle

To protect and enhance the key natural andcultural assets of the State and deliver to allWestern Australians a high quality of life which isbased on environmentally sustainable principles.

Healthy and resilient natural systems are animportant part of the heritage of the area and alsohelp to maintain essential life-supporting resourcessuch as clean air, water, soil and biologicaldiversity.

Strategies have been designed to provide a balancebetween conservation of important components ofthe natural environment while using naturalresources within their capabilities. There is a needto recognise that some resources are non-renewable and that the long-term interests of thearea may be better served by the economic use ofresources based on sustainability.

4.1.1.2 Community Principle

To respond to the social changes and facilitate thecreation of vibrant, safe and self-reliantcommunities.

Strategies have been designed to facilitate theprovision of community infrastructure for thewhole local government area which will help toachieve more equitable access by the community,a greater range of services and overall costsavings. An approved statutory framework for thewhole local government area will assist withdemands for land and service provision, givingcommunities a chance to become more involved inthe planning process.

Future growth and development should enhancethe sense of place and belonging of the communityand strengthen the area’s identity for locals andvisitors. The history and heritage of the area andthe way it is regarded by the residents is thefoundation for its identity.

4.1.1.3 Economic Principle

To actively assist in the creation of regional wealth,support the development of new industries andencourage economic activity in accordance withsustainable development principles.

Strategies have been designed to assist inbroadening the economic base of the area bybuilding on its traditional primary industries withgreater downstream processing, the use of naturalresources for tourism and aquaculture and thecreation of service sector employmentopportunities. Broadening the economic base ofthe area will help provide a stable basis forcommunity development.

4.1.1.4 Infrastructure Principle

To facilitate strategic development by makingprovision for efficient and equitable transport andpublic utilities.

Strategies have been designed to integrate landand water use and infrastructure in order tocontribute to economic development by ensuringthat efficient transport systems are planned,strategic infrastructure is identified, secured andco-ordinated, and ensuring that the provision ofpublic utilities is based on economic and socialconsiderations.

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4.0 Port Hedland Area Planning Study


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4.1.1.5 Regional Development Principle

To assist the development of regional WesternAustralia by taking account of the special assetsand accommodating the individual requirements ofeach region.

The strategy provides a framework to co-ordinateand promote planning and development to ensurea high level of co-operation between governmentagencies. Decentralisation of State Governmentagencies and improved access to information willassist in maintaining coordination and co-operation.

Delegation of decision-making powers will assist inthe timely processing of planning proposals andmaking decisions that are relevant to localconditions.

4.1.2 Principles from the Pilbara Land UseStrategy

4.1.2.1 Multiple Land Use Principle

To facilitate multiple land use and avoidfragmentation, duplication, conflict andunnecessary delays.

The strategy seeks to provide for a harmoniousmix of various uses while seeking to ensureconflicting uses are managed and do not detractfrom the safe and sustainable use and enjoymentof surrounding areas for appropriate purposes.

4.1.2.2Sustainable Development Principle

Promote sustainable development in the planningof the area to enhance the quality of life forresidents and visitors, both now and in the future.

Sustainable development is a term usedinternationally and nationally and seeks tointegrate economic, environmental and socialconsiderations into decision-making. It contributesto many broad objectives, including communitywell-being and equity within and betweengenerations It is defined as "Development thatmeets the needs of the present withoutcompromising the ability of future generations tomeet their own needs." from the WorldCommission on Environment and Development’s(the Brundtland Commission) report Our CommonFuture (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1987).

4.2 Strategic Policy Framework

This section of the report presents a policyframework based on principles, issues and policyresponses with the discussion arranged intocategories of land and water use. At the end ofeach recommendation, a lead agency or agenciesand associated agencies are listed to work togetherto implement the recommendation. There aremany private and community groups andindividuals who may need to be involved toimplement specific recommendations. Appropriategroups and individuals should be consulted whenrecommendations are considered forimplementation. Map 8 shows the proposed LandUse Plan.

The Study recognises other government agencies’programs which are designed to bring together theactivities of many agencies, organisations andcommunity groups at different levels ofgovernment or with different objectives, StateGovernment Ministers or legislation. The Studyreflects the many policies, strategies andrecommendations documented in current approvedstudies and reports for the Pilbara Region, andmore specifically for the Port Hedland study area.

It is not the purpose of this Study to repeat eachindividual recommendation in the various reportsand studies. This Study identifies and definesexisting and planned land and marine usecommitments by the various reports and makesrecommendations for further research andplanning to fill gaps in current information anddata.


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Environmental and Cultural


To protect and enhance the key natural andcultural assets of the State and deliver a highquality of life which is based on environmentallysustainable principles.


• Areas with environmental values are notrecognised and subject to misuse.

• Impacts of noise and dust from industrialoperations at Nelson Point and FinucaneIsland.

• Access to Port Hedland harbour area byrecreational boat users.


• Identification and protection of Aboriginalheritage and other sites in the context ofother land uses.

WAPC policy

The WAPC will use its statutory land use decision-making powers and responsibilities to secure thosenatural and cultural assets of the study area for theenjoyment of future generations. In order to achievethis, it will seek the support and co-operation ofother State Government agencies and in particularthe Town of Port Hedland, as well as AboriginalCommunities, the private sector and residentiallandowners.


• Reserve Munda Beach and Cowrie Creek asan environmental protection and recreationreserve, with joint vesting between CALMand the Town of Port Hedland. (CALM/TPH,DOLA)

• Review the Port Hedland Coastal Plan andwiden the study area to include coastal areawithin the entire local government area andaddress access to coastal areas. (TPH/DPI,CALM, DEP, PDC)

• Support the implementation of guidelines forthe protection of arid zone mangroves alongthe Pilbara coastline. (DEP, all agencies)

• Support Air Quality Monitoring program.(DEP)


• Investigate the environmental andconservation values and agricultural potentialof the lower De Grey River, and makerecommendations for its future use. (CALM,DEP, WRC, AGWA, TPH)

• Investigate reservation of Cemetery Beach,with joint vesting between CALM and theTown of Port Hedland. (CALM/TPH, DOLA)

• Devise appropriate management strategies toprotect Aboriginal sites in the context of othersurrounding land uses. (DIA, TPH, CALM,DPI)

• Identify additional areas for environmentalprotection and recreation with a view tosubsequent reservation and management.(CALM/DEP)

Community


To respond to social changes and facilitate thecreation of vibrant, safe and self-reliantcommunities.


• Residents and tourists have difficultyaccessing coastal areas, limiting recreationopportunities.

• There is a lack of suitable housing forAboriginal people, particularly those visitingtown.

• Housing and community services are putunder pressure with rapid populationincreases associated with resourcesdevelopment.

• There is an ongoing need to improvetownscape and amenity.

• The future aspiration of AboriginalCommunities.

• The Impact of cyclones, storm surge andflooding events.

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• The adequacy of existing social services andfuture service needs.

• The impact of increased port activity on thelocal road network.

WAPC policy

The WAPC will encourage proposals and activitiesleading to the creation of attractive communities orenhancement of existing communities in the studyarea. This will apply to the major urbansettlements of Port and South Hedland as well asindividual Communities, the private sector andindividual landowners.


• Prepare an implementation plan for anyoutstanding projects as the South HedlandEnhancement Scheme winds up its activities.(TPH, PDC, DPI)

• Town of Port Hedland formally to endorserevised Townscape recommendations andimplement accordingly. (TPH)

• Support preparation of layout plans forAboriginal Communities. (WAPC/DPI, DIA)

• Support the preparation of the Storm SurgeEmergency Management Plan. (FESA)


• Prepare a short-stay accommodationinventory detailing potential sites foraccommodation camps and touristaccommodation and their status in terms ofzoning, Native Title and capacity. (DPI, TPH)

• Prepare Social Impact Assessments for allstrategic industrial developments, withrelease of an EPA Bulletin for the project asthe catalyst. (DPI/DIR/TPH)

• Undertake a detailed analysis of future heavyvehicle transport movements for the greaterPort Hedland area and identify possiblenetwork conflicts and options. (MRWA, DPI,DIR, TPH)

• Assess the proposed Boodarie StrategicIndustrial Estate Buffer Zones in response tothe State Industrial Buffer Policy and assessimpacts on surrounding land uses. (WAPC,DEP, DIR, LandCorp)

Regional Development


To assist the development of regional WesternAustralia by taking account of the special assetsand accommodating the individual requirements ofeach region.


• Decisions affecting the region are often madeoutside the region, especially from Perth.

• There is a need to ensure co-ordinatedactions from Government.

WAPC policy

The WAPC recognises the importance of the studyarea’s economy to the creation of wealth in theState. This Study provides a means for the variousarms of government can be co-ordinated through alocally based implementation mechanism, which isa principal aim of the Commission.


• Establish a locally based regional co-ordinating committee to progressimplementation of the Port Hedland AreaPlanning Study. (WAPC/DPI)

• Prioritise recommendations forimplementation. (Co-ordinating Committee)


Infrastructure


To facilitate strategic development by makingprovision for efficient and equitable transport andpublic utilities.


• The need to plan for efficient infrastructurecorridors throughout the sub-region.

• The capacity of waste disposal facilities andlocation of new sites.


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WAPC policy

WAPC recognises that the area relies on theprovision of physical and social infrastructure foreconomic effectiveness and efficiency. TheCommission will pay particular attention to theneed to set aside and secure land for the provisionof necessary infrastructure and service corridors.


• Define infrastructure corridors for futurelinkages from the region into the greater PortHedland area. (DIR, MRWA, PHPA, DPI)

• Protect infrastructure corridors through theTown of Port Hedland Town PlanningScheme. (TPH, WAPC)

• Locate future infrastructure in identifiedservice corridors. (all servicing agencies)


• Identify landfill sites to cater for putrescible,inert and Class 4 waste and recycling. (DEP/TPH, DIR, LandCorp)

Economic


To actively assist in the creation of regional wealth,support the development of new industries andencourage economic activity in accordance withsustainable development principles.



• Port Hedland needs to secure basic rawmaterials (BRM) supplies and determine long-term supply options.

• There is uncertainty as to future commercialand industrial land supply.

WAPC policy

The WAPC will seek to ensure that the economicdevelopment of the area is able to flourish throughthe provision of available and suitable land forindustrial and commercial activities. Additionaleconomic activities designed to expand the area’seconomic base will be actively encouraged.


• Ensure an adequate supply of commercialand light industrial land to supportcommunity and industrial development.(TPH, DOLA, LandCorp, WAPC)

• Advance horticulture project for Turner Riverprecinct. (AGWA, WC)

• Maximise economic benefit from PHPA byallowing multi-user access. (PHPA, DPI)

• Support ongoing implementation of thePilbara Economic Development Strategy.(PDC)


• Identify suitable marine and land-based sitesfor aquaculture and associated supportfacilities in support of the Pilbara Land UseStrategy. (DoF, CALM, DEP, DPI, PHPA, DIR)

• Prepare a tourism strategy for the Town ofPort Hedland, identifying existing touristproducts and infrastructure, possible touristsites, development options and touristmarkets. (PDC, CALM, AGWA, MRWA,WATC, DPI)

• Support the preparation of a developmentstrategy and land use plan for the proposedexpansion of the port of Port Hedland,including infrastructure corridors connectingto proposed Boodarie Strategic IndustrialEstate. (DIR/PHPA, DEP, MRWA, DPI)

• Undertake a basic raw materials study in theTown of Port Hedland, identifying existingand future BRM sources and zone the landaccordingly under the Town of Port HedlandTown Planning Scheme. (TPH/DIR, MRWA,WAPC)

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5.1 Introduction

Recent Townsite Development

The advent of industrial development in the 1960sled to a significant increase in population. Thecoastal townsite extended east to Spinifex Hill andCooke Point during this period. A small workforcewas also housed at Finucane Island whichsubsequently has been dismantled. As limited landwas available for residential expansion on thecoast, South Hedland was established in the late1960s. Wedgefield, the industrial area betweenPort and South Hedland, also accommodates asignificant population component.

In the period from 1971-76, developmentconcentrated in the South Hedland area. Between1976-81 there was a decline in population in alllocalities except South Hedland, which grew at anannual rate of 10 per cent. Initial development inthe Pretty Pool locality on the coast in 1986provided a limited alternative housing option.However, the focus of Port Hedland’s residentialand commercial growth since the mid-1970s hasbeen predominantly in South Hedland.

At present, there are three main population centresin the Hedland area - Port Hedland, South Hedlandand Wedgefield. Port Hedland accommodatesapproximately 30 per cent of the population, SouthHedland 60 per cent and Wedgefield and otherrural areas 10 per cent.

Since 1990, studies have been completed relatingto Coastal Management (1992) and Townscape(1991). Many of the recommendations have notbeen implemented, and it is now timely to reviewthese documents to ascertain the relevance ofthose recommendations have yet to beimplemented.

