Our role
The Pilbara Regional office is based in Karratha, covering the coastal plain of the Western region, the central Pilbara including the iron ore rich Hamersley and Chichester Ranges, and the Western Desert to the border of Northern Territory.
The region has 12 staff working across the region to ensure sustainable management of the regions water resources. Staff in the region work closely with the resource sector, pastoralists and Indigenous communities to manage groundwater and protect groundwater dependant ecosystems.
The expansion of the mining sector is placing a high demand on the regions water resources. Our staff work with the mining sector to facilitate the sustainable management of groundwater resources and minimise the impacts of development on surface and ground water resources across the region.
Key functions for 2007/2008
- Development of the "Pilbara Regional Water Plan" which will provide strategic direction for the management and development of water resources in the region.
- Working with the resource industry to manage the impacts of new mine developments and expansions across the region.
- Creation of the "Lower Fortescue Management Plan" to address issues such as tourism, cultural heritage, Indigenous land management, weed control and riverine protection in the Fortescue River.
- Expansion of the monitoring station network to protect regional infrastructure, provide river flow advice to industry and monitor water flows in significant environmental areas.
Key contacts
Karratha Regional Office
The Department of Water
Pilbara Regional Office
Lot 4608 Cherratta Road
Karratha Industrial Area
KARRATHA WA 6714
Postal address: PO Box 836, Karratha, WA 6714
Ph: (08) 9144 0200
Fax: (08) 9144 2610