Creating Communities Australia has celebrated a significant milestone in our ongoing work in the Eastern Pilbara with the approval of the East Newman Precinct Structure Plan by the Western Australian Planning Commission.
The historic decision sees the First Nations-led development pave the way for Strong Culture and Strong Family in East Newman and a surge in the growth and investment into community-led priorities.
The East Newman Precinct Structure Plan was co-designed by Karlka Nyiyaparli Aboriginal Corporation (KNAC), Jamukurnu Yapalikurnu Aboriginal Corporation (JYAC) and Puntukurnu Aboriginal Medical Service (PAMS) to identify various land uses and improvements in East Newman to provide new facilities and community amenities, while also creating opportunities to improve housing.
The East Newman Precinct Structure Plan is a unique development plan created collaboratively by several First Nations groups. The plan aims to improve the health, education, housing, and overall well-being of Nyiyaparli and Martu families and the wider community.
This plan is the first to be developed with a strong focus on the needs of Indigenous peoples.
Donna Shepherd, CEO of Creating Communities, acknowledged the significance of this milestone for the East Pilbara.
“The approval of East Newman Precinct Structure Plan not only charts a course for solid outcomes for this area of Newman but also demonstrates what is possible when traditional owners have agency to co-create, bringing the needs of their communities to the table,
“The aspirations of traditional owners are at the heart of this plan—to remain on country, to create greater opportunities for youth, to embed culture, and to facilitate stronger health outcomes for those in local and remote communities,”
“This marks a comprehensive period of deep community engagement where the community has been front and centre—it makes this milestone immensely satisfying,” Donna said.
Some of the priorities in the plan include a multipurpose community hub, multigenerational housing precinct, spaces for young people, upgrades to parks and streetscapes and short-stay accommodation for dialysis patients.
The WAPC’s approval marks the next chapter of community-led change in East Newman, with proponents now seeking commitments of funding and support to help realise the community’s aspirations in creating a better future for those living in East Newman.
KNAC Chairperson Keith Hall said the approval marks the start of a new chapter for East Newman.
“We want to see good things happening in East Newman, a safe place for everyone where families can live together,”
“This plan will help us do that, creating better opportunities for our people to participate and live healthy lives,” Keith said.
JYAC Director Murphy Williams wants to see others commit to walking on this journey with Nyiyaparli and Martu.
“This plan is important to building strong Martu families and communities.” He said. “We have got this one approved in East Newman; now we need to see it happen.
“We invite anyone who wants to see good outcomes in Newman and our on-country communities of Parnngurr, Punmu and Kunawarritji to join us and make things happen.”
The East Newman Precinct Structure Plan received accolades at the 2023 Awards for Planning Excellence when it was declared the winner of the ‘Planning with Country’ category from the Planning Institute of Australia. It also received a high commendation in the ‘Strategic Planning Project’ category for this work.
The proponents, alongside Creating Communities Australia, will now focus on implementing the plan collaboratively with local organisations in Newman.