The South Hedland Enhancement Scheme (SHES)initiated in 1995 was a joint project between theState Government, BHP Iron Ore and the Town ofPort Hedland, aimed at improving the quality oflife for residents of South Hedland. The SHES hasreviewed many of the Townscaperecommendations from the 1991 study.

Study Area and Time Frame

The study area for the Structure Plan is broadlymarked by the coast to the north, the proposedBoodarie Strategic Industrial Estate to the west, 12Mile Creek to the east and the South Hedland areato the south. The Structure Plan is designed toguide townsite development in Port Hedland for a30-year period, although it will be subject toregular review.

Similar to the 1984 development strategy preparedas part of the review of Town Planning SchemeNo. 3, a target population of 40,000 has beenadopted as a basis for possible growth anddevelopment. The realisation of the targetpopulation over the time frame is highlydependent on new industrial development in theproposed and significant increases in exports ofPilbara resources through major expansion to theport.

Planning Context

The Port Hedland Structure Plan is a component ofthe Port Hedland Area Planning Study (PHAPS).The land uses displayed in this plan arecomplementary to PHAPS, but are shown ingreater detail.

Objectives

The objectives in preparing a Structure Plan forthe Port Hedland area are to:

• provide a basis for local strategic land usedecision making;

• provide for growth and ensure that publicutility and community services are plannedand can be provided in a timely and co-ordinated manner;

• ensure that development is environmentallyacceptable; and

• preserve and enhance amenity and lifestyle.

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5.0 Port Hedland Structure Plan

5.2 Current Zoning and Development

Current Zoning

Map 9 indicates the extent of the zones on TownPlanning Scheme No.5 for the Port Hedlandtownsite, which was gazetted in 2000. TPS No. 5covers the entire local government area of PortHedland.

Development

Table 9 outlines the nature and extent ofresidential, commercial and light industrialdevelopment at September 1995.

5.3 Planning Considerations

5.3.1 Townsite Development

Port Hedland

The significance of the original commercial andadministrative centre of the coastal township inthe vicinity of the port has been progressivelyreduced since the 1970s with the development ofSouth Hedland and more recent shopping andcivic facilities located just west of Spinifex Hill.

The port area offers substantial opportunities forredevelopment and townscape enhancement asoutlined in the 1991 Townscape Plan. Theprovision of sewerage facilities will assist

redevelopment in the older PortHedland area.

Development proposals for thePretty Pool area have beenprepared at the initiative of theTown of Port Hedland. Theproposals require resolution of anumber of major constraintsincluding environmentalassessment and land tenure. Theproposals are significant andindicate potential to provide landto support 1,000 additionaldwelling units. The projectsrequire substantial and potentiallycostly earthworks over existingtidal flats to raise the ground level

enough to protect development from storm surge.

The Town of Port Hedland has allocated funds toupgrade the Pretty Pool foreshore area through thePretty Pool Development Plan, which will bestaged over several years. Concept plans are inplace to upgrade the area, and funding will beallocated over time.

Wedgefield

Wedgefield has been developed as an area forgeneral industry, and previous town planningschemes have made provision for caretakers’dwellings to be located on site. This has resultedin a substantial permanent population beinglocated in the Wedgefield area, as well as theperiodic influx of construction workers in the


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Land Residential Retail/Other Office, Industry,Description (dwelling units) Retail business, Storage,

(floorspace m2) recreation and Manufacture,cultural Processing

(floorspace m2) (floorspace m2)

Port Hedland 1,338 14,722 9,776 51,782(includingNelson Point, Finucane Is)

South Hedland 2,622 18,140 8,470 6,333

Wedgefield 62(& 640 SPQ 5,375 1,030 50,683

units)

TOTAL 4022(& 640 SPQs) 38,237 19,276 108,798

Source: Ministry for Planning, Port Hedland Land Use Survey & Land DevelopmentProgram,1997

Table 9 - Major Land Uses in Port Hedland


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Transient Workforce Accommodation zone andother sites throughout Wedgefield. While residentsof Wedgefield have tended to view the area as alight industrial area, town planning schemes forthe area have zoned Wedgefield as generalindustry, which permits a wide range of industrialland uses, some not compatible with residentialliving.

In order to develop a long-term solution to achievea reasonable mix between light industry, generalindustry and the associated residential component,the Town of Port Hedland has initiated a IndustrialLand Strategy for the entire local government area.This study will determine which areas are suitablefor light industry and residences, and which areasshould be left solely for general industry purposes.

South Hedland

The South Hedland area was originally designedfor a population of 40,000 in a configuration offour neighbourhoods located symmetrically aroundthe town centre. The first to be developed were therecently named suburbs of Lawson, Walnut Grove,Shellborough and Cassia - based on Radburndesign principles.

Due to objections regarding the suitability of thesubdivision, subsequent developments in theKoombana neighbourhood were based aroundmore conventional subdivision design. While itwas intended that the town centre be central toSouth Hedland, it is currently on the western edgeof South Hedland and adjoins residential areasonly to the east and south. The town centre isclose to South Creek and has associated flood risk,so it is not possible to surround it with residentialdevelopment.

5.3.2 Social and Community Considerations

The inappropriate subdivision of South Hedland inthe late 1960s resulted in a low-quality visualenvironment and well-documented socialproblems. As a response to the ongoing socialproblems and the poor public perception of SouthHedland, the South Hedland Enhancement Scheme(SHES) was established in 1995. The scheme waspart of the State Agreement between the StateGovernment and BHP Iron Ore and aims toaddress concerns about the quality of life

experienced by residents of South Hedland. Thescheme is a jointly funded $7 million project thataims to improve the living environment forresidents of South Hedland and also for the newtownspeople who are expected as a result of BHP’soperations in the area. The work undertaken bythe SHES has included, but is not limited to:

• construction of footpaths and major streetlighting upgrade, although maintenance workis not carried out by the SHES;

• construction of link roads to join theresidential precincts;

• improvement of visual amenity by streetscapeinitiatives such as tree planting, entrystatements, landscaping;

• undertaking a recreation needs study;

• undertaking a Planning Options andOpportunities study;

• closure of walkways and amalgamation intoresidential lots;

• promotion and exposure of issues; and

• formation of an Inter-DepartmentalCommittee to co-ordinate social anddevelopment issues as they relate to SouthHedland.

It is expected that the project will improvecommunity, leisure and recreational facilities inSouth Hedland. The SHES had a finite life andceased operation in 1999, at which time theongoing management for South Hedland revertedto the Town Council.

The construction phase for the HBI Project had asignificant impact on the rental housing market.

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While those workers directly associated with BHPwere adequately accommodated, there wasconsiderable concern regarding the number ofpeople living in caravans and other temporaryhousing, particularly in Wedgefield.

The Port Hedland Land Development Programreleased in October 1997 recommended thatconsideration be given to future State AgreementActs requiring the preparation of a Social ImpactAssessment for the construction and operationalphases of major resource projects to alleviate thehousing issues experienced in Port Hedland. Thisstudy supports that recommendation.

Social and Community Infrastructure

Certain sections of Port Hedland are well servicedby social and community infrastructure, althoughthere is some difficulty in providing similar levelsof service to two discrete communities about 15kmapart. South Hedland has the largest populationand does tend to attract most new services, butPort Hedland is the historic centre and hasretained a high level of service. Inevitably therehas tended to be a certain amount of duplication,although some major services are currently locatedin one centre, i.e. Port Hedland Regional Hospitalin Port Hedland and the District High School inSouth Hedland. Social and communityinfrastructure is shown on Map 11.

Public Transport

Public transport is available in Port Hedland andserves to link the two communities of Port andSouth Hedland. Hedland Bus Lines operates thepublic transport bus service under licence from theDepartment for Planning and Infrastructure. Theservice operates on a regular basis six days aweeks between Port and South Hedland andincludes deviations into Cooke Point and PrettyPool. However, the service is limited and does notoperate on weekends or public holidays.

Provision of public transport in the Pilbara Regionis problematic, as population levels are notsufficient to generate a full metropolitan-styleservice. Increased promotion of the Hedland busservice, including clearly identifiable bus stops,buses and bus routes, could assist in attractingmore passengers to the service.

There are 22 licensed taxis in the Port Hedlandarea to supplement community transport needs.

Cultural, Entertainment, Shopping

Port Hedland has a range of cultural andentertainment facilities. It has libraries in Port andSouth Hedland and a theatre in South Hedland aswell as a range of community groups associatedwith entertainment and cultural interests. PortHedland also hosts a number of travelling showssuch as musical performers and theatricalproductions.

Shopping needs are well catered for in PortHedland for most sections of the community. TheSouth Hedland Shopping Centre is the largestcentre in the area, followed by the BoulevardeShopping Centre in Port Hedland. Neighbourhoodshopping centres also exist in Lawson Street,South Hedland and in Cooke Point, Port Hedland.Wedge and Edgar Streets in Port Hedland are thetown centre of Port Hedland and contain a numberof commercial premises as well as accommodationand office space.

Townscape and Urban Design

The town centres in Port and South Hedland lack avisual centre. While acting as magnets due to thefunction they serve, both town centres lacksidentity, especially for visitors to the town. So too,many of the buildings constructed in the Wedgeand Edgar Street area are not in keeping with thehistory of the town, and do nothing to reinforcethe rich heritage of Port Hedland. While somebuildings in Edgar Street have been refurbished,there is a need to ensure that future developmentis in keeping with the role of Wedge and EdgarStreets as a town centre.

In 1991, the then Department of Planning andUrban Development released the Port HedlandTownscape Study. This made a number ofrecommendations to improve the appearance ofthe townsite. A review of the Townscape plan as itrelates to South Hedland was completed in 1996and a similar review was undertaken for PortHedland in 1997. The South Hedland reviewrevealed that only four recommendations had beenfully implemented, and many recommendationsthat had been partly implemented were stillidentified as having a high priority. The Town


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Centre Development Plan for Port Hedland shouldassist in the revitalisation of the centre.

Main Roads WA is responsible for the road vergesof its roads, which should be considered as part ofany beautification program for the Port Hedlandarea.

Education

Port Hedland has a full range of educationalfacilities and services, ranging from pre-school tovocational and tertiary education. There are manyprograms and training opportunities speciallyallocated for people who live in the Port Hedlandarea, including a TAFE college.

At present there are five public primary schoolsand one high school in Port Hedland, plus aprivate primary school and high school. The PortHedland Primary School was closed in 1998 andamalgamated with the Cooke Point PrimarySchool, which was redeveloped into a moremodern facility.

Health

The Town of Port Hedland has a range of healthservices and houses the Port Hedland RegionalHospital, a 90-bed facility. The hospital meets thespecialised medical needs of residents from allover the Pilbara Region. The hospital is in the PortHedland townsite and provides a range ofspecialist services, including paediatrics, obstetrics,gynaecology, radiology, anaesthetics and generalsurgery. Hospital services are supported by regularvisits from Perth-based specialists.

Within the townsite there is a range of medicalservices such as general practitioners, dentalservices, Aboriginal health services andcommunity nursing. There are also Home andCommunity Care programs and the town has afrail-aged hostel which services the Pilbara. ThePatient Assisted Travel Scheme (PATS) is availableto residents who need specialist treatment outsidethe region.

Provision has been made for a future hospital on a16ha site in South Hedland, to the west ofHamilton Road. However, the Health Departmenthas plans to upgrade the existing hospital in PortHedland and is investigating the acquisition ofadjacent land formerly occupied by the Port

Hedland Primary School. Consolidation of theexisting regional hospital is likely to affect thelong-term need to construct a new regionalhospital in South Hedland. This may allow theland to be used for other community/culturalpurposes.

However, there is a need to acknowledge thatfuture growth will occur principally in SouthHedland, and on this basis it may be reasonable tosuggest the hospital would be best placed in theSouth Hedland townsite. As the hospital serves aregional function, serving communities throughoutthe Pilbara, relocation of the facility about 15kmaway is minor in a regional context.

Community Services

Port Hedland is well serviced by a range ofcommunity services such as Centrelink, to StateGovernment agencies such as the Department forCommunity Development and Disability ServicesCommission. There is also a range of community-based groups including Well Women’s Centre, RedCross, Lions Club and a variety of support andinterest groups.

A Lotteries House was constructed in the SouthHedland town centre in 1998 and now providesoffice space and services for a range of communityand social service groups.

Recreation

There are a number of recreational facilities in Portand South Hedland. There are aquatic centres inboth areas, a major outdoor sporting complex inSouth Hedland and a similar venue in PortHedland. Activities available include swimming,indoor hard-court sports, tennis, squash, football,art and crafts, and dancing. There is a multitude ofcommunity sporting organisations for specialisedsports, as well as other recreational pursuits suchas fishing and four-wheel driving.

