- Cook
Labor Government welcomes $160 million investment by BHP in Port Hedland
- Investment
supports government's Seven Cities vision with funding for Hedland Senior High
School, new aquatic centre and service worker accommodation in South Hedland
- Port
Hedland one of Seven Cities critical to the government's economic vision for WA
The
Cook Labor Government has welcomed BHP's $160 million investment in community
facilities in Port Hedland through the Resources Community Investment
Initiative (RCII), supporting delivery of the government's Seven Cities vision
for regional Western Australia.
As
one of the regional hubs identified as part of the government's recently
announced Seven Cities vision, Port Hedland will play a critical role in unlocking
the next wave of regional economic development throughout the State, with the
government to invest in the quality services and infrastructure needed to
support that growth.
To
support that vision and make Port Hedland an even better place to live, work
and raise a family, BHP has invested $80 million through the RCII in upgrades at
Hedland Senior High School so the school can continue providing a quality
education to students in the region.
The
redevelopment will include new design and technology facilities for students to
build practical, hands-on skills and explore career pathways in industries that
will continue to drive WA's economy.
The
full scope of the upgrades will be developed together with Hedland Senior High
School.
BHP
will also contribute $20 million towards a new aquatic centre in South Hedland.
The
Cook Labor Government has already committed $22.5 million towards that project,
which is due to commence construction in 2028.
Additionally,
BHP will also allocate $10 million for the Town of Port Hedland's proposed new service
worker accommodation in South Hedland, with 56 apartment-style dwellings for
essential service workers.
This
supports the construction of 195 Government Regional Officer Housing (GROH) homes
in Port Hedland as part of the State's biggest-ever GROH build announced
through the 2026-27 State Budget.
BHP,
alongside Rio Tinto and Hancock, are partnering with government to deliver
these new builds, with BHP contributing $50 million.
Launched
in November 2022, the RCII is a collaboration between the government and WA's
world-leading resources sector which allows companies like BHP to make financial
contributions towards iconic infrastructure projects and community and social
initiatives.
To
find out more, head to: www.wa.gov.au/government/government-initiatives-and-projects/resources-community-investment-initiative
Comments attributed to Premier
Roger Cook:
"I want to thank BHP for their contribution to these
projects, which will make Port Hedland an even better place to live, work and
raise a family and help realise my government's Seven Cities vision.
"I want Western Australia's economy to remain the
strongest in the nation.
"That's why it's so important for us to continue
investing in the Pilbara, our State's economic powerhouse.
"Through the Resource Community Investment
Initiative, my government is leveraging the strength of our world-leading
resources sector to help deliver the quality infrastructure and services
regional communities need to unlock the next wave of economic development in
regional WA."
Comments attributed to Deputy
Premier and Sport and Recreation Minister Rita Saffioti:
"We're
proud that the Pilbara powers the nation's economy and we want to support the
families who live and work in the region.
"We're
working hard to deliver quality sport and recreation infrastructure across
regional WA, and this new aquatic centre will be a fantastic addition for the
Hedland community.
"Our
$22.5 million commitment, together with BHP's $20 million contribution through
the RCII, will help deliver a modern facility that supports local families and
encourages active lifestyles."
Comments attributed to
Education Minister Sabine Winton:
"The Cook Labor Government is focused on delivering
quality services across our State to support a high quality of life for Western
Australians, no matter where they live.
"BHP's contribution of $80 million through the Resource
Community Investment Initiative towards Hedland Senior High School is a
significant boost for students, teachers and families of Port Hedland.
"It will mean educating the next generation of our
nation's economic powerhouse in a state-of-the-art secondary school."
Comments attributed to Housing
and Works Minister John Carey:
"Our government
is committed to increasing the supply of government and key worker housing and
this partnership will help to support that.
"We're
investing record amounts in housing and unlocking further housing opportunities
by working with industry."
Comments
attributed to Pilbara MLA Kevin Michel:
"I'm proud to be part of the Cook Labor Government,
which is delivering jobs, health and housing to the Pilbara as part of the
Resources Community Investment Initiative and its Seven Cities vision.
"I want to thank BHP for its investment in schools,
facilities and housing in Port Hedland, where these quality services will
ensure the town remains a great place to live, work and raise a family."
Comments attributed to BHP Australia
President Geraldine Slattery:
"Strong
communities like Hedland don't happen by chance. They're built by people and
supported by partnerships that last.
"This
is BHP's biggest community investment in Western Australia. It will help young
people get a good education, build great local facilities and ensure more
housing for the people who deliver vital services to the region.
"Together
with Premier Cook and the Western Australian Government, we're delivering what
matters to local people."
Comments attributed
to BHP Iron Ore asset president Tim Day:
"These
projects will transform how education is delivered in Port Hedland, set a new
standard for recreation, and help to tackle the acute accommodation shortage
for service workers.
"BHP
is committed to making a difference in our communities, so investing in these
projects to ensure they are delivered is the right thing to do.
"They
will reward our teachers and students, deliver long-term community benefits,
and help to support the workers who keep Port Hedland running."
