The Pilbara Extension Network (PEN) is a cornerstone initiative of the Pilbara Innovation Partnership aimed at fostering innovation and resilience within the Pilbara’s pastoral industry. By empowering local leaders and facilitating substantial on-ground projects, PEN seeks to enhance the economic and environmental sustainability of the region.

What is the Pilbara Extension Network?
The Pilbara Extension Network (PEN) is a key initiative under the Pilbara Innovation Partnership, designed to enhance sustainability and innovation within the Pilbara's pastoral industry. It provides a unique opportunity for station personnel to elevate their industry expertise and build industry connections while continuing in their current roles. EOI now open

Our Role
The PEN project is a twelve-month pilot which will support six pastoral businesses, selected via expression of interest, to enhance their capabilities to manage and execute industry-driven research projects while sharing those learnings with the broader industry. The PEN project presents an opportunity to enhance the investment landscape for further R&D through development of project proposals. By establishing a network of part-time, well-trained, highly motivated local leaders the project aims to create a robust ecosystem for ongoing innovation and collaboration. It is designed to develop project proposals that attract co-investment from industry stakeholders, thereby strengthening the economic viability and environmental sustainability of the northern pastoral industry. Our role will be to connect industry leaders, resources, and support to derisk the implementation of innovative practices. Through fostering a collaborative environment, PEN helps to streamline the transition of ideas into actionable projects that have a lasting impact on the region’s agricultural landscape.
Our current focus
The PEN project has been initiated via an Expression of Interest (EOI) (now open) . The EOI seeks to gauge interest from potential participants, with KPCA playing a crucial role in assessing the readiness of stations and the capability of staff to engage effectively in the PEN project. Selected stations will commit to a 12-month engagement period, during which staff will dedicate an estimated 78 days, scheduled flexibly around station duties and peak periods, to participate in on-the-ground projects and various networking and capacity-building activities. This involvement is designed to integrate seamlessly with their existing responsibilities, minimising disruption while maximising the impact of their contributions. Each participating station will undertake on-ground projects on stations focused on resilient landscapes. Projects are to be relevant to their specific operational context but must align with the broader vision for the pastoral business, industry needs, regional hub priorities, and the personal interests of the involved staff.
Our key community engagement activities
Over the 12-month PEN project, participants will collaboratively design and develop projects that can seek additional R&D project funding through partnerships with PIP and other stakeholders. This process not only benefits the immediate participants but also contributes broadly to the industry. It opens opportunities for co-design and scopes out potential projects with substantial industry involvement, ensuring that outcomes are both practically relevant and strategically targeted.
Our impact (so far)
Our learnings
Our ambition for the future
Our impact (so far)
As we gear up to release the Expression of Interest (EOI), our impact is poised to unfold in phases. Initially, our focus is on laying a strong foundation. This foundational work is crucial as it sets the stage for our broader goals of sustainable land management and community-driven innovation within the pastoral industry of the Pilbara.
Our learnings
While still in the early stages of project setup, our learning process will be inherently tied to the experiences and insights of the Pastoral businesses that join us. These collaborations will be instrumental in shaping our approach, as they provide real-world feedback and data that will inform continuous improvement. We anticipate that each partner station will bring unique perspectives on both the challenges and opportunities within the region, helping to refine our strategies and interventions.
Our ambition for the future
Looking ahead, our ambition is to create a comprehensive impact plan that not only outlines our goals but also sets clear metrics for success. We aim to foster a thriving network of innovative stations across the Pilbara, each operating under best practices that benefit both their business and the wider community. By embedding the those living and breathing the Pilbara’s pastoral industry into all PIP project design and development through PEN, we strive to ensure that our impact is deep, lasting, and reflective of the needs and potentials of this unique region.
Project Delivery Partners
Meet The Delivery Team
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PEN Coordinator
Erin Gorter
PEN Capacity Building Consultant
Grey Mackay
KPCA
tba
Workforce Manager