Shire of Roebourne Local Planning Strategy

Shire of Roebourne Local Planning StrategyTechnical Report A1: Economic Development Strategyand enterprise that extend beyond the local region and are capable of either replacing imports – includingservices imports from other Australian regions – or exporting goods and services outside of the region.To be viable in this endeavour a focus on competitive advantages and the special capabilities of eachlocation is required. This will ensure the activities which emerge are viable over the long term, in otherwords, sustainable. The leading edge activity that is required to support an expanded Pilbara populationis best focussed in one location.This requires the respective roles of each of the major Pilbara centres to be identified and articulated.These will emerge over time but already the key elements of the distinction are beginning to be apparent.While there is room for much discussion in this area, an initial assessment indicates that Port Hedland,with expanded port operations and the Lumsden Point Common User facility with a general cargocapacity will have the circumstances for development of a range of industrial, maintenance and supportactivities, particularly by small and medium size industrial firms. These would service not only off-shoregas and oil ventures, but also be available to support any new shale gas developments in the CanningBasin This might include an emerging freight and logistics hub for consumer goods. While these activitieswould also be in the Shire of Roebourne, they are likely to become rather more prominent in Port Hedlandand would start to set the tone of the community.In contrast, Karratha already has substantial education, administrative, business, financial and technicaland professional activity. These will expand. It could emerge as the major centre for these services forthe entire northern region. The consequence for planning is that Karratha should allow for: Substantial upgrades to the urban environment, with the full completion of the town centreprecinct, to ensure liveability aspects of the main centre are maximised; A substantial education centre, including tertiary education and research facilities and anexpanded secondary school, including boarding facilities; Expanded health facilities, including allowance for specialist services; Tourist and business tourist accommodation, including conference facilities; Implementation of the airport masterplan (as revised), including regular internationalservices; and Accommodation for expanded government services.65