PILBARA REGIONAL PROFILE

Pilbara Roadmap 2011 – 2016

Part 2

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Contents

1. BACKGROUND ...... 4 What is Regional Development Australia? ...... 4 About Regional Development Australia - Pilbara (RDAP) ...... 4 2. RDAP: THE COMMITTEE ...... 5 3. ABOUT THE PILBARA ROADMAP...... 7 4. THE PILBARA REGION – AN OVERVIEW ...... 8 Location and Population: ...... 8 Economy: ...... 8 5. THE PILBARA REGIONAL ECONOMY ...... 11 Employment Levels by Industry ...... 12 6. THE PILBARA REGIONAL SOCIAL PROFILE ...... 13 Education institutions ...... 13 Early Childhood Services ...... 13 7. THE PILBARA REGIONAL ENVIRONMENT ...... 14 8. REGIONAL ISSUES ANDCHALLENGES ...... 15 Land Availability ...... 15 Accommodation...... 16 Health ...... 16 Education ...... 17 Social ...... 17 Cultural Tourism & Economic Development ...... 18 Sport & Recreation ...... 18 Environment ...... 18 Essential Infrastructure ...... 19 Utilities ...... 19 Transport ...... 19 Communication...... 20

1. BACKGROUND

What is Regional Development Australia? Regional Development Australia is an Australian Government initiative bringing together a national network consisting of 55 committees, designed to strengthen regional communities through a partnership between Australian, State, Territory and Local Governments.

The committees comprise local leaders who volunteer their time to work with government, business and community groups to deliver better services to their regions by identifying and addressing the economic, social and environmental issues affecting them.

About Regional Development Australia - Pilbara (RDAP) RDAP is a non-profit community based organisation formed as part of the Federal Government’s Regional Development Australia initiative.

As an incorporated body in accordance with the Associations Incorporations Act 1987 we receive our core funding from the Australian Government. To support our operations, RDAP has a memorandum of understanding between the Commonwealth and Western Australian government.

It is a requirement by the Australian Government under RDAP’s funding agreement to produce documentation summarising the economic, social, environmental and other significant aspects of the region in order to assist in the determination of priorities and how RDAP will address each. RDAP has met this requirement through development of a package of informative documents, the Pilbara Roadmap.

2. RDAP: THE COMMITTEE

Selected for their leadership and dedication to the community the RDA Pilbara Committee consists of 7 strong voices from the Pilbara Region:

Collene Longmore Chairperson

Kelly Howlett Deputy Chair

Veronica Crispulo Olegario Kelvin Portland Annette Eyre Stan Martin Rodenberg Committee Member Committee Member Committee Member Committee Member Committee Member

Figure 1: RDAP Committee members

Collene Longmore actively involved in the local community, through various service and sporting groups. In 2009, Kelly Collene is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the was elected as the Mayor of the Town of Port Shire of Roebourne and was previously the CEO of Hedland. As the second female and youngest ever the Pilbara Area Consultative Committee (now Mayor of the Town, Kelly has enabled the RDAP). development of a thorough understanding of the needs and day-to-day issues facing the people of Collene has been a resident in the Pilbara since the Pilbara. 1995, residing in South Hedland for several years and Karratha since 2001. Collene is passionate Kelly is the founder of the local Care for Hedland about the development of the Pilbara as a viable Environmental Association which through on- and sustainable region. Collene is also committed ground conservation and town pride efforts, as to social justice issues and worked pro-bono as a well as ongoing dialogue with various migration agent for several years and has enjoyed stakeholders, has seen the Association become an a relationship with many community effective and successful vehicle by which natural organisations; including the Hedland Women’s and social environmental issues can be raised and Refuge Inc, Regional Domestic Violence Council, worked through in a positive and constructive Pilbara Advisory Forum on Disabilities and manner Karratha Youth Housing Project. Collene holds qualifications in Psychology and Business. Crispulo Olegario

Kelly Howlett Cris is currently the Community and Business Development Coordinator with the Yamatji Since coming to live in Hedland, Kelly has Marlpa Aboriginal Corporation (YMAC) demonstrated leadership in raising awareness of responsible for representing the Traditional the profile of the natural and social environment Ownders of the Pilbara, Murchison and in Hedland and the Pilbara. Kelly has been regions of . In addition to his role with YMAC, Cris is also is the Stan Martin founder and CEO of the Aboriginal Communities Charitable Organisation Inc, a non-profit Stan has been a Pilbara resident for over 35 years organization working to narrow the food gap with his wife, two children and three among the Indigenous and poorest poor in the grandchildren. He is the owner of local residential mainstream community. and commercial building business and has spent 10 years servicing remote Aboriginal communities Cris has an extensive and diverse background, including Strelley, Punmu and Well 31 as well as having working for 28 years in various pastoralists at outlying stations in the region. management positions in marketing, project management, market and production research Stan is active within the community, and is and develop and sales management with several currently a Councillor with the Town of Port international businesses before moving to Hedland, the Pilbara Regional Council, the Port Australia. Cris has a Bachelor of Arts (Eco) and is a Hedland Chamber of Commerce and Industry and member of the Australian Institute of a range of other bodies. Management and the Australian Marketing Institute. Veronica Rodenberg

