The sum of the north-west region’s parts can make for a compelling tale.

It is one rarely told.

Issues in isolation are easily put into the too-hard basket by policymakers focused on matters in more populous parts of the state.

By presenting the common plights many individual towns face as collective north-west issues, these matters become harder to ignore.

The ideas and the billions of dollars on offer through those towns are also hard to ignore for those with an eye for opportunity.

Resources and big infrastructure, for so long the remit of the Pilbara, are stretching their legs into the Kimberley and Gascoyne.

Both regions are receptive so long as the communities and environment are looked after.

But those new miners need medium and large contractors to follow them into these areas.

The Pilbara, by contrast, wants more of what the Gascoyne and Kimberley has – tourism, small business and agriculture.

It’s a chance for these communities to truly put a line through the mining town labels and make their mark as places to live for life.

The north-west is the best place on Earth.

It is a place where people still know their neighbours, roll up their sleeves, get on with the job, and know how to have a good time.

It is imperative all stakeholders – whether local or not – have the region’s issues and opportunities front of mind.

Tom Zaunmayr
Senior Journalist