Pilbara MP states marina support in face of PPA opposition

Pilbara MP Brendon Grylls has reaffirmed his support for Hedland’s Spoilbank marina in the wake of the Pilbara Ports Authority’s recent criticism of the development.

As operator of the world’s largest bulk export port, the PPA announced in February it did not support a marina on the western bank of the Spoilbank because it was concerned large iron ore carriers might collide with small boats.

However, Mr Grylls said he took heart from Premier Colin Barnett’s recent public comments.

“(The Premier) suggested he was still supportive of doing the marina (and) that some of the concerns put forward by the ports author- ity … could be managed, ” he said.

“It is industry that has grown rapidly over recent times, not the recreational boaters.

“For industry to now think that recreational boaters should leave and make way for industry is … offensive and doesn’t have my support.”

Mr Grylls said a Spoilbank marina would improve safety by taking recreational boats away from the main shipping channel.

See next week’s Telegraph for Mr Grylls’ exclusive response to the Health Department’s recent health risk assessment report into dust exposure in Port Hedland.