State Budget Briefing Luncheon
This Monday at the Hedland Hotel, Hon Rita Saffioti MLA, Treasurer of Western Australia, presented the 2025–26 State Budget to local stakeholders. Joined by Hon John Carey BA MLA, Minister for Planning; Lands; Housing; Homelessness, and Kevin Michel MLA, Member for Pilbara, as they outlined key investments aimed at addressing housing challenges, supporting industry growth, and strengthening community infrastructure across the Pilbara.
The event was proudly hosted by the Port Hedland Chamber of Commerce alongside the Pilbara Development Commission, bringing together local business leaders, government representatives, and community stakeholders for a meaningful discussion on regional priorities.
A major focus of the Budget is housing, with increased investment committed to boosting the supply of affordable homes in the region.
The Treasurer also announced a range of Pilbara-based initiatives, including:
• $500 million boost to the Strategic Industrial Area Fund (now $1 billion), supporting job-creating precincts in Maitland, Boodarie, Anketell and Ashburton North
• $35 million to progress road upgrades at Utah Point Bulk Handling Facility in Port Hedland
• $22.5 million towards a new Hedland Aquatic Centre at Wanangkura Stadium
• $2 million for STEM facility upgrades at Hedland Senior High School
• $900,000 to upgrade shade and play equipment at South Hedland Primary School
• $300,000 to improve medical facilities at the Hedland, Impala and Karratha Kart Clubs
• Capped public transport fares on TransKarratha and TransHedland services
• Extension of the Regional Airfare Zone Cap until mid-2026, continuing to cap return flights to Perth
Treasurer Saffioti reinforced the Government’s commitment to supporting the Pilbara, stating:
“Housing remains one of our top priorities, and the Budget handed down last week includes a wide range of initiatives that will support families in the Pilbara access affordable housing.”
“As the powerhouse of the nation’s economy, we recognise how challenging the housing situation can be throughout the Pilbara region, and that’s why we focus a lot of investment and attention on boosting the supply of new homes in the region.”
“The roundtable hosted today represented another great opportunity for us to engage with key stakeholders in the region, and discuss how we can work together to further increase the supply of new homes.”
The PHCCI thanks Hon Rita Saffioti MLA, Hon John Carey BA MLA, and Kevin Michel MLA for visiting and engaging directly with our business community.
A special thank you to the Hedland Hotel for hosting the event, providing an incredible lunch, and for their continued support as a Corporate Sponsor of the Port Hedland Chamber of Commerce & Industry.
Photo Credit: Candid Captures by AJ Downes
