Dampier

The port of Dampier was developed in 1963 when Hamersley Iron (Rio Tinto) entered into agreement with the State Government to develop an iron ore mine at Tom Price (320 km inland) and a port in the Burrup Archipelago, which would allow the company to export its iron ore to world markets. By 1968 it had outgrown its original plan and consequently the increasing population was redirected to the then new settlement of Karratha. The town of Dampier is currently in the process of being ‘normalised’ meaning that services and facilities historically run by Hamersley Iron may now be operated by usual government agencies. The Shire of Roebourne now administers the town, and private home ownership is increasing primarily through Hamersley Iron’s home purchasing scheme.

Dampier is an attractive town overlooking the ocean and the 42 near islands of the Dampier Archipelago. This aspect and its proximity to the recreation and cultural assets of the Burrup Peninsula make the town a focus for tourism and recreational activities such as sailing, boating and fishing. Boat ownership in Dampier is recognised as the highest in Australia. Dampier has been judged as one of the tidiest coastal towns in the northwest and has won the Tidiest Town Award for 1981, 1982 and 1983 and 1990. A townsite study commissioned by Riotinto is currently underway that is investigating further expansion opportunities including revitalisation of the town centre and infrastructure to accommodate up to 3000 people.