Failure to progress Boodarie Industrial Estate damaging WA’s reputation

Media Release | 25 August 2025

Neil Thomson MLC
Shadow Minister for Planning and Lands; Aboriginal Affairs

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The Cook Government’s failure to finalise an Indigenous Land Use Agreement (ILUA) on the Boodarie Estate in Port Hedland, is hurting investment and damaging the State’s reputation.

Shadow Minister for Planning and Lands Neil Thomson MLC said the project had already taken too long, noting the Western Australian Planning Commission approved the subdivision in 2016 and Structure Planning for the site was underway under the Barnett Government.

Mr Thomson highlighted the raft of glossy documents by DevelopmentWA promoting land that was not genuinely available, as a failure of Planning and Lands Minister John Carey.

“This creates reputational damage to Western Australia. When the State signals land is available but has not settled native title issues, it sends a damaging message that WA is a difficult jurisdiction to do business in,” he said.

An annual mining survey by Canada’s Fraser Institute saw Western Australia fall from 4th to 17th on investment attractiveness, a sign the state had failed to foster a competitive and investor-friendly regulatory environment.

Mr Thomson also pointed to the frustration of major proponents, including Korean steel giant POSCO, BP, Fortescue and Tees Valley Lithium which have all sought access to the Boodarie Estate.

“Key investors like POSCO have made clear their interest in developing this vital site, but they have been delayed by a Premier and Minister too distracted to give this development the priority it deserves,” he said.

Mr Thomson said the Government’s lack of urgency was creating confusion for investors eager to develop key industrial projects in the Pilbara.

“The WA State Government’s failure to resolve ILUA negotiations with the Kariyarra people for the Boodarie Estate is an embarrassment,” he said.

“Local and international investors are keen to progress critical minerals, iron ore process and other value-adding opportunities in our north, but instead they are met with delays and uncertainty.”

Mr Thomson called for the State Government to give immediate attention to resolving the matter.

“It’s time the Government stopped dragging its feet and delivered certainty for industry and our regions,” he said.
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ENDS

Media contact: Graham Mason 0419 194 792

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