- 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.
As stated by 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."
As stated by Pilbara MLA Kevin Michael:
"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."
