History of Karratha

Foundation and First Mentions

The history of Karratha as a city begins quite recently by historical standards. The official date of foundation is considered to be 1968. The city was not created spontaneously, but as the result of careful planning to accommodate employees of the Hamersley Iron company, as the existing port of Dampier could no longer accommodate all the workers arriving in the region at the height of the iron ore boom.

The name of the city has deep roots and comes from the pastoral station of the same name that was previously located here. Translated from the language of the local Aboriginal people (the Ngarluma people), the word "Karratha" means "good country" or "soft earth".

Key Factors of Formation

The transformation of the desert terrain into a modern regional centre was driven by a combination of geographical and economic reasons:

• Geographical Location: Proximity to the Dampier Archipelago and the coast made this territory strategically important for the construction of ports necessary for the export of raw materials.
• Industrial Boom: The discovery and large-scale development of the richest iron ore deposits in the Pilbara region became the main catalyst for construction.
• Administrative Decision: The authorities of Western Australia and mining companies made a joint decision to create a fully-fledged administrative centre that would become a hub for the entire industry of the region.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

In the first decades of its existence, Karratha developed as a classic "resource town". The economy was entirely tied to the extraction and transportation of natural resources — initially iron ore, and from the 1980s — natural gas (the North West Shelf Venture project).

The cultural environment was shaped by the specifics of the work: the rapidly growing population consisted mainly of young specialists and workers with families who arrived from all over Australia and abroad. This created a unique atmosphere of a close-knit community living in harsh climatic conditions for the sake of great economic prospects.

Major Milestones in History

• 1866 — Establishment of the "Karratha" pastoral station, the name of which was subsequently transferred to the future city.
• 1968 — Official proclamation of the town of Karratha, created to accommodate employees of the iron ore company Hamersley Iron.
• 1971 — Opening of the first primary school, marking the beginning of the formation of permanent social infrastructure for workers' families.
• 1975 — Transfer of the administrative centre of the Shire of Roebourne to Karratha, cementing its status as the main city of the region.
• 1980 — Launch of the massive North West Shelf Venture gas project, which diversified the city's economy.
• 1984 — Commissioning of the Dampier to Bunbury Natural Gas Pipeline, linking the energy resources of the Pilbara with the south of Western Australia.
• 1989 — Shipment of the first cargo of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) to Japan, bringing the region onto the international stage.
• 2012 — Launch of production at the new Pluto LNG plant, ensuring a second wave of industrial growth for the city.
• 2014 — Official change of the municipality's status to "City" (City of Karratha), reflecting the growth of urbanisation and the city's significance.
• 2015 — Completion of a major reconstruction of Karratha Airport to service the increased passenger flow.
• 2018 — Opening of the modern Red Earth Arts Precinct cultural centre, which became an architectural landmark and a leisure spot for residents.

Stages of Transformation and Development

Karratha has undergone a rapid journey from a temporary settlement for workers to the modern regional centre of the Pilbara. Below are the key stages that defined the current economic and architectural appearance of the city:

• Birth of the Iron Ore Hub (Late 1960s)
  Construction of the first permanent residential areas and infrastructure for the Hamersley Iron company.
  Significance: Transition from a rotational method of developing territories to the creation of a permanent settlement in the desert.
• Status of Administrative Centre (1975)
  Transfer of the shire administration from the historic settlement of Roebourne to Karratha.
  Significance: Centralisation of power, government services, and business in one point, which accelerated the development of the urban environment.
• Energy Breakthrough (1980s)
  Launch of the North West Shelf Venture project and the start of liquefied natural gas exports.
  Significance: Global diversification of the economy. The city ceased to depend exclusively on iron ore and gained the status of the energy capital of Australia.
• Urban Planning Reform "Karratha City of the North" (2010s)
  Implementation of an ambitious government plan for the revitalisation of the city centre.
  Significance: A radical change in the appearance of the streets: demolition of old structures, erection of the first multi-storey residential complexes (Pelago), and the creation of modern public spaces.
• Launch of the Pluto LNG Plant (2012)
  Commissioning of the second giant gas processing complex by Woodside.
  Significance: A new round of investment, providing jobs for thousands of people and stimulating the development of the real estate market and the service sector.
• Attaining City Status (2014)
  Official transformation of the municipality into the City of Karratha.
  Significance: Legal recognition of the high level of urbanisation and the maturity of the city's infrastructure.
• Cultural Modernisation (2018)
  Opening of the multi-functional arts centre, the Red Earth Arts Precinct.
  Significance: Transition from the concept of a "city for work" to a "city for living". The appearance of high-level cultural leisure became an important factor for attracting families for permanent residence.

