RDA Pilbara regularly compiles a wrap of news that's important to industries and communities in the region and also the highlights of our activities on the ground.
Read on for what's been happening from November 25 to December 8.
New-look WA Cabinet with Pilbara interest WA Premier Roger Cook unveiled a new-look Cabinet to end the year, with definite interest for the Pilbara among the assignment of portfolios.
The shake-up was required after long-time Minister and frequent Pilbara visitor Bill Johnston announced he would not contest the 2025 election and would step down immediately from Cabinet.
Premier Cook takes over responsibility as Minister for Hydrogen Development, while Reece Whitby adds the Energy portfolio to his existing responsibilities for Environment and Climate Action.
Meanwhile, David Michael becomes Minister for Mines and Petroleum, adding to the porfolios of Minister for Ports and Road Safety.
There’s some obviously alignment with the suite of portfolios held by Minister Whitby and Minister Michael, while Hydrogen Development sits neatly with the Premier also being Minister for Industry Development, Jobs and Trade.
Ieramugadu Store Maya a Tidy Town winner
It was fantastic to see the Pilbara so well-represented in the WA Tidy Town awards - including the Ieramugadu Store Maya in Roebourne which is run by the Ngarluma Yindjibarndi Foundation Ltd and was recognised as the winner for Community Action and Wellbeing.
The not-for-profit general store was awarded for its efforts in creating a “vibrant and healthy community that is actively engaging groups from all sectors of the community”.
Paraburdoo took out the General Appearance award for its treelined entry, multipurpose courts facility, Red Dog Puppy Sculpture and commitment to removing invasive weeds.
Pilbara towns also featured strongly among the finalists in a variety of categories, including:
▪ Karratha (State Title, Waste Management, Environmental Sustainability)
▪ Port and South Hedland (State Title, Waste Management, Community Containers for Change, Environmental Education, Heritage and Culture)
▪ Nullagine Fence Project (Litter Prevention, winner of Natsales Bin Prize)
Port Hedland's Billie Rowles was a finalist in the Young Legends category for her community work.
You can read more on Ieramugadu Store Maya’s win in the Pilbara News : https://bit.ly/4a88YUb
More awards for Pilbara businesses Statewide recognition keeps coming for Pilbara businesses, with recent success at the WA Tourism Awards being followed by a win for Eastern Guruma Pty Ltd at the Business News RISE Awards last week.
The awards recognise companies for their resourcefulness, innovation, sustainability and excellence and Eastern Guruma – which was established in 2004 – was recognised as Indigenous Business of the Year. A number of businesses either based in the Pilbara or with strong links to the region were among the finalists for the RISE Awards: including Pilbara Ports, Pilbara Universities Centre, KingKira Group and Cundaline Resources.
Read more about the RISE Awards: https://bit.ly/41bCowq
Rio Tinto presses go on Rhodes Ridge pre-feasibility study One of the world’s best undeveloped iron ore deposits could enter production by the end of the decade, with Rio Tinto announcing this week it would invest $110 million in a pre-feasibility study for Rhodes Ridge.
The project, located north-west of Newman, could have initial production of 40 millions tonnes annually and has the potential to be part of a hub producing up to 100 million tonnes a year.
The study is expected to be complete by the end of 2025.
Read more: https://bit.ly/4a10Jt7
Data sought on Karratha’s retirement needs
Our friends at the Pilbara Development Commission are undertaking a survey aimed towards understanding demand for retirement accommodation in Karratha. As is the case in most areas of the Pilbara, housing availability is a key and pressing issue for Karratha, and with its reputation for liveability the city has obvious attractions for retirees. The survey seeks to understand some of the reasons why people would choose to retire in Karratha and also what they view as potential barriers to that happening. Take the survey: https://bit.ly/3N0ugZO
