State Government launches blueprint for Pilbara cities

Launching the ‘Pilbara Cities’ blueprint in Dampier recently, Premier Colin Barnett said the framework was now in place to transform the region by creating modern higher density centres, supported by all the services and facilities enjoyed in other Australian cities.
Funding and resources from State, Federal and local governments as well as private sector investment, would bring a series of important infrastructure and community amenity upgrades to key towns in the Pilbara.
These include major revitalisations of South Hedland, Karratha, Newman, Dampier, Tom Price and Onslow town centres, together with plans to create new marinas and improved waterfronts at Port Hedland, Dampier and possibly Onslow.
The Pilbara Cities blueprint also focused on new schools and TAFEs; hospitals and medical centres; leisure and entertainment facilities; shopping and retail precincts; employment and indigenous enterprise opportunities; large-scale land releases; and affordable living initiatives, all supported by significant improvements and upgrades to energy, water and waste management services.
“When the Pilbara was developed in the 1960s, the governments and the industry of the day tried to replicate Perth's suburbs - three-bedroom, one bathroom, backyard, Hills hoist.
“While this is often considered the ideal model, we want to offer choice to people in these areas like high-rise apartments with air-conditioning, pools, green lawns and parks, similar to the development that has taken place in Darwin,” the Premier said. “The Pilbara is the economic powerhouse of Australia and is on the verge of another period of accelerated economic growth.
The State Government is acting quickly to fulfil its election commitments to meet not just the anticipated short term pressures, but to secure the Pilbara’s future long after the resources sector has reached its peak.
“Critical to this will be enticing people and businesses not involved in the mining, oil and gas sectors to the region.
The Premier said the private sector would play a crucial role and had already entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with Rio Tinto to investigate development opportunities across the Pilbara.
The signing of the MOU between the Government and Rio Tinto includes investigations into the scope for a marina and tourism precinct in Dampier.
Pilbara Cities would also bring opportunities for private developers to help deliver accommodation solutions in the Pilbara where there is significant pressure on demand for both short-term and permanent housing.
“The private sector will play a key role in bringing a range of housing options to the region, including higher density units, apartments and townhouses,” Mr Barnett said.
Chamber of Minerals and Energy (CME) chief executive Reg Howard-Smith said the plans outlined by Premier Colin Barnett were an important step towards solving one of the major issues facing the resources industry in the fast-growing Pilbara region.
“Housing and land availability and affordability, along with a lack of facilities, have proven a significant barrier towards attracting people to live in the Pilbara.”
“The key to all of this is delivery – ensuring that the vision that has been outlined translates into reality for the Pilbara.”