Latest news with #PortHedland
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Young Aussie reveals truth about making 'unbelievable money' in remote mining town
There are few Aussies who haven't considered picking up one of the many highly-paid jobs in Australia's booming mining industry at least once or twice in their lives. Mining workers are among the highest paid in the country, with even entry-level roles starting at over $90,000 per year. While many who opt into the industry do so on a fly-in and fly-out (FIFO) basis, there is a smaller group of Aussies moving into the regional centres to live — with free accommodation offered as a perk by many mining companies. One such couple is Georgia and David, who told Yahoo News they packed up their lives on the Gold Coast three years ago. They made a life for themselves in Port Hedland, a town so remote that the nearest major city is a whopping 17-hour drive away. But what's it actually like to live there? Georgia revealed to Yahoo News there is incredible wealth to be made in the area, but those who come should "be warned" about the tough living conditions. "It's a hard place to live," she explained, but added "the money you can make in Hedland if you have the right attitude and work ethic is unbelievable." The town is known for its major industrial port, a major hub for the mining industry, which handles millions of tonnes of iron ore and salt annually. The desert climate is particularly harsh, reaching temperatures in the 40s, and even the 50s in the summer. "It is a completely different part of the world," she said. "This summer just gone was horrific, it was awful," she said. The dust, which is so bad in parts of the town, the state government announced a $200 million, industry-funded voluntary buyback of more than 400 homes, was the biggest adjustment for Georgia. "I am a clean person, and I hate stuff on my feet. I had to mop the floors every two days. That was such a culture shock," she said. "Now I'm just covered in dust every day." Getting fresh produce is also difficult, with empty shelves commonplace due to either lack of supply or chronic staff shortages. "Whenever the shelves are stocked with fresh berries, they're gone in seconds," she said. "A lot of the time, the shelves are pretty bare." She's not just talking about recent weather events that prevented trucks from making their way into town, explaining its a common occurrence. What's more, prices are higher than in major cities. Some regional communities are paying more than double for necessities compared to prices available across Woolworths, Coles, Aldi and IGA supermarkets in the capitals. It's something the Australian government has promised to do something about by locking the price of essential grocery items in remote communities to city prices. What's more, unlike many parts of Australia where bread is baked fresh, the household staple is stored in the freezer in Port Hedland. "I remember asking where the bread is when I first moved, and the worker said it's in the freezer section," she laughed. Georgia said she would recommend her rural life to anyone who is considering a move and struggling financially. "I don't know anywhere else in Australia that offers you a higher salary but also gives you free housing," she said, adding it's all about "taking it and running with it". "I'd say do it but be warned," she sad. "The heat in summer time is disgustingly hot. The flies are really bad, the mosquitos are horrific. "What people say about having golden handcuffs is true," she said. Georgia said she witnesses many who come to the town get trapped after getting into debt buying expensive boats, cars and caravans with their large incomes. Despite some of the harder elements of living rurally, Georgia explained the incredible scenery just moments away and the lifelong friendships make the long working hours, empty grocery stores and hot weather worthwhile. "You're right on the water and that's such a beautiful place to be," she said adding that "being able to make friends who are in the same situation as you" has been invaluable. "Everyone is suffering together, and the people really make Port Hedland," she said. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@ You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
ABC News
3 days ago
- Business
- ABC News
Minister puts Port Hedland council on notice of potential dismissal after another resignation
Western Australia's local government minister has put a trouble-plagued Pilbara council on notice after the resignation of another councillor citing a dysfunctional working environment. The Town of Port Hedland has been wracked by controversies in recent years, including a councillor endorsing Vladimir Putin, councillors calling to suspend COVID vaccinations, allegations of lewd behaviour and entrenched personal conflicts. The port town, 1,630 kilometres north of Perth, is a major economic hub in WA and is home to the world's largest bulk export port, exporting more than 500 million tonnes of iron ore annually. The warning from Local Government Minister Hannah Beazley comes after councillor Ambika Rebello tendered her resignation from the council this week citing dysfunction and a lack of effective governance. Her resignation, the fourth since November last year, leaves just five elected members. Ms Rebello, who was elected in October 2023, said her time on council was "marked by controversy and instability". "There has been a level of dysfunction where we are not able to take decisive action," she said. In a resignation letter seen by the ABC, Ms Rebello said "theatre" had replaced "constructive governance" and she had tendered her resignation "with a heavy heart". "When we use those formal meetings as theatre — then that in my eyes is a level of dysfunction," Ms Rebello said. Ms Rebello said the decision to resign was not an easy one and she had been proud to serve her community. Local Government Minister Hannah Beazley said the news of Ms Rebello's resignation was concerning. She said she had begun the process to dismiss the council, if required. "I have made it very clear that I will not tolerate councils who do not provide the expected good governance to their respective districts," Ms Beazley said. Over recent years, the Town of Port Hedland has been reported widely for controversies within council and administration. In 2019 the council was sensationally dismissed due to ongoing complaints of dysfunction and poor governance. Allegations against the council have continued since then, with Mayor Peter Carter accused of lewd behaviour at a school board meeting in 2022. In 2024 the town made international headlines after newly-elected councillor Adrian McRae appeared on Russian state TV congratulating President Putin on his victory. In the same year the council endorsed a motion brought forward by Cr McRae calling for a suspension of mRNA COVID vaccines. The ongoing issues have led the state government to act, sending a letter to the council in 2024 ordering members to act to tackle a "breakdown in relationships". Last year Premier Roger Cook raised concerns over "extreme views" on the council and urged it to "stick to its knitting" following the controversial COVID-19 vaccine motion. In a statement to the ABC, Port Hedland Mayor Peter Carter acknowledged "the council faces some challenges and will continue to work to address things". Mr Carter said the town has informed the WA Electoral Commission of the vacancy and will act on the advice of the commission. With the resignation of Cr Rebello, just five elected members remain on council, the minimum amount required to reach a quorum. If there is no special election for Ms Rebello's seat any councillor absence in future meetings will mean the cancellation of those meetings. Mr Carter said he was confident the council will be able to consistently meet a quorum and "continue normal council business". Former WA minister for local government and Pilbara resident Tony Simpson said Port Hedland was "an interesting one to watch". "The first thing the department would be looking at is providing government — making sure they're passing their motions and providing services," he told the ABC. "If another councillor does resign then the minister will have to appoint a commissioner to oversee the town and be the council." Western Australia's local government elections are next due in October.
