Latest by Charlie McLean
Nearby this remote river could become home to WA's largest desalination plant
The Pilbara's Balla Balla River is known for its barramundi fishing but could soon be home to a nearby sea water desalination plant worth $5 billion.
Health alert issued after mosquito-borne virus kills two people in northern Western Australia
Residents and tourists are urged to take precautions after two people died after contracting Murray Valley Encephalitis in WA's Pilbara.
It can be isolating living in the Pilbara, but these men are finding a 'brotherhood' on the road
WA's remote north, where Mike Nicholson lives, has one of the highest rates of male suicide in Australia. After seeing his mates struggle, he decided to do something about it, and founded a social motorbike club to bring people together.
Updated
A new resources boom in the Pilbara may be good for the economy, but it's bad news for local renters
As Western Australia's mining and energy sectors shape up for their latest boom, residents in the state's mining heartland are scrambling to keep a roof over their heads after an increase to average rents of more than 120 per cent in five years.
Updated
Owner describes disbelief after 'needle in the haystack' dog rescue in remote WA
Jamie Rooney thought his dog Rocky was gone for good after he disappeared in the vast Pilbara — until veteran cattle-mustering pilot Jack Poplawski flew in to help.
Investigations underway after automated train crashes in WA
The train, operated by mining giant Rio Tinto, crashed and derailed just after midnight about 80 kilometres from Karratha.
Updated
WA health minister takes aim at Pilbara shire's 'misleading' and 'dishonest' campaign for a better hospital
Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson says claims of decaying infrastructure and reduced services at Tom Price's 57-year-old hospital are not true.
Cheaper flights in WA's north on the way as state government extends subsidies
Flights between Broome and Kununurra are set to be capped at $199 one way, and the government will extend subsidies for flights between Perth and some regional WA towns.
Updated
No confidence motions fails against Port Hedland councillor who praised 'transparent' Russian election
Less than a month after Port Hedland councillor Adrian McRae made national headlines by endorsing Russia's election process, a motion of no confidence in him fails at a special council meeting.
WA Premier Roger Cook calls for ghost town dispute to be resolved
Western Australia's premier Roger Cook has been called to intervene and help reopen the historical Pilbara ghost town of Cossack, after a traditional owner group walked away during a dispute with the government.
Popular heritage town home to prestigious art award 'closed' amid dispute with state government
Traditional owners overseeing the revival of Cossack in Western Australia's north-west say it could become a "ghost town" again, accusing the state government of losing interest in the project.
Updated
Remote WA mining town begging state government to come good on promise to upgrade 57yo hospital
Tom Price residents are frequently forced to travel hours away for health services not offered at a hospital that was promised upgrades in 2021, and considered a slap in the face given the region's $35 billion a year contribution in mining.
Claims Bankwest customers pushed online ahead of closure of 60 branches
Bankwest says its move to close all branches and move to digital banking reflects customer choice, but the Finance Sector Union says staff have been ordered to push customers online.
Updated
Senate banking inquiry hears WA mining towns 'suffering' due to bank closures
The Senate Inquiry into Bank Closures in Regional Australia is currently sitting in WA's Pilbara region and has heard that its community members and businesses have struggled to adjust without a bank.
Updated
Study sheds light on how mining in the Pilbara is impacting northern quolls
Research from Charles Sturt University and the University of Western Australia shows quolls living close to mines are more vulnerable than those in undisturbed habitats.
This wedding was 40 years in the making and the threat of a cyclone wasn't going to stop it
By Rosemary Murphy, Charlie McLean, and Cason Ho
As locals in Western Australia's north bunkered down for gale force winds and torrential rain, Exmouth sweethearts Linda McMillen and Terry Curtis refused to let mother nature get in the way of their wedding.
Updated
Union flags further industrial after regional pilots strike for 24 hours in Western Australia
The Australian Federation of Air Pilots says further industrial action against Qantas subsidiary Network Aviation is a possibility as the dispute heads to the Fair Work Commission.
Updated
Mining companies, towns brace for second WA pilot strike in six months
Network Aviation pilots will stop work for 24 hours on Thursday impacting passengers across regional Western Australia who fly with the Qantas subsidiary.
Remote teachers' unforgettable trip to school by plane after floodwaters cut off Pilbara town
Two British teachers are flown to their first day of school in Western Australia's outback, assisted by police and ADF, after flooding forces road closures.
Updated
Flash flooding, road closures across Pilbara as tropical low brings heavy rain
Heavy rain has flooded parts of WA, leaving remote communities isolated and major roads cut.
Australia's 'hottest town' swelters through almost a month of highs above 43 degrees Celsius
In the West Australian town of Marble Bar, Sunday was the first day since December 18 with a temperature high below 43 degrees Celsius.
Updated
Mother of Canberra woman murdered by partner tells court every day she wakes to the realisation her daughter is dead
The mother of Canberra woman Danielle Jordan, who was murdered by her partner in 2022, tells the court she wakes up every day with her daughter still dead, her husband has cancer and she is raising a 9-year-old girl at 62 years old.
Updated
Independent doctors find communication faults at Canberra Hospital delayed correct diagnosis for five-year-old
A trio of independent medical experts tell the inquest into Rozalia Spadafora's death there were issues with some of the treatment she received and communication faults that delayed her receiving a correct diagnosis.
Updated
Coles defends its actions, as Senate looks to investigate major supermarkets
The Greens say an inquiry can find a way to "dismantle" the power of Australia's two major supermarkets and bring down soaring grocery prices.
Updated
Gas produced by landfill is being captured and turned into energy to power Canberra homes
By Charlie McLean and Penny Travers
Renewable energy generated from methane produced by Canberra's Mugga Lane landfill is expected to power 10,800 homes and further cut greenhouse gas emissions under an expanded capture project.
Updated