Water is a defining feature of the Pilbara.
Aboriginal people have lived in the Pilbara's arid and variable environment for thousands of years, and their way of life and system of beliefs are intimately linked to water.
Management of water continues to be vital to the towns and ports, tourism, the pastoral industry and the mining industry, which dominates economic activity.
Given the growing demand for a highly variable water resource, a strategic approach to water planning in the Pilbara is essential. This regional water plan outlines a strategic approach with a planning view to 2030 and identifies priority actions over the next five years.
Pilbara regional water plan boundary
The plan establishes a long-term vision for water resource management in the Pilbara. This vision is one of sustainable development and management to maintain and enhance the natural environment, cultural and spiritual values and economic development.
How the vision and objectives roll out in specific areas will, however, depend on the particular water issues in those areas. Management of water resources rests with the Department of Water, so the plan does have a strong focus on the future activities of the Department of Water; but it also highlights areas where the department will work with other agencies and organisations, with Aboriginal traditional owners, with communities and with industries to achieve long-term sustainable water resource management.
The plan looks at a range of water issues, including:
- water availability - which for the main towns in the Pilbara is heavily cyclone dependent
- water demand - which is growing most rapidly in the main coastal towns
- the strong link that Aboriginal people have with the water of the Pilbara
- the importance of water in maintaining the unique environment of the Pilbara
- the importance of using water wisely and adopting best practice water management across all industries.
For further information
For regional planning information, please contact the Department of Water's Strategic Policy and Planning Branch. Phone 08 6364 7000 or email strategicwatermanagement@water.wa.gov.au.