The SHES commissioned the Port and SouthHedland Sport and Recreation Needs Study. Thekey recommendations of this report were that:

• an incorporated Community RecreationAssociation be established to managecommunity recreation and sport facilitieswithin the Town of Port Hedland;

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• commitment be made by the Town of PortHedland and BHP (and other major employerorganisations) to a practical annual subsidyfor the management of all recreation facilitieswithin the towns, particularly for the JDHardie Centre; and

• the Spoilbank to be established as a majorrecreation centre.

However, it should be noted that the Spoilbankarea is extremely vulnerable to cyclonic events andnot capable of accommodating permanent builtstructures of any kind. The recommendations fromthe report were divided into three stages. It wassuggested that Stage 2 should be completed withinthree years, and Stage 3 within five years. Inaddition, Pretty Pool has been identified in a TownCouncil report as a major recreation destination forPort and South Hedland residents.

Lifestyle

There is evidence to suggest that people arestaying in the Hedland area for longer periods oftime and there is an increasing long-termpopulation. This is supported by 1996 Censusresults which indicated that more than 50 per centof residents had lived in Port Hedland at theprevious Census.

Enhancement and promotion of the ‘North-West’lifestyle can play a role in ensuring the long-termviability of Port Hedland and should be a majorconsideration in the planning and development ofthe town. Provision of a range of lifestyle andrecreational pursuits is a vital part of futureplanning in the area. This includes the allocationof land for hobby farm lots and the identification,protection and development of recreation nodes inthe area.

5.3.3 The Natural Environment

Landforms and Vegetation

The townsite area of Port Hedland consists of thefollowing landforms and vegetation:

• inter-tidal Flats

• scrub/Vegetation

• stable Dunes - although some are classifiedmobile

• saline Coastal Flats

• mangroves

As outlined in the Issues and Opportunities Reportprepared for the Town Planning Scheme No.5, the“environment is considered harsh for humanhabitation, yet extremely vulnerable to natural andhuman impacts”. Because of the flat nature of theterrain and significant tidal range, much of thecoastal area where development has occurred issurrounded by extensive areas that are subject toinundation. Mangroves are a key component inmaintaining the ecological balance of the area.

Urban Geology

In terms of urban geology, the coastal townsite islocated predominantly on young beach and duneshell sand with residual silty sands south of thecoastal ridge in the Pretty Pool area interspersedwith mud and silts in the tidal flats. To the south,the tidal flats around the harbour are primarilymud and silts with red-brown silty sand above thetide range. Most of Boodarie, Wedgefield andSouth Hedland is located on older red-brown siltysands. The area is interspersed with clayey sandand several north-south veins of high-level sands,one of which runs south through the centre ofSouth Hedland from the elevated ground wherethe water tower is located.

The geography, soils and climate combine to makethe drainage of Port Hedland a significant factor inthe development of the town. Port Hedland itself issurrounded by salt flats and tidal areas.Wedgefield, South Hedland and Boodarie arelocated on a drainage plain which discharges toSouth Creek and South West Creek. As such thereis limited available land that is not influenced bysome form of environmental constraint.


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Cyclonic Activity

Port Hedland is in a cyclone-prone area, withcyclones most prevalent between November andApril. Cyclones may cause damage in three mainways - collapse of buildings and other structuresdue to fluctuating wind pressure, loose objects canbecome airborne projectiles from high windspeeds, and can occur as a result of ocean stormsurge, heavy rainfall in river catchments, or acombination of both.

The Town of Port Hedland is in Region D, aCategory 2 area in terms of the Building Code ofAustralia provisions. Most of northern Australia isin Region D. The Category 2 rating relates to thelikely ferocity of winds in the area should acyclone occur and is the highest rating for winds.This rating applies generally between Onslow andCape Keraudren.

Storm Surge and Flooding

In 1998, the Ministry for Planning, the Town ofPort Hedland and the Department of ResourcesDevelopment commissioned a study into thecombined effects of storm surge and rainwaterflooding in the area from the Turner River to 12Mile Creek. This study provided a series of mapsshowing the likelihood of inundation for the 50and 100 year return periods.

This research does not provide a single contourlevel for “safe” development. Rather, the results ofthe study have been incorporated into the Town ofPort Hedland’s Town Planning Scheme No. 5,which will restrict development in those areasconsidered to be at risk from inundation. This isshown on Map 4.

The Main Roads Department prepared the TownPlanning Flood Study for South Hedland in 1975“to determine the constraints upon development ofSouth Hedland from flooding of the South andSouth West Creek systems, and to design townflood protection to increase land use in the floodprone area. The design flood has been taken as the100-year return interval event”.

The study indicated the North West CoastalHighway should be passable with a flood having a20-year return period. The report noted evidenceof past flooding from cyclone Kerry in 1969 which

represented a 1 in 20 year flood event. TheGoldsworthy Railway across South Creek waswashed out and there were eyewitness claims offlooding from South West Creek into South Creek.

The 1975 study defined the flood level and limit ofwestern townsite development which wouldrequire flood protection by levees constructed to aminimum level of 13.0-15.0m AHD. This levee hasnot been constructed to date as it forms part of thelong-term outer ring road around South Hedland.The existing commercial centre of South Hedlandis constructed at about 13m AHD.

It is important to note that the results of this studyrelate only to development levels, where propertyis at risk. For planning purposes, the 1 in 100 yearinundation level is used throughout Australia as anacceptable level of risk for property. The 1 in 100year event is not considered an acceptable level ofrisk for emergency evacuation and responsepurposes. The State Emergency Service is theagency responsible for managing the impacts ofsevere weather events, particularly in relation tohousehold evacuation where lives are consideredto be at risk. The State Emergency Service do nothave a set return period i.e. 1 in 250 or 1 in 500for determining when and where householders areadvised to evacuate their homes in the case of alikely storm surge inundation.

Drainage

The South Hedland townsite incorporates asignificant drainage system to direct run-off awayfrom the residential areas. Drainage to the east ofthe vein of high-level sands includesapproximately half of the original neighbourhood.The majority of Koombana drains to the north-eastto a large basin beyond the North Circular Road.The area west of the high-level sands drains toSouth Creek north and south of the town centre.

Much of the remaining area south of the harbouris subject to sheet flooding because of the flattopography and undefined drainage channels.

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5.3.4 Natural Conservation Values

The main areas with conservation values in thePort Hedland townsite are:

• the mangrove areas and creek lines on thecoastal mudflats and inlets, especially atPretty Pool and 4 Mile Creek;

• Pundul Trees in South Hedland;

• Coastal dune and foredune area fromCemetery Beach to Cooke Point;

• Cemetery Beach as a turtle rookery; and

• Aboriginal sites throughout the townsite.

The protection of these areas is primarily a localgovernment role, in conjunction with relevantagencies such as DIA and CALM, particularly inproviding justification and scientific explanationsas to why the areas are worthy of reservation.There is a need for areas with natural heritagevalue to be identified and the potential impacts ofdevelopment proposals, sediment loading, surfacerun-off and erosion impacts on these areasminimised.

5.3.5 Current and Potential Environmental Issues

Air Quality

BHP’s iron ore operations at Nelson Point andFinucane Island have a considerable dust impacton the local community. As a response tocommunity concern, BHP has developed and isimplementing a program to improve managementof the dust impact. Details of BHP’s proposal andobligations under the Environmental Protection Act1986 are outlined in EPA Bulletin 831, October1996. While the program may improve the dustmanagement issues in Port Hedland, it will not bepossible to eliminate iron ore dust particles fromthe air entirely. Irrespective of the dustmanagement program, there should be anemphasis on maintaining the present landscapeand community use buffer zone along AndersonStreet as defined in the 1984 Development Strategyprepared as part of the review of Town PlanningScheme No. 3., rather than compromise BHP’spresent operations.

It should also be noted that noise and odourimpacts may be generated from particulardevelopment and construction sites from time totime.

Noise

Train marshalling yards at Nelson Point operating24 hours a day have an impact on noise levels inPort Hedland. BHP’s Capacity Expansion Projecthas reduced this impact with the provision of arail loop and removing the need for trainmarshalling (i.e. shunting, with its attendant noiseoutput).

New noise regulations have been implemented bythe EPA which set limits for noise levels. Thesewill affect new industrial developments, but willnot be applied to existing operations.

The Environmental Report for the proposedBoodarie Strategic Industrial Estate makessubstantial buffer provisions. Industry-specificemission data is not known for the different typesof industry which potentially might locate in theBoodarie Estate. The levels of risk, air quality ornoise emissions would depend on the size of theindustry (production capacity) and itstechnological basis. A buffer zone was determinedby modelling the cumulative impacts of variousdevelopment scenarios based on potentialindustries using the natural resources of theregion. Existing environmental approvals are inplace for 4km and 5km noise buffers to the PEPLPower Station and HBI plant respectively. Thesebuffer zones are indicated on Map 10.

5.3.6 Existing Service Infrastructure

The following section details the current status ofservicing in the townsite and extensions that maybe required.

Energy and Power Distribution

Power generation and transmission have beendiscussed previously in the sub-regional context.

Power in the greater Port Hedland area isdistributed from Hedland Terminal south ofWedgefield through a network of 66kVtransmission lines linking sub-stations at:


53

• Port Hedland Anderson Street (WPC)Nelson Point (BHP)

• Wedgefield (WPC)

• Finucane Island (BHP)

• South Hedland Murdock Drive (WPC)

The 66kV transmission network is generallyadjacent to major arterial roads or railways.However, the 66kV feeder from the PEPL PowerStation to the Murdock Drive sub-station in SouthHedland is in a 30m easement adjacent toKoombana Drive before turning north andtraversing future urban land in East Koombana.The line currently splits the future residential areaand future relocation further east to North CircularRoad or relocation underground through theresidential area will need to be incorporated infuture detailed planning. Timing of any futurerelocation is likely to be 10-15 years away.

Pilbara Power, Western Power’s Pilbara Division,does not expect any difficulties in meeting theelectricity demand in Port Hedland over the nextfive years. The Murdock Drive sub-station in SouthHedland is running with considerable sparecapacity and can accommodate furtherdevelopment in South Hedland.

Gas

The Environmental Report for the proposedBoodarie Strategic Industrial Estate indicates thePEPL pipeline is unlikely to have any significantexcess capacity to support major industrial usersdue to commitments for the PEPL Power Stationand the HBI Project. Therefore it is anticipated anyfuture major gas users are likely to require a newpipeline from Dampier which would beconstructed in the existing 600m PEPL corridor.There is no reticulated gas supply in Port Hedlandand provision of this infrastructure would only beinvestigated if there was a technology developedwhich permits airconditioning units to be poweredby natural gas.

Water

Water from the De Grey and Yule wellfields ispumped to bulk storage tanks in South Hedlandbetween North Circular Road and the GreatNorthern Highway. Water is then transferred intoother bulk storages in Port Hedland and Finucane

Island. Elevated tanks in Port and South Hedlandprovide pressure for their respective areas. Thesetowers are refilled by pumping from bulk storagefacilities. The capacity and elevation of existingfacilities is as follows:

Wastewater

Most of the Port Hedland townsite is serviced bydeep sewerage, with the exception of the olderareas of Port Hedland west of the water tower.These areas are to be sewered as part of the WaterCorporation’s Infill Sewerage Program whichcommenced in 1997/98. South Hedland is entirelysewered.

Wastewater Treatment Plants (WTP) are located inPort Hedland, South Hedland, the airport andWedgefield. Treated effluent from the Port andSouth Hedland WTPs is used for watering parksand ovals and provides an effective effluent-disposal strategy and reduces demand for schemewater. Demand for treated effluent may increase ifBHP takes up its scheme water allocation from thePort Hedland Water Supply Scheme for the HBIProject and dust suppression at Nelson Point.

Port Hedland Wastewater Scheme

The Water Corporation has prepared long-termplanning for the coastal Port Hedland WastewaterScheme, which includes capacity for developmentproposals in Pretty Pool and the infill sewerageprogram for the western half of the town.

The Port Hedland WTP has a nominal capacity of7,000 EP (equivalent persons) and is currentlyoperating at 40 per cent capacity. The location ofthe plant is somewhat of a constraint to future

5

STORAGE CAPACITY Top Water Level(m3) (m AHD)

South Hedland 2 x 25,000 14.5(ground tanks) 9,000

South Hedland (elevated tank) 2,250 46.2

Port Hedland (ground tanks) 3 x 9,000 9.9

Port Hedland (elevated tank) 800 50

Finucane Island 2,500 12.4(ground tank)

Table 10 - Capacity and Elevation of Water Tanks


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urban development in the Spinifex Hill area, withabout 150 homes already in the nominal 500mbuffer area. The linear nature of Port Hedlandrestricts opportunities to relocate the facility in theimmediate vicinity without encroaching onexisting or proposed development.

