Port Hedland Spinifex Main Duplication

What’s happening?

To help cater for the growing community, we are planning to replace and duplicate 1.3 km of water pipeline in Port Hedland.

The pipeline will be constructed between the Port Hedland water tanks on Wilson Street and the tank at Koombana Lookout. This is part of our plan to ensure a safe and reliable water supply for the Port Hedland community. 

Why is this being proposed?

The existing pipeline is old and needs replacing.

The replacement of the pipeline is essential to prevent future leaks and breaks and will help improve the security and reliability of the water supply of Port Hedland for decades to come.

Duplication of the pipeline will assist to improve reliability by providing a backup if one main needs to be taken offline for maintenance or repairs.

Where is this happening?

The new pipelines will run from the existing Port Hedland water tanks on Wilson Street and connect to the existing water tank at Koombana Lookout, next to the Town of Port Hedland Administration building.

Please refer to the project map for the location of the pipeline.

The new pipelines will be constructed through the Port Hedland Turf Club. Timeframes are being planned in consultation with the Town of Port Hedland and Port Hedland Turf Club to ensure construction does not impact the race season. 

When is this taking place?

Construction is planned to commence mid 2026 and is estimated to take 6 months to complete. 

How will this impact the community?

Construction impacts

The majority of the pipeline will be constructed by excavating a trench, laying sections of pipe, then covering and restoring the ground above. During construction you may notice some increased noise, vibration, dust, and construction vehicles on site.  

Traffic management

Our authorised contractor encountered unforeseen safety issues with the micro-tunnelling methodology originally planned for the installation of the pipeline at the McGregor Street intersection. 
As a result, and to ensure the safety of all road users, a section of McGregor Street will be temporarily closed outside the Civic Centre for approximately 4-5 weeks from Thursday September 24. During this time:

• A traffic detour will be in place along Cooke Point Drive and Wilson Street. A map of the work area and detour is available below. 
• While the detour remains in place, a temporary 60km/hour speed limit will be implemented for both Cooke Point Drive and Wilson Street to help ensure the safety of road users.
• Access to the Civic Centre car park and associated facilities will remain available via the western end of McGregor Street.
• The footpath in front of the Civic Centre will be closed. Pedestrians will be detoured around the work area with signage.
• Bus services will continue to operate via a temporary detour during the works.
• Bus stops 73555 and 73556 outside the Civic Centre will be unavailable. Alternative bus stop locations are available within approx. 200m of the Civic Centre and are listed on the Public Transport Authority's Transregional website.
• Access to the dog park, tennis courts, hockey and RV facilities will remain available via the western end of McGregor Street.
• We ask members of the public to use the official detour route and avoid accessing the unsealed road unless travelling to local facilities.