A combined spending spree by the Western Australian Government and BHP Billiton could result in about $310 million being spent on the Pilbara over the next four years.
Just days after BHPB announced it would launch its $10 million Community Partnership Program, the WA Government has announced it would spend $300 million over the next four years to upgrade infrastructure in the region.
Existing infrastructure in the Pilbara is under considerable pressure as populations increase on the back of the resources boom the region is experiencing.
Some of that Government money is going towards the $20 million Pilbara Fund and, so far, 60 community infrastructure proposals have been put to the fund’s steering group, chaired by former WA deputy premier Ian Taylor.
WA Premier Geoff Gallop said BHPB’s program allowed for the company, the Government and the local community to work together on projects that would enhance the quality of life for people in the region.
BHPB’s program is to be funded in line with the company’s corporate commitment to target 1 per cent of its pre-tax profit to supporting community programs.
In the 2003-04 year BHPB spent $7.6 million on community projects.
The program will target four broad areas: access to quality health services; access to improved education and training; improved community amenity and facilities in towns; and Indigenous employment and other support.
It was set up following an extensive consultation process with local communities conducted as part of feasibility studies for the expansion of BHPB’s iron ore business.
From the research a targeted set of activities was developed to improve the amenity of the towns and help to retain and attract new residents.
As part of its Community Partnership program, BHPB has announced a $1 million donation to the Royal Flying Doctor Service to go with a $705,000 partnership it has entered into with the organisation.
The $1 million is towards the cost of new aircraft and the $705,000 goes towards RFDS on the Road, a new primary health care service to people living in isolated parts of the Pilbara.
RDFS on the Road will include things such as injury prevention education, first aid training, men’s health promotional activities and cardiac risk assessment.
Dr Gallop said the bulk of the money was expected to be spent on schools, health facilities and housing, althoug, other community projects would be considered.
“I look forward to working with BHPB and other mining companies over the next decade as this region undergoes massive change,” he said.
