Pilbara Extension Network

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.

Project Delivery Partners

Meet The Delivery Team

Scroll to Top