- Cook Labor Government welcomes $45 million investment in the Pilbara through the Resources Community Investment Initiative (RCII)
- Builds on BHP’s previously announced commitments to Port Hedland through the RCII
- New investment includes more homes for remote communities and affordable accommodation for essential workers
The Cook Labor Government has welcomed a further $45 million investment in the Pilbara through the Resources Community Investment Initiative (RCII), helping ensure every Western Australian has a home in the region.
As part of the RCII, BHP will invest $30 million to build new homes in remote communities in the region, with Traditional Owners to be involved throughout, helping housing design, planning and delivery.
This is part of the government’s $127 million top-up to the Remote Communities Fund as part of the 2026-27 State Budget to deliver additional housing investment, undertake municipal works, and support essential infrastructure and services in remote Aboriginal communities throughout WA.
BHP will also invest $15 million through the RCII to convert up to 40 of its vacant houses in East Newman into affordable accommodation for essential workers not eligible for Government Regional Officer Housing (GROH), including childcare, retail and hospitality workers.
These investments build on BHP’s $160 million contribution to a range of projects in Port Hedland, including Hedland Senior High School, announced earlier this month.
These contributions bring the total committed funding from the RCII to $427 million.
This includes a $170 million commitment from Rio Tinto, BHP, and Hancock to undertake the State’s biggest-ever build of Government Regional Officer Housing (GROH) to support the government’s Seven Cities vision.
As stated by Premier Roger Cook:
“I want to thank BHP for its contribution to these projects, which will help make Newman and the Pilbara an even better place to live, work and raise a family.
“The Resources Community Investment Initiative has played a significant role supporting the Cook Labor Government to deliver its priorities of jobs, health, and housing in regional Western Australia as part of its Seven Cities vision.
“It’s allowed my government to leverage the strength of our world-leading resources sector to help deliver the quality infrastructure and services regional communities need.”
As stated by Housing and Works Minister John Carey:
“As a government, we’re already making unprecedented investments to build thousands of homes and unlock land for new housing, including significant investments in the Pilbara.
“By partnering with industry, we are bolstering those efforts – delivering more homes in remote communities and for key workers.”
As stated by Pilbara Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson:
“The Pilbara is the engine room of the economy, and we want to see more WA workers take up the opportunity to live and work in the region.
“It’s great to see BHP working with the local community and providing funding for more housing in Newman.”
As stated by Pilbara MLA Kevin Michel:
“I’m proud to be part of the Cook Labor Government, which is working to ensure every Western Australian has a home.
“Thanks to BHP and the Resources Community Investment Initiative, millions of dollars will now be invested to help bolster a range of housing programs throughout the Pilbara, helping keep this region a great place to live and work.”
As stated by BHP Iron Ore asset president Tim Day:
“Our investments reflect BHP’s commitment to support the communities we are part of, and we know that when we get something as fundamental as housing right, the benefits flow well beyond the homes themselves.
“Improved and appropriate remote housing helps reduce overcrowding, supports better health outcomes, and creates real opportunities for Aboriginal businesses to play a leading role in construction and upgrades.
“In Newman, we are working with State and local governments, agencies, and community organisations to deliver a better, brighter future for the town.
“Our investment will ensure more key worker housing, help revitalise East Newman and create new recreation areas for the entire community.
“Our focus is for our community investment to make a difference where it matters. Increasing housing availability is a powerful way that we can help communities thrive.”
