Why Western Australia is the Largest State in Australia and Its Unique Challenges
Arguably the largest state in the world, Western Australia (WA) covers a staggering 1 million square miles or 2.5 million square kilometers. This expansive territory represents one-third of the Australian continent, which raises the question of why a state this large exists and its implications for governance, economy, and population distribution.
Geography and Habitability
The reason for the large size of Western Australia lies in its extreme geography and habitability. Apart from the southwestern corner, the vast majority of the state is simply unable to support human habitation due to extensive deserts. Notably, the well-known Great Victoria Desert, Great Sandy Desert, Little Sandy Desert, Gibson Desert, and Tanami Desert cover major portions of the state. These arid regions are largely uninhabitable without significant technological advancements and the right resources.
The presence of these deserts has made the division of the state into smaller, more manageable units unfavorable. In contrast to European countries where population density is much higher,WA’s vast desert areas have contributed to its current state.
Economic Activity and Population Distribution
Despite the challenges posed by the vast uninhabitable areas, Western Australia has significant economic activity, particularly in mining. The state is rich in various minerals and resources, attracting significant mining operations. However, the mining industry operates under a FIFO (Fly-In, Fly-Out) arrangement, which affects the local population dynamic. Workers in these mines often live in Perth, the state capital, and travel to the mining sites on a 2- or 3-week cycle. Consequently, the mining towns and sites often have temporary or irregular accommodation, which becomes abandoned or dismantled after mining operations cease.
From Perth to the northern regions, the population density is extremely low. The southwestern corner, centered around Perth, is the most populated area in the state. This concentration of population and economic activity in one region poses significant challenges in terms of resource allocation, infrastructure development, and the governance of the state as a whole.
Recent Developments and Aboriginal Relations
Recent technological advancements and modern mining techniques have allowed for the exploration and discovery of vast mineral deposits within the extensive desert areas of Western Australia. The mining industry has played a crucial role in the state’s economic development and has been sharing the wealth generated from these deposits with the local Aboriginal populations.
This partnership between the mining sector and the Aboriginal communities is an important aspect of the state’s recent history and ongoing development. The benefits of mining extend beyond the economic realm, as it has contributed to the betterment of the lives of the Aborigines and, in many cases, has helped to bridge the gap between them and the wider Australian community.
Conclusion: A Balancing Act
Western Australia remains a vast, sparsely populated state with significant economic potential, particularly in the mining sector. Its large size and desert geography pose unique challenges in terms of governance and resource management. Nonetheless, the state’s large population center in the southwest and its rich mineral resources continue to drive its economic and social development. The ongoing collaboration between the mining industry and the Aboriginal communities underscores the importance of equitable distribution of wealth and continued progress in the state.