Hedland Maritime Initiative is collaborating with stakeholders to develop the proposed Pilbara Training College for development of the town’s Maritime Precinct, as the Port Hedland Voluntary Buy–back Scheme enters its final year. 

After two years of the three-year scheme, owners of 80 per cent of the eligible properties are involved at some point in the PHVBS process.  

At the 5 December, of the estimated 404 eligible properties, 177 have been acquired and:  

  • 70 per cent had been or were being valued 
  • 48 per cent had been sold or were settling to HMI 
  • Owners of 273 properties had received their offer letter. 

Owners of less than one per cent of eligible properties have declined an offer and less than five per cent are delaying participation until further indexation is applied.  

HMI Managing Director Karlene Bylund said that with the PHVBS closing in a little over 12 months, “we expect it to be a very busy 2023 and I encourage owners to request their valuations well in advance to avoid delays”. 

Karlene said discussions were advanced for the next use of several properties, including for short-stay and student accommodation, a maritime museum concept to complement the current historic locations and displays that celebrate Port Hedland and its history, and the proposed Pilbara Training College.  

“HMI is collaborating with stakeholders  to develop the proposed Pilbara Training College as an iconic, cornerstone development within the Education and Training sub-precinct of the Maritime Precinct,” Karlene said. 

“The vision for the Pilbara Training College is to provide an educational centre of excellence supporting continued education across the maritime, resources and logistics industries, a ‘pit-to-port’ training solution. 

“While plans progress for the Pilbara Training College, an interim marine simulation centre has been fitted out, with operations to commence in early 2023. 

“This is a first of its kind facility in the Pilbara for essential training for marine pilots, tug crews and other marine professions, and I’m pleased to say HMI has provided three short-stay units to support the simulator training operation..”  

HMI‘s website features an interactive map which highlights the Maritime Precinct sub-precincts and proposed projects as they progress.   

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