Slow income growth for Pilbara

The Pilbara experienced the slowest growth on average income in WA, according to new figures released by the Australian Taxation Office.

Average income in the region grew 0.93 percent to $87,078 from 2012/13 to 2013/14, well below the regional average of 3.24 percent.

Despite this, the Pilbara still laid claim to the highest average income in WA; nearly $20,000 ahead of second-placed Perth.

Within the Pilbara, Onslow held the highest average income at $117,524, with Port Hedland and the surrounding East Pilbara area also averaging more than $100,000.

Onslow Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Geoff Herbert said the growth surrounding Chevron’s Wheatstone development was just the tip of the iceberg.

“We’ve also now got the support base starting to fire up, that should start next month,” he said.

“The potential there with that support base (and airport) especially, if that can kick off it will bode well for Chevron and BHP for all their offshore support.

“Then you have all the secondary stuff; the pub, the accommodation, the social infrastructure from Chevron.”

Mr Herbert said local businesses were now thriving on the on-site and ancillary work around the major resources projects near town.

Karratha averaged just under $92,000 while Roebourne was home to the second lowest average income in the Pilbara at $56,315, about $12,000 below the regional WA average.

Both Roebourne and Karratha’s average incomes in 2013/14 were lower than the previous financial year, with Roebourne’s falling more than $2000.

From 2003/04 to 2013/14 the average Pilbara income has grown 89 percent.