Published on Tuesday, 23 June 2026 at 10:34:20 AM
More than 600 delegates arriving in Karratha this week will be provided a firsthand snapshot of the transformative economic and community work being driven by the Pilbara Development Commission at the sold-out 2026 Pilbara Summit.
The premier annual event brings together industry leaders, community members, and government officials from across Western Australia and the nation.
A wide range of expert speakers are expected to present at the Summit — including Western Australian Minister for Energy and Decarbonisation, Manufacturing, Skills and TAFE, and the Pilbara, Amber-Jade Sanderson — who will discuss infrastructure, investment, workforce training and the Government's Seven Cities vision.
Pilbara Development Commission Chief Executive Simon Taylor said it was fantastic to see the 2026 Summit selling out for the fifth year in a row.
"It's excellent that a regional event focused on the liveability and economic future of the Pilbara continues to draw huge interest from government, industry and stakeholders from across the region and the nation," Mr Taylor said.
"The summit highlights an incredibly positive outlook for the region's dual future as both a global economic powerhouse and a vibrant place to live.”
"With a immense $269 billion investment pipeline and a regional economy already generating over $90 billion in Gross Regional Product (GRP), the Pilbara continues to fuel the state and national economies”.
"The Pilbara Development Commission is just one among many presenters at this year's Summit, but we look forward to sharing our expertise and expanding our networks.
"Our focus is on real projects, real partnerships, and making sure that the benefits of this region are felt not just in GRP figures, but in people's everyday lives."
Delegates will have multiple opportunities to engage with the Commission's deep regional expertise throughout the event this week:
Pre-summit insights: The Pilbara Development Commission's Director of Regional Development, Michael Heap, will share valuable local perspectives during his address at the pre-summit presentation on Tuesday afternoon.
Housing supply solutions: Highlighting the critical role of housing in unlocking economic growth, Barry Thomas, Director of the Pilbara Housing Supply Office — a joint partnership between the PDC and the Department of Treasury and Finance — will participate in a panel discussion on Thursday addressing structural supply barriers and market delivery.
Empowering local Aboriginal businesses: In line with the Commission’s commitment to driving meaningful local outcomes, the PDC has partnered with and supported six outstanding Aboriginal-owned businesses to exhibit directly in the main hall during the summit. These businesses are: Migarda Calibration, Specialised Truck Services, Independent Electrical Services, Wayiba Communications, Gardarngu Maintenance Services, and Thaama.
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