Rio Tinto: Rio Tinto commits A$75 million to renew Pilbara local government partnerships

Rio Tinto will commit A$75 million across 10 years to renew its partnerships with the Shire of Ashburton and the City of Karratha to continue the delivery of a range of important community projects across the two regions.

Previous Community Infrastructure and Services Partnership (CISP) agreements with both the Shire and the City had supported the funding and delivery of key infrastructure projects, local services and public events for local communities over the last 10 years.

The renewed partnerships will build upon and further strengthen Rio Tinto’s relationship with local government partners.

Rio Tinto’s Managing Director Port, Rail & Core Services, Richard Cohen, said “Creating vibrant, healthy communities and attracting families to live, work and play in this amazing and unique part of Australia has been a shared vision of Rio Tinto, the Shire of Ashburton and the City of Karratha for many years.

“We are very proud of what we have been able to achieve together over the past 10 years through these award winning partnerships, including the delivery of state-of-the-art infrastructure and services.

“Rio Tinto is committed to being a good local and this starts with being connected with the communities where we do business. Renewing this partnership with the Shire of Ashburton and the City of Karratha for a further 10 years, demonstrates our ongoing commitment to make a real difference in these communities.”

Shire of Ashburton President Kerry White acknowledged the success of the partnership with Rio Tinto over the past 10 years.

“The partnership with Rio Tinto has enabled the Shire to deliver a range of events, activities and key infrastructure amenities to the communities of Tom Price, Paraburdoo and Pannawonica,” she said.

“Council are pleased to be revitalising our partnership with Rio Tinto and continuing to deliver together, a range of key services to our community today and into the future.

“In our unique environment, we believe opportunities can be found everywhere, and we are dedicated to developing vibrant, active and connected communities with those opportunities in mind to add value and contribute to our people’s health and wellbeing”.

City of Karratha Mayor Peter Long said the City is excited to continue working in partnership with Rio Tinto to provide opportunities to our community and enhance the liveability of our towns.

“This partnership has had phenomenal outcomes for the community over the last 10 years, helping to transform Karratha into the place so many are proud to call home.

“We are thrilled to continue building upon its legacy, delivering better facilities and services to our community for future generations to prosper.”

The former partnerships with the City of Karratha and the Shire of Ashburton have supported the delivery of important community projects, including:

Clem Thompson Pavilion, a two-storey facilities that houses four club rooms, umpires’ room, function area, bar, kitchen, canteen, storage area and stadium seating;
Paraburdoo Community Hub, providing an oval, indoor recreation courts, change rooms, first aid, kitchen, club rooms, storage and a community gymnasium. The facility will be able to serve as an emergency centre during cyclones.
Dampier Community Hub which provides a number of indoor and outdoor spaces including an early learning center, public library, multipurpose meeting rooms and community spaces, refurbished community hall;
Wickham Community Hub where children come to learn and play;
Cossack Art Awards which promotes and celebrates Pilbara-based artist;
Karratha Leisureplex where local teams train and compete;
Events and festivals, including the Red Earth Arts Precinct which has hosted the WA Ballet and many other arts groups in recent years; and
School holiday programmes.