Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The State Today
WA's mining boom of the early 21st century continues to make the state one of the most
dynamic parts of the country. The populations of Perth and key mining areas like the
Plibara are growing faster than east-coast Australia, with many of the state's total popula-
tion of 2.4 million originally born overseas. There are substantial South African and British
communities in Perth, and many New Zealanders and Irish immigrants are taking advant-
age of employment opportunities in the mining and resources sector. In the case of the Ki-
wis, they are the ultimate in mobile FIFO ('fly in, fly out') workers, some making the
seven-hour flight back home to New Zealand between contracts.
Despite occasional warnings of a slow-down in the Chinese and Indian economies fuel-
ling the mining boom, there's still plenty of optimism in the resources sector. However, the
benefits are not spread equally, and for many Perth and WA residents not earning a mine
worker's salary, the high costs of accommodation and eating out can be a struggle. WA's
high prices, the global financial crisis and a strong Australian dollar have all conspired to
put a dampener on the tourism sector, with the north of the state particularly hard hit.
With the huge economies of Asia in close proximity - Indonesia and Vietnam are also
being touted as the next countries to drive growth in the mining and agricultural sectors -
WA's future remains inexorably linked to the resources under the state's red earth. Huge
new developments are planned for the Kimberley region, and even areas around Exmouth
and Ningaloo are potentially being dragged into a mining way of life.
Welcome to Australia's biggest environmental battleground of the 21st century.
TIMELINE
40,000 years ago
First humans arrive on the shores of Australia.
Up to 6000 years ago
Aboriginal communities from northwestern Australia trade and interact with Macassan fishermen
from Sulawesi.
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