Veronica is a resident of the Shire of Roebourne Kelvin Portland and since December 2006 has been the Chief Executive Officer of Yaandina in Roebourne - the Kelvin has lived and worked in Newman for the largest provider of child, family and aged care last 30 years, with his wife and two children. services in the Pilbara. In addition to her role with

RDA Pilbara, Veronica also sits on the Board of the Working for BHP Billiton as a Fitter at the WA Council of Social Services. Whaleback mine, Kelvin has been actively involved with the Newman community. He has Married and a mother of two, with a working supported numerous sporting clubs and been a background in high level corporate management, life member of the Newman Volunteer Fire communications, community development, Brigade and Director of the Pilbara Mining Unions. capacity building and business development skills

and she has extensive experience in broadcasting and community service Annette Eyre

Annette grew up in regional Western Australia and has lived with her husband and children in the Pilbara for more than 30 years. As a small business owner, Annette was a passionate and actively involved with her community, establishing the Tom Price Tourist Centre and supporting numerous sporting and community groups.

Currently semi-retired, Annette now lives in Onslow and represents local residents for Chevron’s Wheatstone Project and BHP Billitons Macedon Project. Annette also does volunteer work for local accommodation houses and is the Chair of the local Parents and Citizens Association and Visitor Centre.

3. ABOUT THE PILBARA ROADMAP

The Pilbara Roadmap package takes readers on a journey through the unique landscapes, economy and culture of the region, before detailing RDAP’s vision and direction for the region from 2011 to 2016. As a key reference document for the Federal Government, the Roadmap will inform and guide investment in the region through the $1.1 Billion Regional Development Australia Fund.

The planning documents will set objectives for the identified priorities which will drive the delivery of initiatives to achieve the objectives in line with RADP’s mission during this time period.

Our mission

To develop and strengthen Pilbara communities through leadership, collaboration and the provision of responsive and innovative services.

The following figure illustrates the order and purpose of each of the four components of the Pilbara Roadmap, and the notable resources which have informed RDAP about progress and issues that the region faces, which were considered in the development of the Pilbara Roadmap.

Figure 2: Pilbara Roadmap components and informative sources

Regional Development Australia – Pilbara: Page 7 of 21 Regional Profile

4. THE PILBARA REGION – AN OVERVIEW

Location and Population: The Region it is primarily known for the iron ore and petroleum products and is responsible for The Pilbara region covers an area of 502,000km2 over 95% and 99% respectively of Western and is comprised of the Shires of Ashburton, Australia’s exports of these commodities. Roebourne, East Pilbara and the Town of Port Hedland with a population by 41,001. It stretches Major economic activities in the Pilbara include from the western coastline of WA all the way to mining of iron ore and base metals, and the the Northern Territory border in the east. extraction of oil, gas and salt. There is a small manufacturing and service industry as well as The major towns of Port and South Hedland, tourism, pastoralism and fishing activities. Karratha, Newman, Paraburdoo and Tom Price accommodate approximately 70% of the population. The remainder of the population is in The Pilbara’s value of iron ore and petroleum smaller towns, in remote pastoral and mining products, including liquefied natural gas exports, locations, or in Aboriginal communities. amounted to some $22 billion in 2005-06, which was about 25% of Australia’s total mineral and The population profile of the region consists of petroleum product exports, or around 14.5% of its Indigenous people, and those associated with the total merchandise exports in that same year. In resources sector (minerals, oil and gas), 2009 the value of the Pilbara’s iron ore export government services, small business and the alone was in excess of $30 billion. The Pilbara pastoral industry. region is responsible for an estimated 16% of Australia’s output. The Indigenous population of the Pilbara is 5,632 or 13.7% of the The Pilbara also has a significant output of copper total population for the (about 80% of the $1 billion annual industry) and region. This is gold (15% of the $4 billion industry). Other significantly higher than important exports are salt, manganese, precious for Western Australia as a and semi-precious gems and construction whole where Indigenous materials. people make up 2.3% of the total population. The Pilbara is the leading resources sector region in WA, accounting for more than $45.5 billion in production value in 2009, contributing to Economy: approximately 75% of the WA’s total merchandise export income: The Pilbara encompasses iron ore ranges, tin, 47% of the value of minerals production manganese and gold deposits, coastal solar salt ($28 billion) fields and the North West Shelf oil and gas fields.

