Construction of the new Wickham Community Hub officially started today as part of the Community Infrastructure and Services Partnership (CISP) between Rio Tinto and the City of Karratha.

Rio Tinto has committed $8 million to help deliver the $16 million project for the residents of Wickham and surrounding communities of Roebourne and Point Samson, with additional funding of $7.5 million toward long-term operating costs. Additional funding will come from the City of Karratha and Lotterywest. Construction of the hub is due to be completed by the end of next year.

The new Wickham Community Hub will feature:

  • Community library
  • Early Learning Centre with space for 50 children as well as outdoor play areas
  • Youth Centre including skate park, activity spaces
  • A 250m2 water playground at the Wickham Pool
  • Offices for lease by community groups
  • Upgrades to the existing community hall
  • Two multi-purpose function rooms for community groups, events, functions and fitness classes.

Rio Tinto Iron Ore chief executive Chris Salisbury said 'Rio Tinto is committed to investing in projects to support the liveability of Pilbara towns and, in the process, attract families to live, work, invest and play in the region.

'We are proud to partner with the City of Karratha to help deliver projects to support community vibrancy and liveability in Wickham, and the construction of these new, state-of-the-art facilities will also help support jobs and investment in the region.'

Notes to editors

Our Community Infrastructure and Services Partnership (CISP) agreements with the City of Karratha and the Shire of Ashburton enable delivery of infrastructure projects, local services and public events for communities neighbouring Rio Tinto operations in the Pilbara.

Rio Tinto's CISP agreement with the City of Karratha was extended in October with an additional $7.7 million commitment over five years. The Wickham Community Hub will be delivered through the CISP with the City of Karratha.

Rio Tinto's CISP agreement with the Shire of Ashburton was extended in June with an additional $5.7 million allocated over five years.

In 2016, Rio Tinto Iron Ore invested $17.9 million in community programmes across Western Australia, as well as providing $9.8 million of in-kind support.

Rio Tinto Ltd. published this content on 13 December 2017 and is solely responsible for the information contained herein.
Distributed by Public, unedited and unaltered, on 13 December 2017 08:13:02 UTC.

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