The phrase,"Life's tough in the Pilbara", usually used as a sarcastic reference to our laid back lifestyle, can also be applied in a more literal sense. The extreme heat in summer, dust, unpredictable cyclone activity and the remoteness from more populated centres, which often means lack of extended family support for many, can indeed, make life "tough". Not many people retire to the Pilbara....most come to work!
During construction phases for various companies, such as Hamersley Iron, Woodside Offshore Petroleum, Dampier Salt and Robe River Iron Assosciates, the population can swell to 3 or 4 times the normal and becomes very transient.
The Pilbara is situated to the north of Western Australia, above the 26th parallel and covers approx 510,000 sq kilometres. The area is rich in minerals, which are mined and transported by rail to the ports of Dampier, Hedland and Cape Lambert for exporting.
Many of the towns in this vast area evolved to cater to the mining industry, providing a stable environment for the families of the workforce. Other communities include Aboriginal settlements, coastal fishing towns, historic towns and cattle stations, which can be very remote and supply only the basic necessities, but form small communities within themselves.
