II started this podcast series to spotlight the rich diversity of community work happening in Western Australia — simply because I was genuinely surprised by how much grassroots energy and activism exists here. Honestly, it feels like there’s more community spirit per square kilometre than in many other places I’ve been. These spontaneous conversations offer a glimpse into what drives West Australians to get involved, and what they hope to change, build, or protect through their efforts.
In this episode of West Australian Communities, I interview Phillip Hams. Phillip is the Development Manager at Gogo Station, a prominent cattle station near Fitzroy Crossing in Western Australia’s Kimberley region. With over 30 years of experience in the area, he has been instrumental in advancing agricultural initiatives, particularly focusing on irrigation and fodder production to support cattle operations. Hams has also been actively involved in fostering relationships with local Aboriginal communities, aiming to create employment opportunities and promote sustainable development in the region.
About Fitzroy River Crossing: Fitzroy Crossing is a small but vital town in Western Australia’s Kimberley region, located on the banks of the Fitzroy River. It serves as a key transport link along the Great Northern Highway and is surrounded by cattle stations and remote Aboriginal communities. The town lies on the traditional lands of the Bunuba people and has a majority Indigenous population. While cattle grazing and tourism are the main industries, Fitzroy Crossing faces significant social and environmental challenges, including seasonal flooding and unemployment. A new bridge, completed in 2023 after cyclone damage, has restored critical regional access.
Listen to the podcast here:
Interview Summary
Phillip Hams lives at Gogo Station in the West Kimberley region of Western Australia. With over 30 years of involvement in the area, and since 2006 living at Gogo Station, Phillip works in agricultural development and is deeply engaged with the socio-economic challenges facing the region.
Gogo Station is a pastoral lease covering approximately 360,000 hectares, leased from the state government. It currently supports around 50,000 cattle, including stock on adjacent leased land.
Phillip highlights the significant socio-economic challenges in the West Kimberley. Over 1,000 people, mainly First Nations Australians, live within Gogo’s property boundaries across four communities. He notes there is a shortage of sustainable employment, contributing to widespread social issues such as unemployment, alcoholism, and drug abuse. While infrastructure projects like bridge reconstructions have offered temporary jobs, Phillip stresses that the region needs a more diverse and permanent economic base beyond cattle grazing and tourism. Opportunities must extend to trades like mechanics, electricians, and retail services to truly address unemployment.
In response, Phillip is driving efforts to expand agricultural activity, particularly by growing fodder to support the cattle industry year-round. Currently, cattle lose weight during the dry season due to a lack of protein in native grasses. Growing fodder would maintain cattle health longer, smooth out sales, and strengthen the industry.
Water management is another key focus. Despite abundant wet-season flows in the Fitzroy River, very little water is captured for dry-season use. Phillip advocates for the sustainable use of a small portion of river water for irrigation, which could create up to 200 local jobs and significantly bolster the region’s economy.
Phillip has strong, respectful relationships with local Aboriginal elders and communities. He emphasizes listening to Indigenous perspectives and working to create opportunities for self-sufficiency, rather than imposing outside solutions. He notes that Aboriginal groups own about 30% of the pastoral leases in the region, and there is increasing interest among them in developing agriculture and irrigation.
Politically, Phillip identifies as a moderate conservative. He supports compulsory voting at the federal and state levels but believes it should also apply to local Shire elections to ensure stronger representation and better community advocacy.
Regarding environmental concerns, Phillip believes that with careful planning, agriculture and land use can be sustainable. He stresses that any agricultural development must include plans to rehabilitate the land back to its natural state if necessary, ensuring long-term environmental stewardship.
Looking ahead, Phillip senses a growing realization among politicians and bureaucrats that urgent action is needed in the Kimberley to avoid continued decline. He remains optimistic but cautious about the future. His personal drive comes from decades of experience in rural community work, and he remains committed to seeing the West Kimberley region develop sustainably and inclusively.
Some impressions from GoGo Station
More podcasts: West Australian Community podcasts