Regional Plan 2012 - 2017 DISCLAIMER This Regional Plan was produced by Regional Development Australia Pilbara Inc. and does not necessarily represent the views of the Australian Government, its officers, employees or agents. Inclusion of this statement does not preclude acknowledgement of the Australian Government’s support and contribution, which should be reflected through branding or through text if additional funding has been supplied. FURTHER INFORMATION The RDA Pilbara Regional Plan 2012 – 2017 is available to download as a PDF on our website: www.rdapilbara.org.au For further information regarding the Regional Plan please contact: Chief Executive Officer Diane Pentz Phone Number: (08) 9144 0651 or Mob 0427 191 272 Email: [email protected] OR Regional Development Australia Pilbara Inc. Suite 5/7 Morse Court Welcome Lotteries House Karratha, WA 6174 Phone Number: (08) 9144 0651 Email: [email protected] Table of Contents 1 BACKGROUND .................................................................................................................................. 6 1.1 What is Regional Development Australia? ............................................................................. 6 1.2 About Regional Development Australia - Pilbara (RDAP) ....................................................... 6 1.3 Outcomes, Key Performance Indicators and national reporting framework ......................... 6 1.3.1 Reporting Framework ........................................................................................................ 6 1.3.2 Outcomes and KPI’s............................................................................................................ 7 1.4 RDA Pilbara Vision and Mission Statement ............................................................................ 7 1.5 Strategies & Priorities ............................................................................................................. 7 1.6 Regional Strategies and Priorities ........................................................................................... 8 1.6.1 Land .................................................................................................................................... 8 1.6.2 Utilities ............................................................................................................................... 8 1.6.3 Transport ............................................................................................................................ 9 1.6.4 Health ............................................................................................................................... 10 1.6.5 Sport & Recreation ........................................................................................................... 10 1.6.6 Accommodation ............................................................................................................... 10 1.6.7 Social Services .................................................................................................................. 10 1.6.8 Cultural Tourism and Economic Development ................................................................ 11 1.6.9 Education.......................................................................................................................... 11 1.6.10 Communications .............................................................................................................. 11 1.6.11 Priority Investment Opportunities ................................................................................... 12 1.7 RDA Pilbara Strategies and Priorities .................................................................................... 14 1.8 Stakeholders ......................................................................................................................... 28 2 RDAP COMMITTEE MEMBERS AND STAFF ..................................................................................... 28 2.1 RDAP Committee Members.................................................................................................. 28 2.2 RDAP Staff Members ............................................................................................................ 30 3 ABOUT THE RDA PILBARA REGIONAL PLAN ................................................................................... 30 4 HIGHLIGHTS .................................................................................................................................... 31 5 REGIONAL SNAPSHOT .................................................................................................................... 32 5.1 An ancient land: The Pilbara’s natural environment ............................................................ 32 5.1.1 Geographical Features ..................................................................................................... 32 5.1.2 Karlamilyi National Park ................................................................................................... 32 5.1.3 The Dampier Archipelago ................................................................................................. 32 5.1.4 Geoheritage ...................................................................................................................... 33 5.1.5 Karijini National Park ........................................................................................................ 33 5.1.6 Millstream-Chichester National Park ............................................................................... 33 5.2 Australia’s powerhouse: The Pilbara economy .................................................................... 33 5.2.1 The resources sector ........................................................................................................ 33 5.2.2 Tourism............................................................................................................................. 33 5.2.3 Fishing .............................................................................................................................. 33 5.2.4 Agriculture ........................................................................................................................ 34 5.2.5 Aquaculture ...................................................................................................................... 34 5.2.6 Indigenous Participation .................................................................................................. 34 5.3 Strong and vibrant: The Pilbara community ......................................................................... 34 5.3.1 Health ............................................................................................................................... 34 5.3.2 Education.......................................................................................................................... 34 5.3.3 Housing ............................................................................................................................. 34 5.3.4 Culture and Entertainment .............................................................................................. 34 5.3.5 Childcare ........................................................................................................................... 35 5.3.6 Non-Government Organisations ...................................................................................... 35 5.3.7 Sport and Recreation ....................................................................................................... 35 5.4 Rich and diverse: The Pilbara’s cultural heritage ................................................................. 35 5.4.1 Indigenous Heritage ......................................................................................................... 35 5.4.2 Pastoral Legacy ................................................................................................................. 35 5.4.3 Pilbara Heritage Places ..................................................................................................... 35 6 THE PILBARA REGION ..................................................................................................................... 36 6.1 Overview ............................................................................................................................... 36 6.1.1 Location and Population .................................................................................................. 36 6.1.2 Economy ........................................................................................................................... 36 6.1.3 Overview of Four Local Government Authorities ............................................................ 39 6.1.4 Pilbara Cities ..................................................................................................................... 41 6.2 The Pilbara Regional Economy ............................................................................................. 42 6.2.1 Employment Levels by Industry ....................................................................................... 43 6.3 The Pilbara Regional Social Profile ....................................................................................... 45 6.3.1 Population ........................................................................................................................ 45 6.3.2 Family structures .............................................................................................................