BHP invests heavily in housing projects
Minister says 'by partnering with industry, we are delivering more homes in remote communities and for key workers'.
MINING giant BHP will invest $30 million to help build more homes in remote communities in Western Australia’s Pilbara region.
It will form part of the WA Government’s $45 million investment in the Pilbara through the Resources Community Investment Initiative (RCII).
Traditional owners in the region will be involved throughout, helping housing design, planning and delivery.
BHP will also invest $15 million through the RCII to convert up to 40 of its vacant houses in East Newman into affordable accommodation for essential workers not eligible for Government Regional Officer Housing (GROH), including childcare, retail and hospitality workers.
These investments build on BHP’s $160 million contribution to a range of projects in Port Hedland, including Hedland Senior High School.
These contributions bring the total committed funding from the RCII to $427 million.
This includes a $170 million commitment from Rio Tinto, BHP and Hancock to undertake the state’s biggest-ever build of Government Regional Officer Housing (GROH) to support the government’s Seven Cities vision.
“I want to thank BHP for its contribution to these projects, which will help make Newman and the Pilbara an even better place to live, work and raise a family,” premier Roger Cook said.
“The RCII has played a significant role supporting the government to deliver its priorities of jobs, health and housing in regional Western Australia as part of its Seven Cities vision.
“It’s allowed the government to leverage the strength of our world-leading resources sector to help deliver the quality infrastructure and services regional communities need.”
Housing and works minister John Carey said: “As a government, we’re already making unprecedented investments to build thousands of homes and unlock land for new housing, including significant investments in the Pilbara.”
“By partnering with industry, we are bolstering those efforts – delivering more homes in remote communities and for key workers,” he said.
BHP Iron Ore asset president Tim Day said: “Our investments reflect BHP’s commitment to support the communities we are part of and we know that when we get something as fundamental as housing right, the benefits flow well beyond the homes themselves.”
“Improved and appropriate remote housing helps reduce overcrowding, supports better health outcomes and creates real opportunities for Aboriginal businesses to play a leading role in construction and upgrades.
“In Newman, we are working with State and local governments, agencies and community organisations to deliver a better, brighter future for the town.
“Our investment will ensure more key worker housing, help revitalise East Newman and create new recreation areas for the entire community.
“Our focus is for our community investment to make a difference where it matters. Increasing housing availability is a powerful way that we can help communities thrive.”
