US chief gets close look at the Pilbara

A top US diplomat visited the Pilbara region for the first time recently to experience first-hand the “economic engine” of the nation.

The three-day trip took place from September 14, when the US Consul General David Gainer travelled to Karratha, Dampier, and Port Hedland to see the region’s mining operations in action and talk to local businesses and students.

During his trip, Mr Gainer met with representatives from across government and business and spoke to Karratha Senior High School students.

He also visited cultural sites, including the Ngajarli Trail and Roebourne’s Ganalili Centre.

Mr Gainer said he had been the consul general for about a year and had not made an official trip to the Pilbara.

“It was high time for us to come and meet and see the economic engine of what, and to be honest, a large portion of the Australian economy as well,” he said.

He said it was an essential part of his role to get out into the communities and to talk to businesses, local community members, councils, and traditional owners about the US and Australia relationship.

“The United States, by far the largest when you look at trade and investment, is the largest single investor in Australia,” he said. “We certainly are deeply invested in the mining sector in the LNG sector.”

Mr Gainer said he was impressed by the Pilbara’s thriving community.

“As we met with and discussed the Pilbara’s future, I think we really sensed an excitement with both the community members and the business members of where the Pilbara is going direction-wise,” he said. “To see all of the planning work to make it really great, not just a destination, but a spot for residential growth.”