Pilbara residents will benefit from seven strategic infrastructure projects receiving a total of $20million in State Government Royalties for Regions funding through the Pilbara Cities initiative.
Regional Development and Lands Minister Brendon Grylls said, in order to address the Pilbara's urgent capital infrastructure and amenity improvement needs, the funding would immediately address the needs of the community.
"These projects support the delivery of the Pilbara Cities vision of creating modern vibrant cities and regional centres providing quality regional living," Mr Grylls said.
In order to select the projects to be funded, the Department of Regional Development and Lands' Pilbara Cities Office approached key State Government departments, agencies and utilities with an interest in the provision of capital infrastructure in the Pilbara, seeking expressions of interest.
Seven high priority projects were recommended for funding, with proponents required to complete business cases demonstrating that their projects were aligned with the Pilbara Cities vision.
The seven successful projects are:
1. Main Street Jetty Extension
$6million to the Port Hedland Port Authority to build port facilities that benefit the port and provide much-needed community and tourism development opportunities. The total project cost is estimated to be $24.5million.
2. Karratha Service Workers Accommodation Enhancements
$2.439million to improving the visual aesthetics and environmental performance of the 100 service workers accommodation units being built in Karratha.
3. Port Hedland Waterfront Revitalisation
$3.1million towards the demolition and site remediation of the old Port Hedland Hospital. This project will allow the redevelopment of the site as part of the Port Hedland Marina Project.
4. West Australian Country Health Service Accommodation (WACHS)
$943,000 to convert a disused Port Hedland aged care facility into an accommodation facility for health and aged care staff.
5. Regional Health Administrative Accommodation
$2.168million to refurbish and significantly update an existing Government building in South Hedland to accommodate WACHS administration staff. These staff members are currently based in the old Port Hedland Hospital which is set for demolition.
6. Dampier Highway Streetscaping
$2million to the Shire of Roebourne to work with Main Roads Western Australia to install landscaping and public art on median strips and roundabouts on the Dampier Highway.
7. Hedland Senior High School
An additional $3.35million in Royalties for Regions funding has been allocated towards the redevelopment of the school. Previous planning works identified that insufficient funds were available to complete the total desired project works. These funds, coupled with other Government and industry contributions, will ensure the project can be delivered in its entirety.
The Minister said selection of the projects had involved local decision making, with the board of the Pilbara Development Commission working closely with the Pilbara Cities Office on the selections.
"These Royalties for Regions-funded projects will improve the standard of living for Pilbara residents by providing much-needed infrastructure, facilitating land preparation and improving amenities," he said.
Minister's office - 9213 7000
