The Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DMIRS) has predicted that the State’s first ‘Resources Community Investment Initiative’ will encourage investment in infrastructure projects across Western Australia as well as other community and social initiatives.
Established with founding partners Rio Tinto, BHP, Hancock Prospecting, Roy Hill, Atlas Iron, Woodside Energy, Chevron Australia and Mineral Resources, the Department said the initiative provides a Government-backed platform for a direct contribution to infrastructure and social projects in the Western Australian community.
DMIRS said the initiative recognised the continuing collaboration between the Government and the local resources sector and the State’s strong response to COVID-19.
“We 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,” the Department said.
“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 said.
Each member in the Initiative would decide on the projects they wished to nominate funding to, and individual project agreements would 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,” DMIRS said.
Premier, Mark McGowan said he was proud the partnership would continue to help make WA an even better place to live.
“I am confident that other resources companies across WA will join this worthwhile initiative and look forward to seeing some iconic State projects delivered,” Mr McGowan said.
