About North West Defence Alliance

The North West Defence Alliance (NWDA) is a strategic partnership formed to protect and enhance the defence capabilities of Australia’s North West region.

Comprising seven local governments across the Kimberley and Pilbara, the NWDA is committed to ensuring the region’s strategic and economic importance is reflected in Australia’s defence posture.

As an unincorporated alliance, we work closely with federal, state, and local governments, as well as industry leaders, to advocate for the security and resilience of this critical region.

Our Mission

Our mission is to raise awareness of the North West's strategic vulnerability and to ensure that the region receives the necessary defence infrastructure and personnel to safeguard its people, resources, and economy. We aim to protect the vital assets that generate billions of dollars for Australia’s economy, while also creating opportunities for local businesses to engage with defence industries.

Why We Matter

The North West is home to some of the world’s largest resource reserves, including iron ore, natural gas, and rare earth minerals, which are essential to both national and global supply chains. With over $140 billion in exports annually, protecting this region is a matter of national security.

Additionally, the North West is geographically located at the crossroads of critical global trade routes in the Indian Ocean, making it a potential target for foreign aggression.