Two years ago, Hedland Maritime Initiative (HMI) was born out of an exciting opportunity to create a maritime precinct for Port Hedland that would see commercial, leisure, tourist, cultural, training, educational and other land uses with maritime links. …and this year the project gained real momentum.

“In 2022, Hedland Maritime Initiative continued its momentum with further engagement with local businesses and stakeholders” said Managing Director Karlene Bylund.

It was a busy start to the year, and by February HMI had already acquired 113 properties as part of the Port Hedland Voluntary Buy-Back Scheme. This set the tone for the rest of the year, and by November a further 61 properties had been acquired.

“In November, owners of 48% of eligible properties had accepted the offer,” Karlene said.

Plans for these properties progressed this year, with exciting developments transpiring. HMI is also partnering with others to redevelop underutilised areas within the Maritime Precinct, such as the development of 3 Richardson Street – the new location for the Seafarer’s Centre.

“3 Richardson Street reveals the new location for the Seafarers to enjoy shore leave with excellent access to local, retail, and services in the future,” Karlene said.

Building a sustainable, local workforce to support the resources and maritime industries, including marine professionals is an important part of the maritime precinct development.

“A new agreement between North Regional TAFE and Pilbara Ports Authority saw marine simulation equipment relocated from Broome to Port Hedland to be used for the essential training of marine pilots, tug crews and other marine professionals,” Karlene said.

The interim facility will train and help build a local workforce of marine professionals while the proposed Pilbara Training College fully develops.

As the project has developed and grown, so has the HMI team, with two new hires this year.

Earlier this year we welcomed Samantha Young as our wedge street-based Receptionist, and in July Pooja Dave joined us as HMI’s Commercial Officer.

We also celebrated Victoria Shorter’s one year anniversary with HMI.

“As our Stakeholder Engagement and Communications Advisor, Victoria has been instrumental in our engagement with a range of stakeholders and brings a wealth of local knowledge to our Port Hedland office,” Karlene said.

In 2022 we got the wheels in motion with many development plans progressing. Now it’s full steam ahead and ready to drive it home in 2023.

One Year Left: Port Hedland Voluntary Buy-Back Scheme

The PHVBS is expected to be open until 31 December 2023.

The valuation stage can take several weeks depending on the volume of requests. HMI recommends that owners don’t leave requesting a valuation until the last minute and talk to us well in advance of the scheme closing, to avoid delays if they choose to sell.