- Partnership between State Government and Rio
Tinto to accelerate major redevelopments at Tom Price and Paraburdoo Hospitals
- Rio Tinto to contribute a further $20
million through the Resources Community Investment Initiative
- Tom Price and Paraburdoo projects to be
bundled together, creating a more attractive package for contractors
The Cook Government is partnering with Rio Tinto to fast-track major
redevelopments at Tom Price and Paraburdoo Hospitals, with a further $20
million contribution being made through the Resources Community Investment
Initiative (RCII).
The upgrades in Tom Price will include a modern emergency department,
contemporary facilities for visiting services with private interview and
consulting rooms, and a four-bed inpatient ward.
The new investment from the RCII will fund a major redevelopment at
nearby Paraburdoo Hospital, including facilities for a GP. While cost pressures
have impacted infrastructure projects across the State, bundling the projects
together will create a larger package of works that is more attractive to
contractors. It also reduces time spent tendering and builds a sustainable
pipeline of work, particularly for local subcontractors.
Additionally, this approach will mean the State Government can fast-track
the Tom Price Hospital project by allowing early construction works to commence
on site while design and works for the remainder of the project progress
simultaneously.
The extra funding will come from Rio Tinto's $250 million commitment to
the RCII, bringing its total commitment for the two hospitals to $40 million.
A tender is anticipated for release in August 2024, with a contract
expected to be awarded in November 2024 and works for Tom Price to commence
soon after.
The State Government will continue to partner with Rio Tinto throughout these
projects to deliver this important infrastructure for regional communities.
Comments attributed to Premier Roger Cook:
"This innovative approach allows Government to work collaboratively with
a construction contractor to urgently deliver the works at Tom Price and
Paraburdoo Hospitals, with support from Rio Tinto.
"We are getting on with the job of delivering these major health
infrastructure projects, by creating a larger package of works that will
be more attractive to future contractors.
"Staff at both Tom Price Hospital and Paraburdoo Hospital
continue to deliver excellent care to the local community, and I thank them for
all they do."
Comments attributed to Pilbara MLA Kevin Michel:
"By bundling together these two projects we will fast-track the
redevelopments and create sustainable work for local Pilbara businesses.
"I welcome the additional $20 million commitment from Rio Tinto through the Resources
Community Investment Initiative (RCII) to allow us to keep investing in
these two critical health services."
Comments attribute to Rio Tinto Rail, Ports and Core
Services Managing Director Richard Cohen:
"We've been part of the Pilbara region for almost 60 years
and have a strong commitment to the communities of Tom Price and Paraburdoo.
"We understand health services are very important to both
communities to ensure the ongoing health, safety and wellbeing of people and
their families living in both towns.
"We have been working with the State Government to support
the delivery of a new Tom Price Hospital and are proud to be able to make a
significant contribution to the major redevelopment of Paraburdoo Hospital.
"We welcome the State Government's new procurement approach
and look forward to seeing these important projects take shape in the near
future."