The nominal buffer area of 500m can be reducedconsiderably, if alternative treatment technologiesare used. However, it should be noted that thesetechnologies are very costly, and any change inthis regard will be developer driven. The locationand elevation of the plant on the Pretty Pool tidalflats makes it susceptible to flooding in the eventof storm surge.

South Hedland Wastewater Scheme

South Hedland is serviced by the South HedlandWastewater Scheme, which comprises 11 existingsewer catchments and pump stations and awastewater treatment plant approximately two kmwest of the town. Planning indicates fouradditional sewer catchment areas are required toservice undeveloped land in East Koombana withtwo additional catchments likely for the balance ofthe town centre.

The current WTP consists of four primary and foursecondary treatment ponds with an estimatedcapacity of 2800m3/day (estimated 12,000 EP). Theplant was operating at 90 per cent in June 1996during the construction phase of the HBI Project.Additional capacity in the short term is likely to bethrough the installation of a temporary aerationunit. Treatment facilities are adequate to meetanticipated demand well into the future butoptions for long-term effluent disposal from theSouth Hedland plant are under consideration.

A number of operational issues have resulted inthe South Hedland Re-use Scheme operating at lessthan optimum in recent times. The scheme wasdeveloped in 1980 as a joint-use system by theTown for recreation ground irrigation and schooloval watering. The quality of the effluent hasgenerated odour impacts from time to time, mainlyfrom algae growth in the treatment lagoons pluslong detention times of treated effluent in thestorage and reticulation system. The WaterCorporation is investigating ways to reduce thealgae content of the treated wastewater from thesewerage pond systems.

Wedgefield

A limited tertiary treatment facility is operated bythe Town of Port Hedland to service several lots inSchilliman Street, Wedgefield, including the P&OCatering Single Persons’ Quarters (SPQs). Thefacility has recently been upgraded to handleeffluent from additional SPQs being located in theimmediate area. However, the scheme is neitherdesigned for, nor has the capacity to support “wet”industry that requires wastewater facilities.

Airport Precinct

Dixon’s Caravan Park and the Walkabout Hotel,opposite the airport, operate private treatmentlagoons in the immediate vicinity. If developmentis to increase in this area, either through tourismdevelopment or light industrial uses to the north,some consideration will be required as to theupgrading of the existing facilities or theinstallation of a new facility. Consideration willalso have to be given for the provision of a bufferzone.

Landfill

A landfill site is currently located to the east ofSouth Hedland, approximately 1,500m from thenearest residential area. The Town of Port Hedlandestimates that the current site will be adequate forthe next 10-15 years, at which time additional landwill be required. Council has commencednegotiations with DOLA to secure additional landto the north of the site.

Road Network

The North West Coastal Highway to the south andthe Great Northern Highway to the north andsouth is Port Hedland’s major road transport linkto the rest of the State. Other important road linksin the townsite include Wilson Street, which linksPort to South Hedland, and Wallwork andHamilton Roads which link the highways to SouthHedland.

As outlined previously, the cadastre and vesting ofland in the area bound by the Great NorthernHighway, Hamilton, Wallwork and North CircularRoads requires review as the original roadplanning made provision for a substantialinterchange which may no longer be relevant.


55

Main Roads Western Australia completed a roadsafety audit for the Port Hedland Road and part ofthe Great Northern Highway in 1996. The studymade a number of recommendations in terms ofsignage, street lighting and traffic treatments. Themain recommendations related to the Cargill Saltentrance to the Port Hedland Road and as a resultof the audit, negotiations between MRWA andCargill Salt have determined a suitable accessroute for the triple road trains entering anddeparting the Cargill Salt lease area. An accessroad has been constructed under the RedbankBridge by Cargill Salt, and MRWA has constructedanother lane adjacent to the existing overtakinglane.

In addition to the road safety audit, MRWA hasundertaken a draft roadscape strategy for the GreatNorthern Highway in Port Hedland. The reportidentifies and makes recommendations forpotential roadscape enhancements of the verges,major intersections, and roadside facilitiesassociated with the Great Northern Highwayapproaches and entry into Port Hedland. Optionsfor implementation include MRWA's RegionalOperational Plan or a Townscape EnhancementPlan. MRWA’s Regional Operational Plan isconsidered the preferred option, as it is an existingprogram.

5.3.7 Opportunities and Constraints

A number of opportunities and constraints thatrequire consideration in the preparation of theStructure Plan have been identified:

Opportunities

• Port Hedland’s lifestyle and community spirit.

• Extensive tidal/sand flats in Pretty Poolprovide scope for major new coastalresidential development subject toEnvironmental Impact Assessment. This maygreatly assist the viability of coastalcommercial activity. This is demonstrated bycurrent proposals for the area, although thereis the potential for development costs to bevery high.

• Use of Pretty Pool as a majorrecreation/tourist node.

• Extensive land on airport periphery for avariety of uses; including SPQ and touristaccommodation, light industry and Councildepots.

• Use of the Spoilbank as a majorrecreation/tourist node, although not forpermanent structures.

• Nature-based and cultural tourism enterprisessuch as Aboriginal culture and heritage tours,turtle watching, diving and fishing.

• Townscape improvements in the Port Hedlandtown centre, including coastal development -Sealanes car park as a community park, andforeshore areas for commercial developmentsuch as restaurants, shops and other touristattractions.

• Industrial tourism.

Constraints

• Tidal storm surge and associated inundation.

• Flooding from cyclonic rainfall run-off.

• Retention and incorporation of buffers formajor industrial activity (in keeping withState Industrial Buffer Policy) and associatedtransport linkages to minimise compromisingthese activities that form the basis of much ofHedland’s economic activity.

• Extensive network of infrastructure active, i.e.railways and roads, static, i.e. pipes andtransmission systems.

• Current road network in theWedgefield/South Hedland area.

• Existing Port Hedland Wastewater TreatmentPlant.

• Old tip site at 4 Mile Creek.

• Limited development potential in PortHedland.

• Noise and dust from industry anddevelopment sites.

• Extensive tidal flats which provide idealbreeding grounds for mosquitos.

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5.4 Structure Plan

5.4.1 Proposed Land Uses

The proposed Structure Plan is shown on Map 12and the various land uses are discussed below:

Residential

Major residential growth areas are indicated atPretty Pool, Koombana and the long-termsoutherly extension of South Hedland.

The dwelling capacity of the Port Hedland localitymay increase as a result of the Water Corporation’sInfill Sewerage Program in the area between theport and the Council offices. This may allow re-subdivision and infill development, with apotential to double housing density. Some olderhousing stock may be completely redeveloped.Spinifex Hill and Cooke Point are virtually fullydeveloped with the major growth for the coastalarea coming from Pretty Pool.

Lot yield for vacant residential land in existingSouth Hedland neighbourhoods and Koombana isbased on nine dwellings/ha whereas for the long-term South Hedland extension, a yield of eightdwellings/ha has been used to allow for public usesites such as schools and drainage works whichare all established in the existing areas. A higherdensity of 12 lots/ha has been applied to the 30haresidential node on the western end of the SouthHedland town centre.

Table 11 shows an indicative housing and nominalpopulation capacity of the proposed residentialareas based on an occupancy rate of three personsper dwelling.

Rural Residential

Potential and existing Rural Residential areas areshown at Turner River, Redbank and the SouthHedland Rural Estate. The Turner River has limitedscope for expansion due to the absence of areticulated water supply.

The Redbank area has limited scope fordevelopment and the area at 12 Mile is the existingDOLA subdivision. This area would be more viableif it had a reticulated water supply and hasconsiderable scope for expansion to the east.

Additional areas have been shown for potentialRural Residential development at the SouthHedland Rural Estate, which likely to meetanticipated demand for this type of developmentfor the foreseeable future. Due to the poor qualityand quantity of water available in and around Portand South Hedland, there is limited potential todevelop Special Rural and Rural land in the area,particularly as private wells are unlikely to besuitable for irrigation. Any estates of this sortwould generally require connection to schemewater supply, which is likely to preclude water-intensive land uses such as horticulture.

Commercial/Town Centre

Town centre uses are shown for expansion mainlyin South Hedland, with limited development likelyin Port Hedland. The South Hedland town centreis nominally 80ha. Approximately 30ha has beenallocated to a Residential/Mixed Use zone. It isimportant that land uses in the Mixed Use area donot conflict with residential areas and they shouldbe limited to office/cottage industry uses. Mostcommercial land needs can be met with theexpansion of the South Hedland town centre.

Residential Precinct Existing Dwelling Potential and Est. Total Dwelling Estimated NominalStock Undeveloped Area(ha) Capacity Population

Port Hedland 400 800 2,400

Spinifex Hill/Cooke Pt 800 900 2,700

Pretty Pool 100 90 1,000 3,000

South Hedland Town Centre Extension 30 350 1,000

South Hedland Neighbourhoods 2,000 80 2,700 8,000

Koombana 800 190 2,500 7,500

South Hedland extension 850 6,800 20,000

TOTAL 4,100 1,240 15,050 44,600

Source: Department for Planning and Infrastructure, 1998

Table 11 - Population Capacity of New Residential Areas


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Additional land for mixed business activities suchas carpet, hardware and furniture salesrooms isshown in Anderson Street, Port Hedland, as anextension of existing service commercial space.The areas shown are close to existing town centresand capable of providing adequate exposure andstreet frontage.

Parks and Recreation

It is anticipated that existing parks and recreationfacilities will be adequate to service the PortHedland area in the short to medium term. Theregional sporting facility in South Hedland and thePCYC are to be upgraded under the South HedlandEnhancement Scheme, to improve access and therange of services and facilities offered.

Further development of Koombana and the area tothe south will create additional land for parks andrecreation through public open space contributionsas part of the detailed planning and developmentprocess for the area.

Area Requiring Further Assessment

An area to the north (180ha) of North CircularRoad has been identified as subject to furtherassessment. This land has been reserved for avariety of purposes, including a regional hospital,road reserves and infrastructure purposes, but isnow somewhat of a “no man's land”. It appears tobe surplus to existing and future needs and couldbe used for civic, cultural or recreational purposesalthough the eastern area may provideopportunities for further subdivision as larger lotrural residential uses for equestrian purposes.Development of the land must occur in the contextof a detailed land use plan.

Industry

An extension of Wedgefield could provide anadditional 100ha of industrial land, however mostof the possible extension are is subject toinundation and is unlikely to be developed. TheTown of Port Hedland is undertaking an IndustrialLand Strategy, which will identify new areas forindustrial development. There is additionalcapacity within airport land to accommodate avariety of land uses, including depots, usesassociated with the airport and short term SPQaccommodation. The location of the airport is suchthat air traffic does not pass over the town.

An area for industry to service the proposedBoodarie Strategic Industrial Estate has beenreserved to the east of Boodarie and south-west ofWedgefield. It is likely that this area will bedeveloped on an as-needed basis, depending onthe industries that locate in the proposed BoodarieEstate. This area could accommodate industrialland uses not compatible with Wedgefield,depending on the outcome of the Town of PortHedland’s Industrial Land Strategy.

Land for strategic industry is shown in theproposed Boodarie Strategic Industrial Estate. It isanticipated that this site will be able toaccommodate large industrial developments suchas downstream processing and mineral resources.

Infrastructure Corridors

A number of strategic infrastructure corridorsappear on the Structure Plan. These includeexisting rail and road corridors plus thoseidentified in the environmental report for theproposed Boodarie Strategic Industrial Estate.

The plan provides for duplication of the 80mNewman and 60m Goldsworthy rail reserves to thesouth and west of the rail interchange. Recentzoning and development proposals have restrictedduplicating the Newman line adjacent to CargillSalt unless land is acquired from Cargill's lease. Itis considered highly unlikely an additional line willbe required to the northern side of the harbourgiven the extent of BHP’s lease. The corridorsdefined in the proposed Boodarie StrategicIndustrial Estate are nominally 150m wide.

It should also be noted that the road network andreserves act as infrastructure corridors, not onlyfor the passage of vehicles, but for the location ofpublic utilities.

Aquaculture

Existing aquaculture leases are shown in the plan.No provision has been made for additional sitesdue to a lack of baseline information on sitesuitability or demand for sites. Suitable sites maybe determined in the Pilbara-wide aquaculture-mariculture study to be co-ordinated by the PDC.

5


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Tourism

The Structure Plan has identified main areas fortourism/recreation development at CemeteryBeach and the Wedge Street foreshore. Thelocation of the sites allows for a coastal focus withpotential for commercial development such asrestaurants and nature-based activities such as amangrove walk, turtle watching and marine-basedrecreation. The Wedge Street foreshore area alsoprovides an ideal vantage point for watching thestream of shipping traffic entering and departingthe port of Port Hedland.

There is also potential in the Port Hedland area forindustrial tourism to take advantage of the majorindustry operations and for Aboriginal tourismwhich highlights the rich culture and heritagevalues of the area.

