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WA’s strong economy to leave lasting legacy
WA's strong economy to leave lasting legacy,State-first joint initiative between the McGowan Government and WA resources industry to benefit Western Australians for generations to come The

WA’s strong economy to leave lasting legacy

  • State-first joint initiative between the McGowan Government and WA resources industry to benefit Western Australians for generations to come
  • The Resources Community Investment Initiative will facilitate investment in iconic State infrastructure projects and community and social initiatives around WA
  • Established with a $750 million commitment from founding contributors Rio Tinto, BHP, Hancock Prospecting, Roy Hill, Atlas Iron, Woodside Energy, Chevron Australia and Mineral Resources with funding attached to project milestones
  • Government to work with The Chamber of Minerals and Energy of WA to encourage participation across the WA resources sector
  • The McGowan Government has today launched a State-first Resources Community Investment Initiative, which will facilitate investment in iconic State infrastructure projects and community and social initiatives across Western Australia.

    Established with founding partners Rio Tinto, BHP, Hancock Prospecting, Roy Hill, Atlas Iron, Woodside Energy, Chevron Australia and Mineral Resources, the initiative provides a State Government-backed platform for direct contribution to iconic infrastructure and social projects in the WA community that will make our State an even better place to live for generations. 

    The initiative recognises the ongoing collaboration between the WA Government and local resources sector and the State’s strong response to COVID-19, which has helped to maintain WA’s position as the economic powerhouse of Australia.

    The initial commitments total $750 million from Rio Tinto ($250 million), BHP ($250 million), Hancock Prospecting, Roy Hill and Atlas Iron ($100 million), Woodside Energy ($50 million), Chevron Australia ($50 million) and Mineral Resources ($50 million).

    Government will work with The Chamber of Minerals and Energy of WA and other companies to encourage additional investment from across WA’s vibrant resources sector.

    An initial pipeline of projects has already been identified, including the Aboriginal Cultural Centre, the Perth Zoo Master Plan, the Remote Aboriginal Communities Fund, the Perth Concert Hall redevelopment and additional contributions to Telethon.

    It will also extend to include transformational projects across WA, to enable companies to collectively contribute to achieving long-term social and economic outcomes in the regions they operate in, in areas such as education and training, health, Aboriginal wellbeing and energy decarbonisation projects.

    Each company will decide the projects they wish to nominate funding to and individual project agreements will be established with agreed project milestones.

    An advisory committee, comprising of an independent chair as well as government and industry representatives, will be convened to oversee the initiative and ensure the highest standards of governance.  

    For more information, visit WA.gov.au/rcii

    As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:

    “The strength of WA’s economy places us in the best position to set up our State for the long term.

    “We are proud that the partnership between our government and the resources sector enables us to continue to help make our State an even better place to live.

    “I commend the efforts of Rio Tinto, BHP, Hancock Prospecting, Roy Hill, Atlas Iron, Woodside Energy, Chevron Australia and Mineral Resources as foundation partners of the initiative and acknowledge their leadership in contributing to our State in this capacity, which will have lasting benefits for generations.

    “I am confident that other resources companies across WA will join this worthwhile initiative and look forward to seeing some iconic State projects delivered.

    “This last financial year alone, the resources sector delivered record sales of $231 billion, and as we’ve seen at the recent Federal Budget, WA continues to be recognised as the economic powerhouse of the nation.”

    As stated by the Chamber of Minerals and Energy of WA Chief Executive Officer Rebecca Tomkinson:

    “The mining and resources sector has a proud history of supporting the WA community, from grassroots sporting clubs and local organisations to bigger projects across health, education, transport and infrastructure, Aboriginal employment and cultural initiatives, and environmental rehabilitation and conservation.

    “The sector is committed to providing a better future for all Western Australians and I am confident this initiative will leave a valuable and lasting legacy for generations to come.”

    As stated by Rio Tinto Iron Ore Chief Executive Simon Trott:

    “This initiative is a great example of Government and industry working together to support critical projects that will enable our community to prosper for generations to come. 

    “We want to leave a lasting, positive legacy wherever we operate, and this initiative will build on our more than 50 years of work helping to create thriving and resilient communities across Western Australia.”

    As stated by BHP Asset President WA Iron Ore, Brandon Craig:

    “BHP has a long and proud history in Western Australia, and we welcome the collaborative approach taken by the WA Government and the mining industry to strengthen our significant contribution to this great State.

    “We look forward to furthering our support for long-term social and economic outcomes in the regions where we operate, and for all West Australians.”

    As stated by Hancock Prospecting Executive Chairman Gina Rinehart and Chief Executive Officer, Garry Korte: 

    (Mrs Gina Rinehart) “Hancock Prospecting, Roy Hill and Atlas Iron have invested in programs and infrastructure in West Australia over many years and we are pleased to make a further $100 million contribution through the RCII initiated by Premier McGowan.”

    (Mr Garry Korte) “It is symbolic this announcement coincides with the 10th annual National Mining and Related Industries Day, an occasion founded by Mrs Rinehart, and which celebrates the importance of and the enormous contribution of our essential industry, with the RCII serving as a timely reminder that ‘when mining does well, Australia does well’.”

    As stated by Woodside Chief Executive Officer Meg O’Neill:

    “For more than three decades Woodside has built strong relationships in WA, aimed at creating a positive legacy for the communities where we live and work.

    “Woodside’s founding commitment of $50 million to the RCII provides an exciting new opportunity for us to continue this positive contribution to the people of WA.”

    As stated by Chevron Australia Managing Director Mark Hatfield:

    “Chevron Australia is proud to contribute to the RCII which recognises the value of collaboration between government, industry and local organisations in delivering significant and sustainable benefits for our communities.

    “Our founding contribution of $50 million complements our ongoing social investment program in Western Australia and enables us to support an even greater number of worthwhile initiatives that seek to make a difference.”

    As stated by Mineral Resources Ltd Managing Director Chris Ellison:

    “Western Australians have played a vital role in the success of MinRes and our industry.

    “As a proud Western Australian company, MinRes is continuing to grow, creating jobs and building projects in this great State.

    “It is only natural that we support an initiative that is building a better future for all Western Australians.”

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