The City of Karratha has joined regional leaders from across Australia in calling for funding reforms that better recognise the role mining cities and resource communities play in supporting the national economy.
CEO Virginia Miltrup recently appeared before the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Regional Development, Infrastructure and Transport as part of the Commonwealth Government's Inquiry into Local Government Funding and Fiscal Sustainability. Ms Miltrup presented alongside Shire of East Pilbara CEO Steven Harding and Australian Mining Cities Alliance (AMCA) Chair and City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder Mayor Glenn Wilson.
The Pilbara generates around $100 billion in economic activity each year and accounts for more than one-third of Australia's exports. The region is also expected to support a significant pipeline of future investment, reinforcing its importance to Australia's long-term economic success.
In her evidence, Ms Miltrup highlighted the growing pressures facing mining cities and regional communities, including workforce shortages, housing constraints, high service delivery costs and the challenge of maintaining infrastructure needed to support both residents and industry. These challenges are often intensified by large FIFO and transient workforces that place additional demand on local services and facilities.
"The Pilbara and other mining regions are helping power Australia today and will be critical to delivering the nation's next wave of growth," Ms Miltrup said.
"If we want to unlock future investment opportunities, we need to ensure the communities supporting that growth have the infrastructure, services and liveability needed to attract workers, support families and enable industry to thrive."
The City argued that while population should remain a factor in funding decisions, it should not be the only measure. Funding models should also recognise service populations, economic productivity, remoteness and the real cost of delivering infrastructure and services in regional Australia.
The City's participation in the inquiry forms part of its broader advocacy efforts to secure fairer recognition and investment for communities that underpin Australia's economic success and future growth.
Learn More
📄 Read the City of Karratha's submission
🔗 Inquiry into Local Government Funding and Fiscal Sustainability