Published on Friday, 1 May 2026 at 10:08:08 AM
The Shire of East Pilbara has welcomed a $32 million State Government commitment to deliver 16 new lots in the Newman Light Industrial Area but says the State’s new ‘Seven Cities’ vision fails to recognise one of Western Australia’s most important economic regions. With the full 2026–27 State Budget due on 7 May, the Shire says the direction outlined so far raises broader concerns about how regional investment priorities are being set.
The investment follows sustained advocacy from the Shire, including a recent presentation to the Parliamentary Select Committee on Land Development and Planning. This advocacy has also included a formally tabled petition to the Western Australian Parliament, raising the ongoing shortage of industrial land in Newman.
Shire of East Pilbara Chief Executive Officer Steven Harding said the funding confirms the State Government understands Newman’s critical role, but more needs to be done.
“We are pleased the Government has listened to our advocacy and committed this initial funding to unlock additional industrial land in Newman,” Mr Harding said.
“But this is only the first step. Demand has outpaced supply for years, and without a clear pipeline of land coming online, the pressure on local business and industry will continue.”
“Without a sustained pipeline of industrial land, the region risks turning away investment and limiting its capacity to support jobs, services and long-term growth.”
Despite this investment, the Shire says its exclusion from the State’s ‘Seven Cities’ vision is a significant oversight.
Shire President Anthony Middleton said the omission does not reflect the economic reality of the region.
“The East Pilbara generates close to $30 billion in Gross Regional Product. On a per capita basis, that’s nearly $2.9 million compared to a State average of around $149,000,” he said.
“Any framework for regional investment that overlooks a region like ours is missing a big part of the picture.”
Cr Middleton said the impact of being overlooked is most visible in the Shire’s road network.
The Shire maintains more than 3,300 kilometres of local roads — roughly the distance from Perth to Melbourne — with limited State support.
“We are currently managing serious challenges on remote Aboriginal access roads, including key routes to Punmu and Kunawarritji,” he said.
“These roads are vital supply lines for remote communities, and they are also used by industry and visitors travelling through the region.”
“We’re ready to work with the State Government, but the reality is simple — regions like the East Pilbara need to be part of the long-term plan, not left out of it.”
The Shire will review the full State Budget when it is released on 7 May.
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