Pilbara Region
Regional Profile
The Pilbara region is situated in the North West of WA and incorporates four Local Governments; the Shire of Ashburton, Town of Port Hedland, Shire of Roebourne and Shire of East Pilbara.
The Pilbara region covers an area of 511,258 sq kms from the coastal reefs to the inland desert ranges. The Shire of East Pilbara is the largest Shire in the world! The Pilbara’s population is only around 50,000 with a large transient fly in fly out population due to the dominant industries of mining, oil and gas. Recreational fishing, camping and caravaning tourism are popular for those seeking an endless summer between May and September.
The Pilbara’s roads consist of 1,700kms of sealed and 5,500kms of unsealed or gravel roads. A 4WD is advisable for all unsealed road sections. Due to the extreme temperatures, cyclones and long distances it is a must to check the road conditions before you leave, ensure your vehicle is roadworthy for the trip and ensure you have sufficient water supplies as a minimum. Further information can be downloaded here.
Road Safety Officer - Adrienne Buckle
What's happening in the Pilbara region?
Robe Valley Fatigue Trailer Launch The fatigue trailer was officially launched on the 21 April 2011 by the Superintendent of Rio Tinto's Robe Valley Operations. The trailer was developed by Rio Tinto's Emergency Management Team through coordination by Bobby Whitten and Matt Campbell. The Pannawonica Fire and Rescue team volunteered their time to man the trailer to help reduce driver fatigue over the Easter long weekend. WALGA RoadWise Program supported the launch through promotional materials and a competition. | |||
Child Car Restraint Information Workshop An information workshop was conducted at Decca Prison Training Facility located near Roebourne about protecting children whilst travelling in vehicles and the use of child car restraints. The workshop covered reasons for using restraints, how to correctly install a child car restraint, and fines and penalties for non compliance. | |||
Child Car Restraint Checking Station A child car restraint fitting station was held in Roebourne mid April 2011. Several child car restraints were checked by trained type 1 fitters. Information about appropriately restraining children and legislation was given to parents and carers. Thank you to NBAC for supporting the checking station through providing morning tea. | |||
Wickham Mothers Group - Child Car Restraint Information Session Information about child car restraints was distributed to mothers at the Wickham Mother's Group recently. Several child car restraints were also checked by a trained type 1 fitter. | |||
Pilbara launches Road Safety Alliance The Pilbara Road Safety Alliance was officially launched in Karratha late 2010 by the Road Safety Minister, Hon Rob Johnson. Members of the Alliance include Apache Energy, BHP Billiton, Chevron Australia, Citic Pacific Mining, Department of Transport, Main Roads WA, MCC Mining, Office of Road Safety, Rio Tinto, WA Police, WALGA RoadWise Program and Woodside Energy. |
RoadWise Local Government and Regional Committees
Port Hedland
Roebourne
Newman
Shire of Ashburton
Regional Road Group
Pilbara Indigenous Road Safety Group
Pilbara hospitalisation and fatality crashes 2002 - 2006
The maps below provide the location of crashes which occured in the Pilbara region between 2002 - 2006. The crashes highlighted on the first map all resulted in hospitalisation. The crashes highlighted on the second map highlight crash fatalities. Click on the maps to enlarge.
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The Main Roads WA Customer Contact Centre provides up-to-date road information for the State's roads including the Pilbara region. The information line is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Telephone 138 138.