Transport

Airport

The Port Hedland International Airport has thecapacity to accommodate aircraft up to 737s andhas sufficient space to upgrade its capacity, shouldthe need arise. The path taken by aircraft does notaffect residential areas and the airport is wellplaced to meet future air transport needs. Theremay be a need to develop noise and heightrestrictions from the airport in light ofdevelopment proposals for land surrounding theairport and for possible strategic industry sites inthe proposed Boodarie Strategic Industrial Estate.

Road Network

A ring road is shown around the South Hedlandtownsite, branching off from Hamilton Road. Thisroad is designed to accommodate future growth tothe south of South Hedland and to alleviatevehicular pressure on roads in the town centre.The road also forms the levee for flood protectionfrom South Creek.

The Structure Plan includes a new eastern linkroad from South Hedland to the Great NorthernHighway. The project has been included in theRoads 2020 Regional Road Development Strategy asproject PIL 21. The road provides an alternativeaccess to and from South Hedland which includesimproving accessibility to the recreation area eastof the airport.

A road linking the Great Northern Highway atWedgefield to the Great Northern Highway east ofthe airport is shown on the Structure Plan. Thiswould assist in rationalising the road network andwould also provide greater access to the southernside of the airport, as it is intended that this areabe developed for a variety of commercial uses. Theroad could also serve as a bypass and removeheavy vehicles from the local road network.However, this is not necessarily desirable from thetown’s point of view, as a bypass road may have anegative impact on tourism and short-stayaccommodation. Construction of the bypass roadwould also affect the location of the truck stopopposite the cemetery, which currently serves as aparking and rest area for road trains and otherheavy vehicles. Construction of a bypass road maynot be necessary for a number of years, but it isimportant to keep it as an option and ensure thatthe land is not compromised with ad hocdevelopment.

Grade separation between the Great NorthernHighway and the Goldsworthy rail corridor shouldbe a longer-term priority to remove delaysassociated with rail operations that are expected toincrease over time. Grade separation is notidentified in Roads 2020 but should be aconsideration in future reviews.

Infrastructure

Water Supply

Indications are that no additional majorinfrastructure will be required to support furtherdevelopment in the Port Hedland area.

Sewerage

Expansion of wastewater treatment in the coastalPort Hedland area is expected to be minor.Continued and expanded re-use of treated effluentwill provide an effective disposal strategy.

The current South Hedland Wastewater TreatmentPlant site of 19ha has limited scope for anysignificant increase in the current lagoon treatmenttechnology. Advice from the Water Corporationsuggests alternative disposal technologies will beintroduced to handle the long-term development ofSouth Hedland. This should also improve thequality of the treated effluent for re-use. Long-term


59

effluent disposal is the critical issue. No allocationfor land has been made for additional effluentevaporation ponds in this Study as it is assumedthe re-use will be maximised as part of thegreening program.

Power

A sub-station may be required in the Pretty Poolarea where more than 1,000 new lots areproposed, so land and appropriate buffer zonesshould be allocated in that area.

Education

An additional high school will be required in theSouth Hedland extension area along with at leastfive or six additional primary schools. Thisincludes at least one additional school in theKoombana area in the short term.

5.4.2 Structure Plan Implementation

Outline Development Plans (ODPs) are anessential part of implementing the Structure Planand should be prepared for all areas marked forfuture residential use. While adopting the broadprinciples of the Structure Plan, ODPs take it to afurther level of detail, outlining the road network,public open space, primary schools,neighbourhood shopping centres, public purposesites and other major sites of interest.

The preparation of ODPs for the sites identified inthe Structure Plan is generally the responsibility ofdevelopers and landowners and may include theTown of Port Hedland. However, the Departmentfor Planning and Infrastructure is prepared to offerassistance and guidance.

The area covered by the Structure Plan can bedivided into a number of neighbourhood precincts.ODPs should be prepared in the Pretty Pool andKoombana areas as a matter of priority, then othermajor residential areas as the need arises.

5


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6.1 ImplementationThe Port Hedland Area Planning Study is endorsedby the Western Australian Planning Commission.This level of endorsement guides local strategicand statutory planning and relies significantly onthe provisions and zoning plans of the town’stown planning scheme, and is seen as the mostappropriate implementation mechanism for thisstudy.

6.2 Levels of Implementation and Co-ordination

The majority of the implementation of the Studywill be effected through the Town of PortHedland’s Town Planning Scheme.

At the end of each section a number ofrecommendations are included for implementation.The principal agencies involved in therecommendations are listed, with the lead agencyor agencies indicated in bold lettering.

A regional co-ordinating committee for the Pilbarais proposed to provide effective coordination,prioritisation and implementation ofrecommendations. This committee would also beinvolved with the implementation of the PilbaraLand Use Strategy and the Karratha AreaDevelopment Strategy.

Implementation of specific recommendations willbe the responsibility of agencies identified andsubject to the guidance of the Regional Co-ordinating Committee.

6.3 Other State and Local Government Initiatives

A number of State Government agencies havespecific roles for planning, development andmanagement. This Study recognises the range ofprograms and reflects the many reports andinitiatives by the various government agencies.

Many of the recommendations and implementationmechanisms rely on the involvement of the Townof Port Hedland in co-ordinating further localisedplanning and decisions about land use proposals.

6.4 Associated and Ongoing Studies

Planning issues continually require planningresponses and this Study is part of an interactiveprocess.

The Study has identified the issues and the typeand direction of assessment needed. Otheragencies and the Town of Port Hedland, indeveloping their own planning, strategies andprograms, will need to have regard to the PortHedland Area Planning Study. The followingongoing studies have particular relevance to theoutcome of this Study:

• Environmental study of Port Hedland andPort Expansion Options and BoodarieStrategic Industrial Estate Service CorridorOptions for the Port Hedland Port Authorityand the Department of ResourcesDevelopment

• Guidance Statement for Protection of TropicalArid Zone Mangroves Along the PilbaraCoastline

• The North-West Shelf Marine EnvironmentalManagement study

• DEP Air Quality Management Plans forStrategic Industrial Estates

• Town Planning Scheme No. 5 for the Town ofPort Hedland

6.5 Private Enterprise and Private Involvement

In many aspects there is potential for moreinnovative approaches to involving privateenterprise in implementing the Study. Thecommercial aspirations, if focused on theeconomic benefits of long-term development, canbe beneficial to the Port Hedland area. These mayinclude concentrating of particular developments,such as:

• mining resource development;

• downstream processing;

• urban expansion and associated development;

• tourism and recreation node development;

6

6.0 Implementation


62

• marine-based recreation and nature-basedtourism;

• aquaculture development; and

• infrastructure provision.

6.6 Monitoring and ReviewThe dynamic nature of planning and developmentin the Port Hedland area requires that the Study ismonitored and reviewed. The information gapsand further research needs identified throughoutthe report must be pursued, and the associatedand ongoing studies identified should beincorporated in the Study where appropriate.

It is recommended that the Study be reviewedevery five years to coincide with the Town of PortHedland’s next town planning scheme review.

Recommendations

• Establish a locally based Regional Co-ordinating Committee, as outlined in thePilbara Land Use Strategy, to progressimplementation of the Port Hedland AreaPlanning Study. (WAPC/DPI)

• Prioritise recommendations forimplementation. (Regional Co-ordinatingCommittee)

• Integrate into the Study the relevantoutcomes and recommendations of associatedand ongoing studies as they are finalised.(DPI)



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A

References and Studies Undertaken for the Port Hedland Area

Note: Titles shown in italic are published documents

Study/Project Author Date

• A Background Paper for a State Heavy Dover Consultants, for Department of ResourcesIndustry Policy Development 1995

• A Nature Based Tourism Strategy (Draft) Western Australian Tourism Commission and Department of Conservation and Land Management 1995

• A Representative Marine Reserve System Marine Parks and Reserves Working Group 1994for Western Australia (The Wilson Report)

• A Science and Technology Policy for WA Government 1997Western Australia

• A Strategy Report for the Co-ordination of Tourism Co-ordinates, for Pilbara Developmentthe Pilbara Tourism Industry Commission 1995

• Accommodation Study of the Pilbara Region Pilbara Development Commission 1994

• An Assessment of the Need for Secure Department of Environmental ProtectionLandfill Facilities in the Pilbara (Rust PPK P/L, consultants) 1996

• Australia's Oceans - New Horizons Oceans Commonwealth of Australia 1997Policy Consultation Paper

• BHP DRI Project - Accommodation Study Naralup Associates 1995

• BHP Storm Surge Study Bureau of Meteorology - Special Services Branch 1995

• Boodarie Resource Processing Estate Jim Davies and Associates, for Department ofDrainage and Flood Management Study Resources Development and LandCorp 1995

• Boodarie Resource Processing Estate, Environmental Protection Authority 1997Port Hedland, Bulletin 784

• Conservation Through Reserves Committee Conservation Through Reserves Committee 1974Report to EPA

• Directory of Important Wetlands in Australian Nature Conservation Authority 2001Australia (Third Edition)

• Greater Port Hedland Storm Surge Study Global Environmental Modelling Services (GEMS); for the Town of Port Hedland, Ministry for Planning and Department of Resources Development. 2000

• Guidance Statement for Protection of Environmental Protection Agency 2001Tropical Arid Zone Mangroves Along the Pilbara Coastline

• Identifying Opportunities for Increasing Market Equity, for the Pilbara DevelopmentTourism in the Pilbara Commission 1995

Appendix A


64


• New Horizons in Marine Management (WA Government) 1994

• Ngarda Ngarli Yandu (South Hedland) Aboriginal Affairs Department 1995ATSIC Region - Housing and InfrastructureData

• Pilbara/Gascoyne Islands Ecotourism Tourism Co-ordinates, for the Pilbara DevelopmentManagement Strategy Commission 1995

• Pilbara 21 State Government initiative 1992

• Pilbara Economic Development Strategy Pilbara Development Commission and Department of Commerce and Trade 1996

• Pilbara Economic Perspective Pilbara Development Commission 1996

• Pilbara Land Use Strategy Pilbara Development Commission 1997

• Pilbara Region Water Resources Review Water and Rivers Commission 1996and Development Plan

• Pilbara Regional Profile Pilbara Development Commission 1995

• Pilbara Regional Transport Strategy Department of Transport 1997

• Port Hedland and South Hedland Landvision and Shirley Barnes and Associates, forRecreation Needs Study the South Hedland Enhancement Scheme 1996

• Port Hedland Coastal Plan Department of Planning and Urban Development 1992(Draft - for Public Comment)

• Port Hedland Land Development Program Ministry for Planning 1996 & 1997

• Port Hedland Land Use Survey Ministry for Planning 1997

• Port Hedland Port Authority - Port Strategy Port Hedland Port Authority 1995

• Port Hedland Road - Road Safety Audit Main Roads Western Australia 1996

• Port Hedland Town Planning Scoping Landvision, for the Town of Port Hedland 1996Papers Scheme Review

• Port Hedland Townscape Study Department of Planning and Urban Development 1991

• Port Hedland Water Source Strategy Water Corporation 1996

• Report of the Chief Executive Working WA Government 1995Party on Essential Services to Aboriginal Communities


65

A


• Roads 2020 Regional Road Development Main Roads Western Australia 1997Strategy

• South Hedland Options and Opportunities Landvision, for the South Hedland EnhancementStudy Planning Scheme 1996

• South Hedland Town Centre Development Feilman Planning Consultants, for the Town of PortPlan Hedland 1996

• State Industrial Buffer Policy Western Australian Planning Commission 1997

• State Planning Strategy Western Australian Planning Commission 1997

• The Potential for Horticultural Don McGee, for the Pilbara Development Development in the Pilbara, Western Commission 1993Australia

• The Role of Ports in Western Australia WA Government 1995

• The Way Ahead - Maritime Transport Department of Transport 1995Directions for Western Australia

• Town of Port Hedland - A Social Profile Hedland College Social Research Centre 1996

• Transmission Development Plans 1996-2001 Western Power Corporation 1996

• Upgrade of Dust Management at Environmental Protection Authority Bulletin 831 1996Finucane Is. and Nelson Point,Port Hedland

• When ERPs Aren't Enough - A Discussion Australian Bureau of Statistics Demography of Issues Associated with Service Working Paper 96/4Population Estimation 1996


66

People and Organisations Consulted in the Preparation of the PHAPSand People and Organisations Who Made Submissions on the PHAPSOrganisation Person(s) Consulted

Agriculture Western Australia Wayne Fletcher

Department of CALM Peter Kendrick, Alan Shields, Fran Stanley

Western Power Corporation Roger Petit

Department of Environmental Protection Steve Vellacott, Ray Macini, Ken Rayner, Peter Hoar, Bridgid Todd

Department of Resources Development Ian Briggs, Chris Smith

Port Hedland Port Authority Ian Baird, Graeme Gardner, Ian Hutton

Port Hedland Chamber of Commerce and Industry Perry Heynan, Margaret Hayter, Dominic Pulumbo, Peter Dunning

Fisheries Western Australia Laurie Edwards, Ken O’Reilly

BHP Iron Ore Derek Miller

Town of Port Hedland Tony Ford, Chris Hurtsfield, Michelle McKenzie, Suzanne Brown, Azhar Awang

State Emergency Service Denis Rayner

Landvision Planning Consultants Cam Watts, Trevor Moran

Private Consultant Gino Garbelini

Office of Energy Richard Harris

Pilbara Tourism Association David Kirkland

People and Organisations Who Made Submissions on the Port Hedland Area Planning Study• Le Mer (Joe Rinkens) • Homeswest

• John Smart • Pilbara Development Commission

• Veronica Park • Town of Port Hedland

• Judith Enright (LEAF) • Water Corporation

• Local Environment Affinity Force • Water and Rivers Commission

• Mr Bowen • The Pastoralists and Graziers Assoc.

