The Town would like to obtain feedback on the draft Economic Development and Tourism Strategy 2021.
Port Hedland is located in the Pilbara region, approximately 1,800 km north of Perth and is a globally significant mining and resource hub. The Port of Port Hedland is the largest bulk export terminal in the world, generating $64 billion in export value and 57% of resource exports, nationally.
The Town of Port Hedland's Strategic Community Plan 2018-2028 establishes the community’s long-term vision, aspiration and priorities and commits to ‘building prosperity for all – enabling sustained economic growth’. The Economic Development and Tourism Strategy provides the framework for the Town to lead an integrated and collaborative approach to achieve the community’s vision.
A staged approach was adopted in the formulation of the strategy and incorporated detailed research, analysis, and stakeholder consultation. The strategy will guide the Town of Port Hedland in supporting future economic development and tourism growth within the district.
This strategy should be read in conjunction with the Background Report and Consultation Summary completed for this project.
Strategy Overview
The purpose of the strategy is to reduce population churn, increase local employment and increase the local population. In such a way, the strategy seeks to address the identified housing issue and improve the liveability of the region. At the same time, it seeks to leverage the existing strengths and future opportunities of the area.
The Strategy has been developed based on research, analysis, and stakeholder engagement. The Strategy embraces the role of Council and focuses on four pillars:
- Advocacy
- Marketing and promotion
- Infrastructure
- Facilitating growth
Implementation
This strategy should be implemented over the next five years and then a review should be conducted to ensure that the direction established by this strategy maintains its currency.
The Strategy includes an action plan for the first year of its implementation. This action plan should be reviewed annually and adjusted for changes in the market as well as to adjust for initiatives that have success as well as those that may not be delivering the expected level of value to the local community.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Town’s role in Economic Development?
The Town of Port Hedland understands the critical role it plays in the development of a strong and stable economy through effective performance of its day-to-day operations and specific targeted strategies. Core operational functions include strategic planning, land use planning, design of public spaces, efficient and effective development assessment and approval processes, procurement, public asset investment and management as well as environmental management.
The Town of Port Hedland therefore has a number of key roles including:
- Leadership
- Facilitation
- Statutory approvals
- Advocacy
- Project development and execution
- Partnerships
What consultation took place to produce the draft Strategy?
Interviews were conducted with over 60 stakeholders from industry, business, associations and government. Stakeholders were asked what they thought were the key competitive advantages and issues in the region, key opportunities for growth and the role the Town should play in terms of economic development and tourism.
How will the Town deal with public comments?
All public comments received will be considered and a further report will be presented to Council presenting the outcome of public advertising, including any proposed changes, as a result of the process.