The Pilbara and Gascoyne are vast, remote regions, home to large-scale pastoral properties.
Pastoralism is a significant part of our regional landscape, even though it is overshadowed by the much larger Mining sector. In area, pastoralism accounts for around 60% of land use in the Pilbara and 75% in the Gascoyne. Together they produce 91% of the live animal exports coming out of WA. Together with the Kimberley, these regions contribute significantly to the Northern cattle industry and live export trade.
Karratha once again hosted the KPCA Annual Industry Conference. Distance was certainly no deterrent.
Over 200 Pastoralists, agricultural suppliers, national industry associations, breeder representatives, government, Members of Parliament and industry leaders travelling considerable distances to be part of the event.
Key topics on the Conference program included:
✴️ Declining water supplies across pastoral properties and water allocation policies.
✴️ Increasing compliance costs associated with crop production and infrastructure development.
✴️ Genetics and the latest research, including comparative discussions on cattle breeds suited to northern conditions.
✴️ Industry marketing and strengthening key narratives for consumers.
✴️ Leadership development for emerging producers and station hands.
✴️ Strong Stations, Strong Families – focusing on succession planning, workforce development, business resilience and long-term sustainability of pastoral enterprises.
✴️ Live export trade.
The Northern Hub continues to support industry conferences throughout our region. These events provide a forum for pastoralists to connect with service providers and government to keep up to date with technologies, trends, and policies. They are important for northern WA to remain current, and continue to produce a high-quality export product from one of the lowest populated regions in the world. They are also a chance to build friendships and professional relationships in this vast, remote industry. For the Northern Hub, the KPCA conference is also a chance to catch up with regional project partners and stakeholders.
With 10 CURRENT PROJECTS underway across the Pilbara, Gascoyne and Kimberley, the conference allowed us to share project updates, exchange knowledge and strengthen relationships across our network.
Just as importantly, it provides an opportunity to hear directly from pastoralists about the operational challenges they face, as well as the innovative work being undertaken to manage their rangelands in an increasingly variable climate, with prolonged dry conditions and drought pressures.
Since its establishment in 2021, the Northern Hub has funded 25 PROJECTS supporting producers and growers across WA's North West, from Carnarvon to Kununurra.
Being part of these conversations helps ensure our work remains connected to the real challenges, priorities and opportunities facing our regional industries.