Regional Development Australia – Pilbara: Page 8 of 21 Regional Profile

28% of the value of offshore petroleum Given the ongoing mine, port and other heavy production ($16.8 billion) infrastructure expansion and the long-term contracts, the forecast is for continued growth in The Pilbara accounts for almost two thirds of the resource exports from the Pilbara for the State’s commodity exports by value, which is foreseeable future. Without investment in critical almost 20% of Australia’s total value of community infrastructure and services that merchandise exports (DFAT, 2008). That’s twenty enhance livability, the capacity of the Region to percent of national goods exports made possible continue to respond to this demand will be by 0.2% of the national population. compromised and productivity will decline

.

Shire of East Pilbara

The was formed by an amalgamation of the Shires of Marble Bar and Nullagine in 1972. Upon the amalgamation, the Shire became the largest Shire in the world comprising an area of over 379,571 km² (larger than the State of Victoria).

The total population of the Shire is estimated to be 10,500. The major industries in the Shire are mining, pastoral and tourism. The main town sites are Newman, Marble Bar and Nullagine.

The Shire’s Administration Centre is located in Newman. The Shire area also contains numerous Aboriginal communities including Jigalong, Punmu and Parngurr. Aboriginal communities are also located in Nullagine (Irrungadi community) and Marble Bar (Pipunya and Goodabinya communities).

Town of Port Hedland

While the Town of Port Hedland is the smallest in area of the four Pilbara LGAs at 11,844 km², it has two of the main residential centres in the Region, Port Hedland and South Hedland.

The population of the Town is estimated to be 19,500 people. The remainder live on pastoral stations located throughout the area. Both Port and South Hedland provide a range of community services, including cultural, recreation and shopping facilities.

The main industries are iron ore processing and export, salt production from extensive evaporation ponds for export, shipping of manganese and other minerals and livestock production (mainly cattle). The Port is one of the world's largest in tonnage terms, with over 170 million tonnes of product worth more than $3 billion shipped each year.

Regional Development Australia – Pilbara: Page 9 of 21 Regional Profile

Shire of Ashburton The , at nearly half the size of Victoria (105,647km²), boasts some of the world’s largest open cut mines, pastoral leases and cattle stations and a thriving fishing industry all set against a beautiful and ancient arid tropical landscape.

Residents of the Shire are employed in a variety of industries, including oil, gas, mining, cattle, fishing and tourism. The Shire also has an established salt industry, based at Onslow. The supporting infrastructure also provides employment and career opportunities.

The majority of the area of the Shire of Ashburton is divided into pastoral properties. Spread amongst these sprawling pastoral stations are the towns of Onslow, Pannawonica, Paraburdoo and Tom Price. The majority of the Shire’s population live in these four towns.

A number of Aboriginal communities such as Bellary and Wakathuni reside in the Shire. The Shire’s population is estimated to be 6,000. Tom Price, located in the eastern sector, is the largest town and the Shire Administration Centre. Paraburdoo is 80km south of Tom Price and has the area’s principal airport. Pannawonica is 330km northwest and Onslow 380km west of Tom Price. The distances between the towns by road are far in excess of these figures.

Shire of Roebourne

The Shire of Roebourne controls an area of approximately 15,197km2, has its offices in the township of Karratha, a modern town that is recognised as one of the major centres and arguably the capital of the Pilbara.

The Shire contains another 5 town sites. These are the industry based settlements at Dampier and Wickham, the historic towns of Roebourne and Cossack, and the coastal retreat of Point Samson. All of these town sites are located within a 50 km radius. The Shire’s resident population is estimated to be 19,355 people.

The population of the Shire of Roebourne is growing steadily due to the increasing employment opportunities in the Shire primarily due to resource projects. There is a wide range of education, social, shopping and recreation services available.

The major industries in the Shire include iron ore export, oil, natural gas, salt, nickel, fishing and tourism. Lying offshore from the Shire is the famous Dampier Archipelago. The Dampier Archipelago comprises 42 islands, islets and rocks lying within a 45km radius from the town of Dampier and Point Samson. Many of the islands resemble the rugged Burrup Peninsula, with coastal cliffs and steep- sided rock piles separated by valleys, sand plains and pristine beaches.