• Sandra Battersby-Suggett • WJ Wilson

• Port Hedland Port Authority • Warren Jacka

• Department of Resources Development

Appendix B


67

AAD Aboriginal Affairs Department (nowDepartment of Indigenous Affairs)

ABS Australian Bureau of Statistics

AGWA Agriculture Western Australia

AHD Australian Height Datum

ATSIC Aboriginal and Torres Strait IslanderCommission

BHP Broken Hill Proprietary

BOM Bureau of Meteorology

BRM Basic Raw Materials

CALM Department of Conservation and LandManagement

DEP Department of Environmental Protection

DIA Department of Indigenous Affairs(formerly Aboriginal Affairs Deparment)

DIR Department of Industry and Resources

DME Department of Minerals and Energy (nowDepartment of Mineral and PetroleumResources)

DOCAT Department of Commerce and Trade

DOLA Department of Land Administration

DoF Department of Fisheries (formerlyFisheries WA)

DOT Department of Transport (nowDepartment for Planning andInfrastructure)

DPI Department for Planning andInfrastructure

DPUD Department of Planning and UrbanDevelopment (now DPI)

DRD Department of Resources Development(now Department of Industry andResources)

DRI Direct Reduced Iron

EPA Environmental Protection Authority

ERP estimated resident population

FESA Fire and Emergency Services Authority

FWA Fisheries Western Australia (nowDepartment of Fisheries)

GEHA Government Employees HousingAuthority

HBI Hot Briquetted Iron

LDP Land Development Program

MfP Ministry for Planning (now Departmentfor Planning and Infrastructure)

MRWA Main Roads Western Australia

Mt million tonnes

ODP Outline Development Plan

PDC Pilbara Development Commission

PEPL Pilbara Energy Pty Ltd

PH Port Hedland

PHAPS Port Hedland Area Planning Study

PHPA Port Hedland Port Authority

PLUS Pilbara Land Use Strategy

PTA Pilbara Tourism Association

REIWA Real Estate Institute of Western Australia

SHES South Hedland Enhancement Scheme

SPQ single persons' quarters

t tonnes

tpa tonnes per annum

TPH Town of Port Hedland

UCL Unallocated Crown Land

WAPC Western Australian Planning Commission

WATC Western Australian Tourism Commission

WC Water Corporation

WPC Western Power Corporation

WRC Water and Rivers Commission

WTP wastewater treatment plant

A

Appendix C

List of Abbreviations

GREAT

NORTHERN

HIGHWAY

Sabl

e Is

land

Ree

f Isl

and

Cap

e Th

ouin

Int R

eef

Finu

cane

Isla

ndC

ooke

Poi

nt

Larre

y Po

int

Car

tam

inia

Poi

nt

CO

OKE

S H

ILL

Spit

Poin

t

Pois

sonn

ier P

oint

Indi

anO

cean

Isla

ndR

onsa

rdISLA

NDS

FORESTIE

R

Oys

ter

Inle

t

CO

SSIG

NY

HIL

L

PORT

HED

LAND

GR

EAT

NO

RTH

ERN

HIG

HW

AY

NORT

H

HIGHWAY

WEST

COASTA

LIs

land

LEG

END

Roa

d (s

eale

d)

Roa

d (u

nsea

led)

Rai

lway

Dep

uch

Sout

h He

dlan

d

N. T

urtle

Isla

nd

Littl

e Tu

rtle

Isla

nd

Wee

rdee

Isla

nd

Gol

dsw

orth

y

To N

ewm

an

Mun

dabu

llang

ana

Bal

la B

alla

Boo

darie

De

Gre

y

Str

elle

y

Peaw

ah

Turner

Shaw

River

Yule

River

River

River

De

Grey

River

To B

roome

To K

arra

tha

To M

arbl

e Ba

r

SH

IRE

OF

RO

EB

OU

RN

E

SH

IRE

OF

EA

ST

PIL

BA

RA

TO

WN

OF

PO

RT

HE

DLA

ND

600k

m

200k

m

35km

MAR

BLE

BAR

ROAD

N PILB

ARA

MID

-WES

T

GAS

CO

YNE

WH

EATB

ELT

GR

EAT

SOU

THER

NSO

UTH

-WES

T

PEEL

PER

TH

GO

LDFI

ELD

S-ES

PER

ANC

E

KIM

BER

LEY

Ind

ex

to S

tud

y A

rea

Kilo

met

res

100

155

2025

Stru

ctur

e P

lan

Are

a

330k

m

num

erou

s sm

all

lake

s

RAILWAYPORT HEDLAND

Inde

e

Wal

lare

enya

Whi

m C

reek

Bedo

ut Is

land

Stud

y Bo

unda

ry (T

own

of P

ort H

edla

nd)

Loca

l Gov

ernm

ent B

ound

ary

Prod

uced

by

Proj

ect M

appi

ng S

ectio

n,G

eogr

aphi

c &

Plan

ning

Info

rmat

ion

Bran

ch,

Dep

artm

ent f

or P

lann

ing

and

Infra

stru

ctur

e,Pe

rth, W

este

rn A

ustra

lia. J

uly

2002

ntw

-map

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GEOC

ENTR

IC D

ATUM

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A

MT NEWMAN

Topo

grap

hic

and

Loca

l Gov

ernm

ent

Boun

dary

Dat

a su

pplie

d by

Dep

artm

ent

of L

and

Adm

inis

tratio

n, W

.A.


68

Map 1: Study Area

Publ

ic P

ort

Priv

ate

Port

Mar

ine

Plan

ning

Prio

rity

Area

Agric

ultu

ral P

riorit

y M

anag

emen

t Are

a

Envi

ronm

enta

l Prio

rity

Man

agem

ent A

rea

(incl

udin

g C

onse

rvat

ion

Esta

te)

Broo

me

Port

Hedl

and

Karr

atha

Para

burd

oo

New

man

Exm

outh

Telfe

r

LEG

END R

egio

nal A

irpor

t

All W

eath

er A

ir St

rip

Reg

ion

Boun

dary

Petro

leum

Res

ourc

e Pr

ovin

ce

Derb

y

Fitz

roy

Cros

sing

Wat

er C

atch

men

t

Reg

iona

l Cen

tre

Abor

igin

al R

eser

ve

Settl

emen

t

Exis

ting

Stra

tegi

c Fr

eigh

t Roa

d N

etw

ork

/ Pos

sibl

e Ex

tens

ion

Exis

ting

Stra

tegi

c To

uris

t Roa

d N

etw

ork

/ Pos

sibl

e Ex

tens

ion

Stra

tegi

c In

dust

ry P

roce

ssin

g Si

te

Tom

Pric

e

Mar

ble

Bar

Tran

spor

t Gat

eway

& H

ub

KIM

BERL

EY R

EGIO

NEx

pans

ion

of re

gion

al c

entre

s of

ferin

g a

wid

e ra

nge

of s

ervi

ces.

Prot

ectio

n an

d m

anag

emen

t of c

ultu

ral h

erita

ge a

nd w

ilder

ness

are

as.

PILB

ARA

REG

ION

Dev

elop

men

t of i

nten

sive

agr

icul

ture

, tou

rism

and

fish

ing

indu

strie

s.

Wor

ld H

erita

ge a

rea.

GAS

COYN

E RE

GIO

N

Prot

ectio

n an

d m

anag

emen

t of N

inga

loo

Mar

ine

Park

and

Sha

rk B

ay

Prem

ier w

ater

-bas

ed e

nviro

nmen

tal t

ouris

m a

rea.

Dev

elop

men

t of m

iner

als,

agr

icul

tura

l,fis

hing

and

tour

ism

indu

strie

s.

Enab

ling

hous

ing

supp

ly a

nd s

ervi

ce p

rovi

sion

to re

spon

d qu

ickl

y to

re

sour

ce d

evel

opm

ent.

Focu

s on

min

eral

ext

ract

ion,

pet

role

um a

nd n

atur

al g

as p

rodu

ctio

n,

qual

ity o

f life

.do

wns

tream

pro

cess

ing

and

fishi

ng in

dust

ries

whi

le m

aint

aini

ng

expe

rienc

es.

Dev

elop

men

t of t

ouris

m b

ased

on

natu

ral e

nviro

nmen

ts a

nd in

dust

ry

Tran

spor

t inf

rast

ruct

ure

deve

lope

d to

ens

ure

inte

rnat

iona

lly

com

petit

ive

expo

rts.

links

.D

evel

opm

ent o

f stro

ng re

gion

al, n

atio

nal a

nd in

tern

atio

nal t

rans

port

040

2060

kilo

met

res

Exis

ting

Stra

tegi

c C

ombi

ned

Frei

ght a

nd T

ouris

t Roa

d N

etw

ork

Prim

ary

Stra

tegi

c

Indi

an

O

cean

Priv

ate

Rai

lway

/ Pos

sibl

e Ex

tens

ion

N

Stra

tegi

c Fr

eigh

t

Min

eral

s R

esou

rce

Prov

ince

Stud

y Bo

unda

ry (T

own

of P

ort H

edla

nd)

Prod

uced

by

Proj

ect M

appi

ng S

ectio

n,G

eogr

aphi

c &

Plan

ning

Info

rmat

ion

Bran

ch,

Dep

artm

ent f

or P

lann

ing

and

Infra

stru

ctur

e,Pe

rth, W

este

rn A

ustra

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uly

2002

ntw

-map

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GEOC

ENTR

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ATUM

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A


69

Map 2: State Planning Strategy Map

Brea

ker

Inle

t

709

POR

T H

EDLA

ND

BASI

N

710

DE

GR

EY B

ASIN

GO

LDSW

OR

THY

WEL

LFIE

LD

YULE

RIV

ERW

ELLF

IELD

DE

GR

EY R

IVER

WEL

LFIE

LD

Whi

m C

reek

(C

u)

Pip

ping

arra

(M

a)

Lyna

s F

ind

(Au)

Pilg

ango

ora

(Sn,

Ta)

MU

ND

AB

UL

LA

NG

AN

A

BO

OD

AR

IE

IND

EE

ST

RE

LL

EY

DE

GR

EY

CO

ON

GA

N

PA

NO

RA

MA

EG

INB

AH

KA

NG

AN

TA

BB

A T

AB

BA

MA

LL

INA

A

2520

8

A

3457

8

Sabl

e Is

land

Ree

f Isl

and

Cap

e Th

ouin

Int R

eef

Finu

cane

Isla

ndC

ooke

Poi

nt

Larre

y Po

int

Car

tam

inia

Poi

nt

Spit

Poin

t

Pois

sonn

ier P

oint

Isla

ndR

onsa

rd

ISLANDS

FORESTIE

R

Isla

ndD

epuc

h

N. T

urtle

Isla

nd

Littl

e Tu

rtle

Isla

nd

Wee

rdee

Isla

nd

Gol

dsw

orth

y

CO

SSIG

NY

HIL

L

PORT

HED

LAND

Sout

h He

dlan

d

Mun

dabu

llang

ana

Bal

la B

alla

Boo

darie

De

Gre

y

Str

elle

y

CO

OKE

S H

ILL

Indi

anO

cean

Oys

ter

Inle

t

Peaw

ah

Turner

Shaw

River

Yule

River

River

River

Mun

da B

each

�

�Cem

eter

y Be

ach

IND

EE

De

Grey

River

Strelley

River

Pan

oram

a (Z

n, C

u)

C

3142

7

GREAT

NORTHERN

HIGHWAY

NORT

H

HIGHWAY

WEST

COASTA

L

GR

EAT

NO

RTH

ERN

HIG

HW

AYP

t Hed

land

(F

e)

A

3381

1Bedo

ut Is

land

PIP

PIN

GA

RR

A

Pt H

edla

nd (

NaC

l)

SH

IRE

OF

RO

EB

OU

RN

E

SH

IRE

OF

EA

ST

PIL

BA

RA

TO

WN

OF

PO

RT

HE

DLA

ND

Riv

er in

form

atio

n de

rived

from

DO

LA’s

1:30

0000

0 Tr

avel

lers

Atla

s D

ata

Vege

tatio

n D

ata

supp

lied

by A

gric

ultu

re, W

.A.

