Dialogue with the Pilbara:
Newman Tomorrow

A Message from the Minister...

Newman is booming. We are currently experiencing a period of extraordinary growth in the iron ore industry. This growth is expected to continue over the next five to ten years. We need to plan to accommodate this expansion of the industry. However, when we look to the future we also need to consider the possibility of a future beyond mining. Newman is at a critical point in its history. The town faces many challenges. How we meet these challenges will determine its future.

The town is ideally placed now to attract further economic investments. There are tremendous opportunities to develop the tourism industry. Located in the heart of the Pilbara, Newman acts as a gateway to the rugged and spectacular beauty of the Pilbara landscape, with access to the Karijini National Park, the Rudall River National Park and the Canning Stock route, rich in indigenous culture and unique flora and fauna. Decisions made now may have a significant impact on the future of the town.

Newman, and the surrounding Pilbara region, is rich in resources – the most valuable of all is you, the local community. Experts could come up with a plan for the future of Newman, but it would be unlikely to succeed without the support of the community. If we want to get the plan for Newman right, we need to work together. We want you to tell us what kind of town you want to live in. What is your vision for Newman in 2020? What do we need to do now to head in the right direction?

Hon Alannah MacTiernan MLA
Minister for Planning and Infrastructure