Regional Development Australia – Pilbara: Page 10 of 21 Regional Profile

5. THE PILBARA REGIONAL ECONOMY

The Pilbara is often described as ‘the engine room Tourism has contributed $172.0 million to the of the nation’ because of its significant Pilbara economy. On average, 303,800 overnight contribution to the national wealth. Its immense visitors came to the Region during 2003 and 2004. reserves of natural resources provide massive direct export sales and also fuel a thriving Total agricultural production was valued at $46.0 economy of support services, but the Pilbara is million in 2003/04. This comprised predominantly much more than mineral resources. Tourism, of livestock disposals (97% of agricultural sheep and cattle, fishing and aquaculture all figure production) valued at $45.2 million. prominently in the economy of the region, providing a diversity of activity - and a range of The total fishing catch for the Region in 2004/05 business opportunities. was 3,947 tonnes and was valued at $15.3 million. The catch was made up primarily of finfish and The Pilbara's economy is dominated by the mining prawns. and petroleum industries and is considered to be the State's premier mining region. In 2004/05, the While the mineral and petroleum sectors will Pilbara contributed over 62% of the value of continue to be the mainstay of the Pilbara’s Western Australia's mineral and petroleum economy, the region is continuing to diversify and production. The Department of Local Government expand its economic base with the continued and Regional Development estimates the Pilbara development of its tourism, retail, trade and Gross Regional Product was $4.8 billion in agricultural industries. 2004/05, a 23.8% increase compared to the previous year.

The production value of the Regional's mining and petroleum industries was $20.6 billion in 2004/05, with oil and condensate valued at $7.2 billion, iron ore valued at $8.0 billion and gas (LNG, LPG, Natural Gas) valued at $4.8 billion. Other minerals extracted in the Region include salt, silver, gold, manganese and base metals.

Manufacturing consisting mainly of small businesses supplying the regional market, and an estimated sales and service income of $309.1 million in 2001/02. At that time, the manufacturing sector employed 5.3% of the region's workforce.

Regional Development Australia – Pilbara: Page 11 of 21 Regional Profile

Employment Levels by Industry The following figure depicts employment levels by occupation: Industry representation across Pilbara was relatively comparable, with the larger populous local government areas of Roebourne(S) and Port Hedland(T) having similar blends of industry employment, while Ashburton(S) and East Pilbara(S) clearly display a predominant resource industry workforce.

The following diagram illustrates the employments in each of the four shires:

Figure 4: Employment levels by occupation

In the Pilbara, across all three Census periods (1996, 2001 & 2006) Technicians and Trades Workers had the highest employment levels by occupation. Machinery Operators and Drivers had the second highest across all three Census periods. This is consistent with the high employment levels in the Mining and Construction industries. Figure 3: Pilbara employment numbers

Port Hedland shows proportionately higher employment levels in the Health Care and Social Assistance industry than all other shires within the Pilbara, consistently over the 10 years to 2006. Roebourne shows similar industry employment distribution to those seen in Port Hedland (T), both showing recent sharp increases in Construction industry employment.

The Retail Trade and Transport, Postal and Warehousing industries were at comparatively lower employment levels in Ashburton and East Pilbara than the other local government areas within the Pilbara during that period.

The Mining industry saw an increase since 1996, from 5,546 employed to 7,672 in 2006. The Construction industry saw a similar increase from 2,080 employed in 1996 to 3,190 employed in 2006.

Regional Development Australia – Pilbara: Page 12 of 21 Regional Profile

6. THE PILBARA REGIONAL SOCIAL PROFILE

Education institutions

Education opportunities in the Pilbara range from Family Day Care provide care and development early learning to post secondary. Both activities in the home of a licensed carer. government and non-government schools are Playgroups provide community interaction of present in major towns and the Port Hedland children and often include parental involvement; School of the Air provides opportunities to study however the groups often are not licensed to a by correspondence for primary and secondary limited number of places. students in areas too remote to attend regular schools. Pilbara TAFE delivers vocational In 2009, Roebourne generally provided the education and training (VET), which are nationally highest number of Early Childhood services and accredited across campuses in the Pilbara places across the Pilbara, followed closely with including Karratha, South Hedland, Newman, Tom Port Hedland. Price and Onslow. Pilbara TAFE also serves a number of remote Aboriginal communities in Other Early Years Services operate in towns across Marble Bar, Nullagine, Yandeyarra and the Pilbara region including Toy Libraries, Early Kiwirrkurra. Pilbara TAFE is also recognised as a years Groups, Mothers and Babies groups. centre of excellence for its work in preserving Information on these groups is usually made Indigenous languages from all over Australia. available from the Child health clinic, local library or Women’s Centre.