LEG

END

Sedg

elan

d w

ith T

rees

Bare

Are

as

Pind

an w

ith L

ow T

rees

Shru

b St

eppe

Gra

ss S

tepp

e

Shor

t Gra

ssla

nd

Man

grov

e

Succ

ulen

t Ste

ppe

with

Scr

ub

Woo

dlan

d

Mos

aics

Tree

s &

Shru

b St

eppe

Low

Tre

e St

eppe

Scru

b, A

caci

a

Past

oral

Lea

se

Exis

ting

Wel

lfiel

ds

�Tu

rtle

Nes

ting

Area

s

709

Dra

inag

e Ba

sin

Abor

igin

al R

eser

ve

Ope

ratin

g M

inin

g Le

ase

Pote

ntia

l Min

ing

Leas

e

N

Kilo

met

res

100

155

2025

PILB

ARA

MID

-WES

T

GAS

CO

YNE

WH

EATB

ELT

GR

EAT

SOU

THER

NSO

UTH

-WES

T

PEEL

PER

TH

GO

LDFI

ELD

S-ES

PER

ANC

E

KIM

BER

LEY

Ind

ex

to S

tud

y A

rea

"A" C

lass

Cro

wn

Res

erve

Stud

y Bo

unda

ry (T

own

of P

ort H

edla

nd)

Prod

uced

by

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ect M

appi

ng S

ectio

n,G

eogr

aphi

c &

Plan

ning

Info

rmat

ion

Bran

ch,

Dep

artm

ent f

or P

lann

ing

and

Infra

stru

ctur

e,Pe

rth, W

este

rn A

ustra

lia. J

uly

2002

ntw

-map

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GEOC

ENTR

IC D

ATUM

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A

Topo

grap

hic

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l Gov

ernm

ent

Boun

dary

Dat

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pplie

d by

Dep

artm

ent

of L

and

Adm

inis

tratio

n, W

.A.


70

Map 3: Physical Characteristics, Natural Resources, Vegetation

LEG

END

Kilo

met

res

02

4

N

Cad

astra

l Dat

a su

pplie

d by

Dep

artm

ent

PILB

ARA

MID

-WES

T

GAS

CO

YNE

WH

EATB

ELT

GR

EAT

SOU

THER

NSO

UTH

-WES

T

PEEL

PER

TH

GO

LDFI

ELD

S-ES

PER

ANC

E

KIM

BER

LEY

Ind

ex

to S

tud

y A

rea

of L

and

Adm

inis

tratio

n, W

.A.

Dry

Floo

ded

NB

: Loc

atio

n of

Infr

astr

uctu

re a

ndU

tility

Dat

a is

indi

cativ

e on

ly

PORT

HED

LAND

Sout

h He

dlan

d

Wed

gefie

ld

Finu

cane

Isla

nd

Coo

ke P

oint

Nor

th P

oint

GREAT

NORTHERN

HIGHWAY

GREA

T

NORT

HERN

HIG

HWAY

MT NEWMANRAILWAY

POR

T H

EDLA

ND

RAIL

WAY

GO

LDSW

OR

THY

Stin

g R

ay C

reek

South

East C

reek

South Creek

Salmon Creek

West

Creek

Indi

an

Oce

anPr

oduc

ed b

y Pr

ojec

t Map

ping

Sec

tion,

Geo

grap

hic

& Pl

anni

ng In

form

atio

n Br

anch

,D

epar

tmen

t for

Pla

nnin

g an

d In

frast

ruct

ure,

Perth

, Wes

tern

Aus

tralia

. Jul

y 20

02

ntw

-map

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GEOC

ENTR

IC D

ATUM

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A

PORTHEDLAND

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urge

info

rmat

ion

deriv

ed fr

om

data

sup

plie

d by

Glo

bal E

nviro

nmen

tal

Mod

ellin

g Sy

stem

s.


71

Map 4: Combined Storm Surge and Flood Map (1 in 100 year return period)

Indi

anO

cean

num

erou

s sm

all l

akes

GREAT

NORTHERN

HIGHWAY

RAILWAY

GR

EAT

NO

RTH

ERN

HIG

HW

AY

NORT

H

HIGHWAY

WEST

COASTA

L

Sabl

e Is

land

Ree

f Isl

and

Cap

e Th

ouin

Int R

eef

Finu

cane

Isla

ndC

ooke

Poi

nt

Larre

y Po

int

Car

tam

inia

Poi

nt

CO

OKE

S H

ILL

Spit

Poin

t

Pois

sonn

ier P

oint

Isla

ndR

onsa

rd

ISLANDS

FORESTIE

RC

OSS

IGN

Y H

ILL

PORT

HED

LAND

Isla

ndD

epuc

h

N. T

urtle

Isla

nd

Littl

e Tu

rtle

Isla

nd

Wee

rdee

Isla

nd

Gol

dsw

orth

y

Bal

la B

alla

Boo

darie

De

Gre

y

Str

elle

y

Peaw

ah

Turner

Shaw

River

YuleRiver

River

River

Strelley

River

River

Grey

De

MU

ND

AB

UL

LA

NG

AN

A

BO

OD

AR

IE

IND

EE

ST

RE

LL

EY

DE

GR

EY

CO

ON

GA

N

PA

NO

RA

MA

EG

INB

AH

KA

NG

AN

TA

BB

A T

AB

BA

MA

LL

INA

MAR

BLE

BAR

ROAD

Land

Ow

ners

hip

Mun

dabu

llang

ana

Refe

r Map

6

PORT HEDLAND

PIP

PIN

GA

RR

A

SH

IRE

OF

RO

EB

OU

RN

E

SH

IRE

OF

EA

ST

PIL

BA

RA

TO

WN

OF

PO

RT

HE

DLA

ND

LEG

END

Cro

wn

Res

erve

Cro

wn

Leas

e

Priv

ate

Free

hold

Lan

d

Kilo

met

res

100

155

2025

Roa

d (s

eale

d)

Roa

d (u

nsea

led)

Rai

lway

Lin

e

Com

mon

wea

lth G

over

nmen

t

PILB

ARA

MID

-WES

T

GAS

CO

YNE

WH

EATB

ELT

GR

EAT

SOU

THER

NSO

UTH

-WES

T

PEEL

PER

TH

GO

LDFI

ELD

S-ES

PER

ANC

E

KIM

BER

LEY

Ind

ex

to S

tud

y A

rea

N

NB:

Thi

s in

form

atio

n ha

s be

en d

eriv

ed fr

om D

PI’s

sim

plifi

ed v

ersi

on o

f DO

LA’s

Spa

tial C

adas

tral

Dat

abas

e, a

nd is

indi

cativ

e on

ly.

Stud

y Bo

unda

ry (T

own

of P

ort H

edla

nd)

Loca

l Gov

ernm

ent B

ound

ary

Una

lloca

ted

Cro

wn

Land

Prod

uced

by

Proj

ect M

appi

ng S

ectio

n,G

eogr

aphi

c &

Plan

ning

Info

rmat

ion

Bran

ch,

Dep

artm

ent f

or P

lann

ing

and

Infra

stru

ctur

e,Pe

rth, W

este

rn A

ustra

lia. J

uly

2002

ntw

-map

11\ \

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GEOC

ENTR

IC D

ATUM

OF

AUST

RALI

A

MT NEWMAN

Topo

grap

hic

and

Loca

l Gov

ernm

ent

Boun

dary

Dat

a su

pplie

d by

Dep

artm

ent

of L

and

Adm

inis

tratio

n, W

.A.


72

Map 5: Land Ownership (region)

Dow

nes

Isla

nd

Oys

ter P

oint

Finu

cane

Isla

ndPO

RT H

EDLA

NDC

ooke

Poi

nt

Sout

h He

dlan

d

Oys

ter

Inle

t

Stin

g R

ay C

reek

South

East C

reek

Wed

gefie

ld

GREAT

NORTHERN

HIGHWAY

GREA

TNO

RTHE

RN

HIG

HWAY

HEDLAND

RAIL

WAY

GO

LDSW

OR

THY

PO

RT

HE

DL

AN

D P

OR

T A

UT

HO

RIT

Y

MT NEWMAN

West

Creek

Nor

th P

oint

SouthWestCreek

Beebingarra

Cree

k

POR

T H

EDLA

ND

PORT

HED

LAND

RAI

LWAY

SHAY

GAP

Po

rt H

ed

lan

dA

irpo

rt

Indi

an

Oce

an

SouthCreek

BH

P L

EA

SE

CA

RG

ILL

SA

LT

LE

AS

E

PILB

ARA

MID

-WES

T

GAS

CO

YNE

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EATB

ELT

GR

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THER

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UTH

-WES

T

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PER

TH

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ELD

S-ES

PER

ANC

E

KIM

BER

LEY

Ind

ex

to S

tud

y A

rea

Kilo

met

res

02

4

LEG

END

Cro

wn

Res

erve

Priv

ate

Free

hold

Lan

d

Com

mon

wea

lth G

over

nmen

t

Rai

lway

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e G

over

nmen

t

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l Gov

ernm

ent

Roa

dN

NB:

Thi

s in

form

atio

n ha

s be

en d

eriv

ed fr

om D

PI’s

sim

plifi

ed v

ersi

on o

f DO

LA’s

Spa

tial C

adas

tral

Dat

abas

e, a

nd is

indi

cativ

e on

ly

Past

oral

Lea

se

Spec

ial I

ndus

try L

ease

Car

gill

Salt

Leas

e

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lloca

ted

Cro

wn

Land

Port

Hed

land

Por

t Aut

horit

yLe

ase

and

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dary

ntw

-map

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uced

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aphi

c &

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ning

Info

rmat

ion

Bran

ch,

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artm

ent f

or P

lann

ing

and

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stru

ctur

e,Pe

rth, W

este

rn A

ustra

lia. J

uly

2002

SalmonCreek

GEOC

ENTR

IC D

ATUM

OF

AUST

RALI

A

RAILWAYPORT


73

Map 6: Land Ownership (structure plan area)

Indi

anO

cean

GREAT

NORTHERN

HIGHWAY

GR

EAT

NO

RTH

ERN

HIG

HW

AY

NORT

H

HIGHWAY

WEST

COASTA

L

Sabl

e Is

land

Ree

f Isl

and

Cap

e Th

ouin

Int R

eef

Finu

cane

Isla

ndC

ooke

Poi

nt

Larre

y Po

int

Car

tam

inia

Poi

nt

CO

OKE

S H

ILL

Spit

Poin

t

Pois

sonn

ier P

oint

Isla

ndR

onsa

rd

ISLANDS

FORESTIE

RC

OSS

IGN

Y H

ILL

PORT

HED

LAND

Isla

ndD

epuc

h

Sout

h He

dlan

d

N. T

urtle

Isla

nd

Littl

e Tu

rtle

Isla

nd

Wee

rdee

Isla

nd

Gol

dsw

orth

y

Mun

dabu

llang

ana

Bal

la B

alla

Boo

darie

De

Gre

y

Str

elle

yG

OLD

SWO

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YW

ELLF

IELD

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RIV

ERW

ELLF

IELD

DE

GR

EY R

IVER

WEL

LFIE

LD

Peawah

Turner

Shaw

River

YuleRiver

River

River

Strelley

River

De

Grey

River

Whi

m C

reek

(C

u)

Pip

ping

arra

(M

a)

Lyna

s F

ind

(Au)

Pilg

ango

ora

(Sn,

Ta)

Pan

oram

a (Z

n, C

u)

MAR

BLE

BAR

ROAD

RAILWAYPORT HEDLAND

Deve

lopm

ent

Infra

stru

ctur

e an

d In

dust

rial

Exis

ting

and

Prop

osed

Refe

r Map

10

SH

IRE

OF

RO

EB

OU

RN

E

SH

IRE

OF

EA

ST

PIL

BA

RA

TO

WN

OF

PO

RT

HE

DLA

ND

LEG

END

Roa

d (s

eale

d)

Rai

lway

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smis

sion

Lin

e

Wat

er P

ipel

ine

Ship

ping

Cha

nnel

Kilo

met

res

100

155

2025

✦

Smal

l Min

ing

Leas

e

Wat

er S

uppl

y W

ellfi

eld

Exis

ting

Min

e

Prop

osed

Min

e

Gas

Pip

elin

e

PILB

ARA

MID

-WES

T

GAS

CO

YNE

WH

EATB

ELT

GR

EAT

SOU

THER

NSO

UTH

-WES

T

PEEL

PER

TH

GO

LDFI

ELD

S-ES

PER

ANC

E

KIM

BER

LEY

Ind

ex

to S

tud

y A

rea

by D

epar

tmen

t of L

and

Adm

inis

tratio

n W

A

N

Roa

d (u

nsea

led)

Stud

y Bo

unda

ry (T

own

of P

ort H

edla

nd)

Loca

l Gov

ernm

ent B

ound

ary

Car

gill

Salt

Leas

e

Prod

uced

by

Proj

ect M

appi

ng S

ectio

n,G

eogr

aphi

c &

Plan

ning

Info

rmat

ion

Bran

ch,

Dep

artm

ent f

or P

lann

ing

and

Infra

stru

ctur

e,Pe

rth, W

este

rn A

ustra

lia. J

uly

2002

Loca

l Gov

ernm

ent B

ound

ary

Dat

a su

pplie

d

ntw

-map

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GEOC

ENTR

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ATUM

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AUST

RALI

A

✦✦

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✦

✦

MT NEWMAN

Topo

grap

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and

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l Gov

ernm

ent

Boun

dary

Dat

a su

pplie

d by

Dep

artm

ent

of L

and

Adm

inis

tratio

n, W

.A.