Architectural Appearance and Urban Planning

Since Karratha was founded only in 1968, the city lacks historical styles such as Gothic, Baroque, or Classicism. It is a vivid example of a planned city of the second half of the 20th century, the appearance of which is dictated by the harsh climate of the Pilbara region, the requirements of industry, and the need for protection against cyclones.

Main Stages of Development and Styles

The architectural history of the city can be roughly divided into two major periods, each characterised by its own approach to construction:

• Functionalism and Tropical Utilitarianism (1960s – 1990s)
  In the first decades, development was carried out as quickly and pragmatically as possible.
  • Characteristic features: Single-storey private houses with wide roofs for shade, use of lightweight structures and materials resistant to cyclones. The street layout was typical for American and Australian suburbs — wide roads and low population density.
  • Goal: Provision of basic housing for mining industry workers.
• Contemporary Modernism and Eco-tech (2010s – Present)
  As part of the "Karratha City of the North" revitalisation programme, the city began to change its image, moving away from the image of a temporary settlement.
  • Characteristic features: Appearance of multi-storey buildings, use of glass, steel, and concrete, integration of solar panels and climate control systems. The emphasis shifted to aesthetics, the creation of public spaces, and pedestrian zones.
  • Goal: Transformation into a fully-fledged regional centre with a high quality of life.

Landmark Buildings and Districts

The modern look of Karratha is formed by several key objects that symbolise its transition from an industrial town to a modern city:

• Red Earth Arts Precinct (REAP)
  The main architectural landmark of the city. The building is designed in a contemporary style with elements of deconstructivism. Its façade mimics the landscape of the Pilbara region, and the textured materials echo the red earth of the desert. It is a cultural centre comprising a theatre, cinema, and library.
• Pelago Complex (Pelago West and Pelago East)
  The first high-rise residential buildings in the region (up to 9 floors). Built in the style of modern residential modernism. Their appearance marked a rejection of exclusively single-storey development and brought a sense of resort-style urbanisation to the city centre.
• The Quarter HQ District
  The new commercial and social heart of the city. This is an example of modern mixed-use development, where office spaces are combined with shops, cafés, and green zones, creating a comfortable environment for pedestrians, which is atypical for the old Karratha.

Prominent Figures of the Region

Despite the youth of the city, the fates of people who have made a significant contribution to the history, sport, and cultural development of Western Australia are connected with Karratha and the Pilbara region. Their efforts helped turn a harsh industrial land into a place with a rich cultural life.

• Francis Thomas Gregory (1821–1888)
  Explorer and Surveyor
  Although Gregory lived long before the founding of the city, it was his expedition of 1861 that opened this region to the wider world. He compiled the first maps of the area and noted the high potential of the lands for grazing and resource extraction, which predetermined the future appearance of settlements here.
• Peter Long
  Politician and Public Figure
  Long-serving Mayor of the city (2011–2023), who played a decisive role in the transformation of Karratha from a temporary mining town into a modern, comfortable city ("City"). Under his leadership, key infrastructure projects were implemented, including the construction of the Red Earth Arts Precinct cultural centre.
• Clinton Walker
  Guide and Expert on Aboriginal Culture
  A descendant of the Ngarluma and Yindjibarndi peoples, and founder of the company 'Ngurrangga Tours'. Clinton became a key figure in the development of tourism in the region, opening access to the ancient heritage of the Pilbara for travellers. Thanks to his excursions, guests of the region can see the unique petroglyphs of the Burrup Peninsula (Murujuga) and learn the secrets of survival in the bush.
• Tyson Mowarin
  Filmmaker, Musician, and Cultural Activist
  A representative of the indigenous Ngarluma people. Known as the creator of documentaries and digital projects (for example, the Welcome to Country app) aimed at preserving and popularising the culture of the Pilbara Aboriginal people at the national level.
• Dean Cox
  Athlete (Australian Rules Football)
  A legend of the Australian Football League (AFL) and a champion with the West Coast Eagles club. He grew up in the region and started his sports career in the local Dampier Sharks team, becoming an example of success for the youth of the Pilbara.
• Brendon Grylls
  Politician
  Architect of the state programme "Pilbara Cities". His political will and the Royalties for Regions initiative allowed revenue from mining to be directed back into the development of the region, which radically changed the architectural and social appearance of Karratha in the 2010s.