Early Childhood Services Early Childhood Services across the Pilbara can be divided into Long Day Care, Out of School &

Vacation Care, Occasional Care, Family Day Care and Playgroups. Long Day Care services provide quality all day or part-time care for children of working families and the general community.

Out of school hours care services provide care mainly for primary aged children before and after school and during vacation time.

Occasional care is a unique child care service that supports families by providing flexible care for children from birth to school age. It can be accessed regularly or irregularly.

Regional Development Australia – Pilbara: Page 13 of 21 Regional Profile

7. THE PILBARA REGIONAL ENVIRONMENT

The Region can be separated into three distinct Some of the Pilbara's most popular natural geographical formations, a vast coastal plain, attractions are the Karijini and breathtaking inland ranges and an arid desert Millstream/Chichester National Parks with region extending into Australia's dry centre. spectacular gorges and waterfalls, Marble Bar and Cossack with their historical features and the The Pilbara is a semi-arid region characterised by Dampier Archipelago for those interested in high temperatures, low and variable rainfall and aquatic pursuits such as fishing, diving and other high evaporation. Temperature ranges are boating activities. The Region is also well known generally greater in inland districts away from the for its heritage assets and especially for Aboriginal moderating effects of onshore winds common to rock art, of which there are spectacular examples the coastal districts. Between October and April, throughout the Pilbara. The collection on the the temperature throughout the Pilbara reaches Burrup Peninsula is recognised as world class. or exceeds 32 degrees celsius almost every day.

Summer season maxima of 40 degrees plus is frequent and extreme conditions with temperatures above 50 degrees are not uncommon in inland areas. During the winter months the average temperature falls to a very pleasant 25 degrees celsius.

Regional Development Australia – Pilbara: Page 14 of 21 Regional Profile

8. REGIONAL ISSUES ANDCHALLENGES

Clearly recognised on the national and indeed the Pilbara towns and planning for these impacts will international stages as the engine room‟ of be further complicated by the workforce Australia for its contribution to the national variances as many projects move from economy, the Pilbara Region is much more than a construction to operation. As has been noted, the repository of immense reserves of natural realisation of the blueprint requires the creation resources and all which goes with that wealth and of quality regional living with modern services and development. Tourism, agriculture, fishing and facilities which will facilitate the development of aquaculture all feature prominently in the strong local communities. Creating cities in the strengths and opportunities in the Region. Pilbara will not occur naturally in the short term. A business as usual‟ approach will not realise the As this Plan indicates, rapid growth and vision – it is time for significant, strategic and particularly the associated demand for housing coordinated interventions across all levels of and community facilities and services is and will government continue to be a significant challenge for both governments and the Region’s communities. The income differences between those who are Land Availability employed in the resources sector and those who are not also creates outcomes and imbalances Relatively conservative employment growth which add to housing affordability and lifestyle estimates for the Pilbara forecast an additional pressures. 3,000 FTEs over the next 10 years. The Karratha City of the North plan identifies requirement for Recent recognition of the need to change the an additional 16,000 workers living in Karratha long-standing pattern of community development alone to achieve target population of 50,000 in the Pilbara by moving from a responsive to a residents. Quite aside from the challenges pro-active planning and policy-led approach is a associated with the long-term prospects for the major breakthrough. The co-ordination task Region, the reality is that the existing level of across government requires a strong focus and infrastructure provision is already insufficient to attention on delivering the necessary outcomes as meet current demand to a level that should be a central and collaborative commitment. expected in regional Western Australia. A key element in this provision is access to sufficient, Commodity prices and fluctuations in the and well located, available land for construction of international economy, coupled with commercial housing, commercial and light industrial purposes. confidentiality of planning and timing of major resource projects in the Pilbara will continue to The key projects under this theme focus on fast make government planning and delivery of tracking the release of land for housing, industrial infrastructure and services challenging. The so- and commercial activity, through greater called “normalisation‟ objectives of the Pilbara resourcing of public land development agencies. Cities blueprint, while widely endorsed, will create Key priorities are: population and demand changes in the

Regional Development Australia – Pilbara: Page 15 of 21 Regional Profile

1. Ongoing fast-tracking release of serviced Newman $121 N.A $52,000 $500,000 land for residential and nonresidential Figure 5: Source PDC 2008, ABS 2006 activities in all main settlements. 2. Developing a long-term strategic land release plan and land bank so that this Commercial problem is avoided in the future. Consultation also reveals that office and 3. Ongoing implementation of the programs residential accommodation for not-for-profit to rationalise and revitalise town centres organisations and small business is effectively through infill and mixed use development. non-existent. Any available commercial space is quickly consumed by the resources sector, Accommodation 32which is in a position to bid up rents. Not just price, but quality of accommodation affects