74

Map 7: Basic Raw Materials, Infrastructure and Industrial Development


75

✦✦

✦

✦

✦

✦

✦

✦✦

A 34578

SHIRE OF EAST PILBARA

SHIRE OF ROEBOURNE

(private)

HIGHWAY

RAILW

AY

NORTH

HIGH

WAY

WEST

COASTAL

Indian Ocean

Sable Island

Forestier Bay

IslandRonsard

ISLANDS

EastIsland

Cape CossignyReef Island

COSSIGNY HILL

Cape Thouin Int Reef Weerdee Island

Finucane IslandCooke Point

Larrey Point BreakerInlet

Cartaminia Point

COOKES HILL

FORESTIER

Spit Point

Poissonnier Point

Depuch

Depuch

IslandAnchorage

SandyIsland

Island

Little Turtle Island

Goldsworthy

YULE RIVERWELLFIELD

Peawah

Turner

Shaw

River

Yule

River

River

River

Boodarie

Balla Balla

Strelley

De Grey

Strelley

River

River

N.Turtle Island

To Karratha

To Newman

To Marble Bar

To Broome

PORT HEDLAND

YULE RIVERWELLFIELD

GOLDSWORTHYWELLFIELD

YULE RIVERWELLFIELD

DE GREY RIVERWELLFIELD

MUNDABULLANGANA

BOODARIE

INDEE

STRELLEY

DE GREY

COONGAN

PANORAMA

EGINBAH

KANGAN

TABBA TABBA

MALLINA

❋

❋

❋

South Hedland

POR

T HED

LAND

TOWN OF PORT HEDLAND

NO

RTH

ERN

GREAT

PORT HEDLAND

RAILWAY

GOLDSWORTHY

MARBLE BAR

ROAD

Mundabullangana

❋

De Grey

Refer Map 12

Structure Plan Study Area

A 33811

Bedout Island

PIPPINGARRA

INDEE

Cadastral Data supplied by Department

LEGENDCrown Reserve

Private Freehold Land

Recreation

Public Utilities

Mining and Quarrying

Aboriginal Community

Water Pipeline

Transmission Line

Main Road

Railway

Kilometres

0 5 10 15

Existing Conservation

Further Environmental

Roads to be Upgraded

Wellfield

Wellfield Extension

Possible Dam Site

Subject to Inundation

Small Mining Lease

Horticulture

Stock Route

Possible Conservation/Tourist Node

Pastoral

Study Required

Settlementof Land Administration, W.A.

N

PILBARA

MID-WEST

GASCOYNE

WHEATBELT

GREAT SOUTHERNSOUTH-WEST

PEELPERTH

GOLDFIELDS-ESPERANCE

KIMBERLEY

Index to Study Area

Proposed Water Reserve

✦

✤

❋

Groundwater Reserve

Proposed Consolidated InfrastructureCorridor (including existing gas pipeline)

Pastoral Lease

Study Boundary (Town of Port Hedland)

Local Government Boundary

Unallocated Crown Land

Cargill Salt Lease

GEOCENTRIC DATUM OF AUSTRALIA

✤

ntw-map11\ \strat_plan\strat_pol\reg_plan\phaps\fpub02\phapsf02_map8.dgn

Produced by Project Mapping Section,Geographic & Planning Information Branch,Department for Planning and Infrastructure,Perth, Western Australia. July 2002

MT N

EWM

AN

Topographic and Local GovernmentBoundary Data supplied by Departmentof Land Administration, W.A.

Map 8: Sub-Regional Land Use


76

GAS POWER STATION BUFFER SPECIAL CONTROL AREA

BOODARIE INDUSTRIAL BUFFER SPECIAL CONTROL AREA

INFRASTRUCTURE SPECIAL CONTROL AREA

INFRASTRUCTURESPECIAL CONTROL AREA

INFRASTRUCTURESPECIAL CONTROL

AREA



WASTE WATER TREATMENT PLANTBUFFER SPECIAL CONTROL AREA

Cooke Point

Downes Island

Finucane Island

North Point

PORT HEDLAND

Wedgefield

South Hedland

GREAT

NORTHERN

HIGHWAY

MT

NEW

MAN

RAIL

WAY

PORT HEDLAND RAILWAYGOLDSWORTHY

GRE

AT

NORT

HERN

HIG

HWAY

Port HedlandAirport

Roads

State and Regional

District

ZONESResidential

Residential

Town Centre

Commercial

Commercial

Tourism

Mixed Business

Industrial

Industry

Open Space

Industrial Development

Rural

Rural

Rural-Residential

Community

Community

Conservation Recreationand Natural Landscapes

RESERVATIONS

Urban Development

Parks and Recreation

Public Purposes

Strategic Industry

Other Public Purposes

Airport

Special Control Areas

Town Planning Scheme and Cadastral Data

Transient WorkforceAccommodationBoundary of R CodeDensity Designation

supplied by Landvision. Detail has beensimplified for Mapping purposes.

PILBARA

MID-WEST

GASCOYNE

WHEATBELT


PEELPERTH


KIMBERLEY

Index to Study Area




Indian Ocean

PORT

HEDL

AND

Kilometres

0 2.52.01.51.00.5

N

Map 9: Town of Port Hedland Town Planning Scheme No. 5

Nominal Drainage Reserve

Pro

pose

d B

ooda

rieR

esou

rce

Pro

cess

ing

Est

ate

PE

PL

Pow

erS

tatio

n

Pro

pose

d B

ooda

rie B

uffe

r Z

one

Bou

ndar

y

HBI Buffer Zone (5000m)

PE

PL

Buf

fer

Zone

(400

0m)

Po

rt H

ed

lan

dA

irpo

rt

Dec

omm

issi

oned

BH

P H

BI P

lant

and

Sup

port

Are

a

✦

✦

✦

✦PO

RT H

EDLA

ND

Sout

h He

dlan

d

Oys

ter

Inle

t

�

�

�

�

❖

❖

✭

❖

�

�

Wed

gefie

ld

Finu

cane

Isla

nd

Coo

ke P

oint

Stin

g R

ay C

reek

South

East C

reek

South Creek

Salmon Creek

GREATNORTHERN

HIGHWAY

GREA

T

NORT

HERN

HIG

HWAY

POR

T H

EDLA

ND

RAIL

WAY

GO

LDSW

OR

THY

West

Creek

Nor

th P

oint

��

❋

❖

�

��

�

�

✭

LEG

END

Rai

lway

Tran

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sion

Lin

e

Gas

Pip

elin

e

Wat

er P

ipel

ine

Ship

ping

Cha

nnel

Roa

d (s

eale

d)

Wat

er T

ank

Sub-

Stat

ion

Wat

er T

ower

Buffe

r Zon

e

�

�

�

❋❖�W

aste

wat

er T

reat

men

t Pla

nt

✦

Smal

l Min

ing

Leas

e

Port

Auth

ority

Bou

ndar

y

Airp

ort

Exis

ting

Dev

elop

men

t

Prop

osed

Dev

elop

men

t

Dra

inag

e Su

mp

Futu

re S

ub-S

tatio

n

✭Po

wer

Sta

tion

Kilo

met

res

02

4

N

PILB

ARA

MID

-WES

T

GAS

CO

YNE

WH

EATB

ELT

GR

EAT

SOU

THER

NSO

UTH

-WES

T

PEEL

PER

TH

GO

LDFI

ELD

S-ES

PER

ANC

E

KIM

BER

LEY

Ind

ex

to S

tud

y A

rea

Util

ity D

ata

is in

dica

tive

only

NB

: Loc

atio

n of

Infr

astr

uctu

re a

nd

Salt

Evap

orat

or P

onds

Infra

stru

ctur

e C

orrid

or

Poss

ible

Infra

stru

ctur

e C

orrid

or

1 in

100

Yea

rs F

lood

Are

a/In

dust

ry P

oten

tial

GEOC

ENTR

IC D

ATUM

OF

AUST

RALI

A

Prod

uced

by

Proj

ect M

appi

ng S

ectio

n,G

eogr

aphi

c &

Plan

ning

Info

rmat

ion

Bran

ch,

Dep

artm

ent f

or P

lann

ing

and

Infra

stru

ctur

e,Pe

rth, W

este

rn A

ustra

lia. J

uly

2002

ntw

-map

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HEDLAND

PORT

MT NEWMANRAILWAY

evap

orat

ion

pond

s

Da

mp

ier S

alt

Lea

se

stoc

kpile

Topo

grap

hic

and

Loca

l Gov

ernm

ent

Boun

dary

Dat

a su

pplie

d by

Dep

artm

ent

of L

and

Adm

inis

tratio

n, W

.A.

Indi

anO

cean

Ser

vice

sS

uppo

rt


77

Map 10: Existing and Proposed Infrastructure and Industrial Development

Finucane Island

Cooke Point

OceanIndian

PORT HEDLAND

South Hedland

Wedgefield

South Creek

South East Creek

Sting Ray Creek

SHAY GAP

PORT HEDLAND

RAILWAY

WILSON

STREET

PORT HEDLAND AIRPORT

PS

PS

PS

PS

PS

PS

HS

H

PS

T

�

�

T

PS

Cem

��

��

��

WILS

ON

STREE

T

�

�

PILBARA

MID-WEST

GASCOYNE

WHEATBELT


PEELPERTH


KIMBERLEY

Index to Study Area

LEGEND

Kilometres

0 10.5 1.5

�

N

Cadastral Data supplied by Department

Railway Line

Community Use

Public Use

Commercial

PS

HS

T

Primary School

High School

TAFE

Cem Cemetery

Road


Short - Stay Accommodation



H Hospital

of Land Administration, W.A.


78

Map 11: Commercial and Community Sites


79

Sting Ray Creek

South East Creek

South Creek

Salm

on C

reek

West

Creek

South

West

Creek

South

West C

reek

�

�

�

Port HedlandAirport

Wedgefield

BHP Lease

PEPLPOWERSTATION

stockpile

Dampier Salt Lease

PORT HEDLAND

WP

PSWSD

WSD

WSD

WSD

WP

WP

WSD

WSD

WSD

WSD

WP

PS

PS

PS

PS

PS

CHS

H

CEM

C

Proposed Boodarie Buffer Zone Boundary

Downes Island

Finucane Island Cooke Point

PS

Associated Usesto be Determined

North Point

South Hedland

PEPL Buffer Zon 4 00)

HB

I Buffer Z

one (5000)

Indian Ocean

Sout

hC

reek

Turner RiverWater Reserve

BHP HBI PLANT

PROPOSED BOODARIESTRATEGIC INDUSTRIAL

ESTATETown Centre

Kilometres

0 2.52.01.51.00.5

Existing Urban

Proposed Urban

Existing Industry

Proposed Industry

Public Purpose

Tourism

Aboriginal Community

Infrastructure Corridor

Buffer Zone

River

Existing Road

Proposed Road

�

�

LEGEND

Further Assessment Required

Civic, Recreation, and Conservation

Port Boundary

Airport

Turtle Nesting

Salt Evaporator Ponds

Existing Aquaculture

Possible Infrastructure Corridor

N

Cadastral Data supplied by Departmentof Land Administration, W.A.

Water Reserve

WSD

Cem

WP

PS

HS

C

Primary School

High School

Cemetery

Water Pipeline

Transmission Line

Gas Pipeline

PILBARA

MID-WEST

GASCOYNE

WHEATBELT


PEELPERTH


KIMBERLEY

Index to Study Area

Western Power

Water, Sewerage, and Drainage

Community

Boundary positions are indicative only.

Schematic Structure Plan Detail derived

1 in 100 years Flood Area/Industry Potential

evaporationponds

Future uses in PHPA Lease Areato be for Port and related Industry

PORT HEDLAND PORT AUTHORITY

0(e

SupportIndustry




H Hospital

Rural-Residential

Potential Rural-Residential

from data supplied by Landvision Pty. Ltd.

Map 12: Port Hedland Structure Plan

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