East Pilbara region records strongest internal migration growth uptake in Australia

Whether it’s for a job in mining, the lack of traffic lights, or red scenery as far as the eye can see, more people are choosing to call the East Pilbara home.

According to the Regional Australia Institute’s June Quarter Regional Mover Index, the East Pilbara recorded the strongest annual growth in internal migration during the 12 months to June — a 311 per cent annual increase.

Shire of East Pilbara president Anthony Middleton said the region’s growing population was driven not only be employment prospects but also by its increasingly liveable environment.

“It’s something that we’ve always said, the East Pilbara is the engine room of the economy and people want to live here,” he said.

“We’ve increased the number of events to make it more liveable and increase the social fabric — such as having big-name musicians such as San Cisco and Christine Anu at the Outback Festival.

“But mining has a part to play in that as well, as to why people are attracted to our area.”

Cr Middleton, who has lived in the East Pilbara for 34 years, said what stood out most about the region was its relaxed, small-town atmosphere.

“It’s just the relaxed lifestyle. There’s no traffic lights, a couple of roundabouts, that’s it,” he said.

“It’s the red dirt that draws people here . . . people come to live for a couple of years and end up staying for 15 or 20.”