The non-mining accommodation crisis in the peoples‟ willingness to stay in the Region. In a Pilbara is common knowledge, not least due to recent survey of staff in Port Hedland and the recent Commonwealth Senate inquiry into Newman conducted by BHP Billiton, 90% of housing affordability (Commonwealth of Australia, respondents said that “accommodation was a 2008). Briefly: factor in deciding whether or not to accept a role in a remote location”. Moreover, four out of five Residential said quality accommodation increased the length Lower and middle income residents have been of time they were willing to stay in the Pilbara. pushed out by rental and purchase prices, high even by the standards of the recent housing boom Health (refer Table). People with skills in non-mining occupations are unable to move to, or stay in, the In terms of community infrastructure, health Region because of accommodation costs. (alongside housing) is cited as the number one Moreover, for those unable to relocate, crowding priority. There is need for significant expansion and homelessness are the result. For the young and upgrade to health services across the Region, children of families facing this problem, there are including the introduction of services that are negative consequences for educational currently not available. The WA Department of participation. Health has undertaken extensive analysis of the priority needs and compiled a coordinated The Pilbara has an ageing population, yet there is program of upgrades and expansions. In summary limited availability of aged care and semi these are: independent living facilities. Stakeholders note that there are currently 9 residential aged care A “rescue package” for the Newman Hospital beds between Geraldton and Hedland. combined with modification of part of the existing hospital to introduce community and Accommodation for compulsory and post- primary health services; compulsory students is also in short supply. Many A similar rescue package for Nickol Bay young people from across the Region are required Hospital in Karratha; to attend schools in the main centres but struggle to find accommodation. This problem is even more The development of a Karratha Super Clinic acute for older students wishing to attend with GP services. This would be attached to university, TAFE or Karratha‟s Nickol Bay Hospital and address other training programs (e.g. apprenticeships), in the shortfall in outpatient services in the the main centres. Region. Patient accommodation would be included in this project;

Location Average Median House Price The Roebourne Shared Health Services Rent/Week Complex. This includes the development of 2001 2008 2001 2008 clinical consulting spaces; and extension of the existing Mawarnkarra Aboriginal Health Karratha $393 $2,178 $233,000 $702,000 Service building; Port $190 $1,567 $173,000 $680,000 Hedland

Regional Development Australia – Pilbara: Page 16 of 21 Regional Profile

Expansion of comprehensive Indigenous requirement for hostel style Health Services, including Annual funding for accommodation for remote based professional resources for screening, students. intervention and referral programs plus Private secondary education facilities in the environmental health promotion programs, Region are also required to ensure the need of reliable utilities supplies and health hardware present and future families are met. provision; Social The development of three Drug & Alcohol Rehabilitation Facilities in the Pilbara; The Pilbara is characterised demographically by a A Cancer Care Centre based at the Hedland high percentage of young families. This results Regional Resource Centre (Health Campus). largely from the lure of high income for young There is no capacity for simple chemotherapy workers (20-40 years) in the resources sector. in the Region, which means that all drug and Typically this group spends a large part of their radiation therapy must be carried out in childbearing years in the Pilbara and so the Perth. The establishment of a regional percentage of children under 12 is high. treatment centre will generate savings in the Patient Assisted Travel Scheme and decrease Three issues arise from this. Firstly the demand the level of stress associated with having to for quality obstetrics and gynaecological services regularly travel to Perth; and; totally overwhelms the services on offer. The community perception that the service is Improvements to the Royal Flying Doctor inadequate causes the majority of young mothers Service within the Pilbara including new to return to their home town or a major city hangar and support facilities at Port Hedland (usually Perth) for the necessary support which Airport and a jet aircraft dedicated to the consequently strains family relationships. The lack Region of maternity services also impacts on local education with mothers leaving town to give birth needing to take with them other children because the partner is locked into 12 hour shifts that Education preclude them acting as the primary carer. Secondly, ongoing health and medical support is Education is regularly cited in community surveys warranted when the wife and child return to the as a touchstone issue. The Region has a shortfall Region. Again it is poorly provided. Finally, with of some 2,000 15-19 year olds compared with the children healthy and needing development other similarly sized regions because families stimulation, playgroups and childcare places are in often leave once their children reach high school high demand. From a productivity perspective age, a reflection of the perceived limited each childcare place has been valued by industry opportunities for high school and post- at approximately $1million. Childcare allows the compulsory education. The working hours and primary care giver the opportunity to rejoin the highly transitory nature of the population results workforce, thus increasing the size of the local in high levels of truancy and the Indigenous labour force without the need for additional community is particularly hard hit as there is very housing. This has direct productivity and cost little capacity for them to travel in from saving benefits for industry. In fact, the resources settlements to take up schooling at the Regional sector values a housing unit (house and land) that centres. it would normally have to provide to any worker at approximately $1million. The review of the education priorities identified the need for: Furthermore the opportunity to work is frequently Increased apprenticeship training places welcomed by the primary care giver and this more in the Region; balanced family structure adds further to the The establishment of a Pilbara Mining stability of the workforce and the community at Academy; and large. General expansion and upgrade of existing facilities including the

