Business expo to connect China and the Pilbara

The voice of Port Hedland townspeople rang out when a national inquiry into the fly-in-fly-out workforce, commonly referred to as FIFO, came to town on March 29. 

In response to this significant community event, Mayor Kelly Howlett  said that the breadth and depth of comment, real life examples and suggestions put forward by organisations and individuals left no doubt that there are a number of urgent and pressing issues that need action now.

“I believe the Standing Committee heard and got the message loud and clear,” Cr Howlett said.

“It is hoped that the contribution the Port Hedland community made to this important inquiry will help to deliver effective recommendations to effect change right across regional Australia.”

She added that amongst the towns being reviewed, which also include Karratha and Broome, Port Hedland made a significant contribution to this inquiry.

“It is hoped now that Federal Government will provide the leadership to effect the change necessary to ensure regional Australia does not collapse at the cost of revenue contribution to the national economy,” she said.

Port Hedland voices have continued to sound their views following the “Pilbara Echo” calling for thoughtful contributions to the FIFO debate.

What began as a brief request on a Facebook page turned into an evident lifeline of dynamic, varied and, most of all, passionate dialogue.

That is to say, the discussion thread went off!

Here is a selection of more than 70 responses which revealed just how the issue touches a raw and very real nerve for so many.

Thank you very much to everyone who contributed.

Please note, some responses have been edited from net-speak.