Regional Development Australia – Pilbara: Page 17 of 21 Regional Profile

Cultural Tourism & Economic Development Sport & Recreation

There is a strong and widely acknowledged Sport and recreation opportunities are the basis synergy between cultural tourism, economic of social capital building in regional Australia. development and Indigenous cultural Access to high quality sport and recreation development, particularly in regional Australia. facilities, particularly in a landscape with an Apart from the resources sector, tourism has the unfavourable climate, is essential to quality of life, most economic potential in the Pilbara, and therefore, to labour retention. Of the 12 particularly with respect to Indigenous cultural, projects proposed in the Region, six were industrial and nature-based tourism. identified as priorities. They focus on developing multipurpose facilities that recognise shifts in Located within the Australia’s North West regional recreation behaviour, as well as the unique tourism area, the Pilbara Region is part of a 2.5 conditions in the Pilbara. This means that indoor, billion year old landscape and the rugged Pilbara informal or unorganised services (such as gyms) is a premier adventure holiday destination. Its are the focus. Additionally, there is a three world class national parks cover some complementary benefit in providing greater 500,000 square kilometres of land, and include boating facilities with economic development Karijini - regarded as one of Australia's most opportunities (e.g. tourist and recreational charter stunning natural assets. boating and fishing together with commercial tug berthing). The ancient Pilbara boasts more rock art than anywhere in the world. The Burrup Peninsula near Dampier has tens of thousands of ancient Environment

Aboriginal rock carvings – described as truly mind blowing. Sheltered bays along the Dampier coast The Pilbara NRM Reference Group works with the cradle clean, empty beaches, and there are many Rangelands NRM, created by the Australian opportunities for fishing and diving adventures. Government in association with State and Whale watching, turtles lumbering up the beaches Territory Governments in 2003, as one of 56 to lay their eggs, amazing wildflower displays and regions across Australia. It represents a wide outback camping under a million stars are among variety of stakeholders from community, industry the tourism opportunities yet to be fully and government, on matters relating to developed. current and future investment in the Region. The activities of these groups have been assisted by While the Pilbara offers many unique tourism NRM funding sources, including the Australian opportunities, and has a range of stay-over Government’s “Caring for our Country‟ initiative. facilities, it is again held back by a shortage of tourism accommodation, including backpackers' While most infrastructure proposals will reduce and caravan facilities. One of the Region’s caravan the impact on the environment (e.g. more parks is known to be regularly turning away some efficient - including electricity generation from 40 caravanners each week. renewable resources), there are three key projects with specific environmental objectives: These limited facilities for tourists in the Region are a major constraint to the few opportunities Coastal mapping is required, and has been for economic expansion outside of the resource commenced to identify vulnerable areas as a sector. The three proposed cultural tourism consequence of human intervention, global facilities proposed in the Pilbara Plan have been warming and climate change. Currently there is subject to considerable investigation by local no data to inform future planning or elevation government and the Ngarluma and maps for the coastal zone. Yindjibarndi Foundation. When established they will help create a Pilbara-wide network of tourist There is a need to develop more appropriate experiences, training and employment and energy efficient construction materials and opportunities for the Indigenous community. building forms for Pilbara conditions.

To stimulate buy-in from the private sector, demonstration projects are proposed.

Regional Development Australia – Pilbara: Page 18 of 21 Regional Profile

Essential Infrastructure renewable energy generation; and facilitate rail

and pit electrification in the mining operations. Research has shown that Australia’s shortfall in productivity, in comparison with other countries, Potable and treated effluent water supplies in the is largely due to distance and low population Region are also in need of substantial upgrades density, which result in diseconomies of scale in due to run down infrastructure and increased both capital and labour investment. residential and industry demand. Consequently, infrastructure provision that helps to overcome transport, communication and other The Western Australian Water Corporation has basic service provision is particularly necessary in plans in place to upgrade water and waste remote and regional parts of Australia. infrastructure over a 5-10 year time frame. It includes: 10 priority projects have been identified under the three themes associated with essential West Pilbara infrastructure: Water source/conveyance investigations and construction for Onslow, and the Utilities West Pilbara water supply scheme Transport (Dampier, Karratha, Roebourne, Communication Wickham, Point Sampson, and Cape Lambert); and Waste water conveyance and treatment Utilities asset upgrades;

Energy and water supply agencies in Western East Pilbara Australia have compiled comprehensive plans to Water source/conveyance investigations improve and secure utilities services both to and construction for Port and South support industry expansion and provide for the Hedland and Marble Bar; and population. The North West Interconnected Waste water conveyance and treatment electricity System is a proposal to integrate asset upgrades for Port/South Hedland. electricity generation and transmission in the Pilbara. It is a three-stage program, the first two The two schemes are planned to be operated of which are essential as a result of the mining independently of each other to serve the needs of sector shutting-off electricity generation currently the respective district. servicing coastal towns. The third stage will provide necessary expansion of capacity in the event of proposed mining operation increases. Transport The projects are:

Recognising the Region’s 1,300km distance from The Cape Lambert to Port Hedland Perth, regional air transport services are a key transmission line upgrade (necessary within consideration in meeting the Region‟s business the next 2-3 years). and tourism needs and opportunities. While direct The Karratha to Cape Preston new flights to and from Perth are generally adequate, transmission line (necessary within the next issues currently highlighted in the Pilbara are the 3-5 years). lack of connecting The Port Hedland to Newman new flights between major the centres and a serious transmission line (necessary within shortfall in what is referred to as „milkrun‟ flights 5+years). linking these centres. The airports in Tom Price and Onslow are identified as potential The combination of these projects will improve opportunities for growth. the reliability and efficiency of the network, as Public transport within and between the Region‟s well as provide certainty to regional industry; rapidly growing centres and towns, and reduce the impact on the environment through a connecting to the tourist attractions is also reduction in CO2 emissions of around 3 million highlighted elsewhere in this Plan as a major tonnes per year; facilitate the development of shortcoming. Possible flight school pilot training

Regional Development Australia – Pilbara: Page 19 of 21 Regional Profile

facilities and defence training opportunities also Karratha – Tom Price Road, Seal from end have been identified. of current seal to Millstream National Park (20km) The OECD’s (2002) review of the impact of Improvements to Munjina – Roy Hill Road, transport infrastructure investment in regional along various sections/floodways; and areas of member nations (including Australia), Duplicate Redbank Bridge on Port concluded that this investment has direct benefits Hedland Road. to users and that this stimulates behavioural change in users that has wider impacts on The final component is the expansion of general regional efficiency, access and externalities (such cargo and common user berth facilities, which as traffic pollution). Both direct and spill-over operate in support of the bulk cargo operations. benefits can be measured, including: The priority is for the extension of the Dampier port with 600 metres of general cargo berth and Direct Benefits associated lay down areas and a similar expansion Improved travel time to inner harbour facilities in Port Hedland Reduced cost of travel comprising one multi-user berth and two Improved safety additional cape sized bulk mineral export berths with multi user access. The Port Hedland Port Socio-economic spill-overs Authority is also in need of a new Port Authority Improved accessibility to and from region administration centre for its own operations and Increased regional employment (e.g. in those of other port users. construction, operation and maintenance of infrastructure) Improved regional industry efficiency Communication

Improved connectivity between communities Connecting to the National Broadband Network Changes to environmental effects and extending mobile coverage along transport corridors between towns are essential for The preliminary findings of the Pilbara Freight economic development and quality of life, and Study noted that the growth in road freight is also necessary to improve safety and security. straining the road infrastructure beyond capacity. When travelling between towns, currently there This adds weight to Main Roads WA’s urgent are periods of up to eight hours where program for road bituminisation and connections. people are out of communication. The MRWA priority program is incorporated into this Plan. It is a list of urgent priority unfunded projects as follows:

Marble Bar Road (MBR) – Sheet/seal north of Jigalong Road to Munijina to Roy Hill Road (24km); MBR – Alignment improvements to various sections of Nullagine to Ripon Hills (90km); MBR – Realignment of Coongan Gorge (4km); MBR – Construct Kalgan River Floodway between Newman and Jigalong Road; Improve Jigalong Road to Community; Reconstruct Nanutarra – Munjina Road through Rio Tinto Gorge (stage 1, 3km);

Regional Development Australia – Pilbara: Page 20 of 21 Regional Profile

[Client name] – [Project Title] Page 21 of 21