The Prime Minister today committed Australian Government funding of up to $6.5 million towards the upgrade of local roads in the Ravensthorpe area in southern Western Australia.
"The Australian Government has committed this funding because of the significant regional economic impact of the nickel mine project to the Ravensthorpe/Esperance region", he said.
He said, "These roads are integral to the operation of BHP Billiton's nickel mine operations there.
The Prime Minister said that there would be 315 permanent direct jobs and 930 indirect jobs created once the mine is at full capacity.
The local roads have been designated as roads of national importance and include:
Lee Road from the Hopetoun - Ravensthorpe Road to Jerdacuttup North Road
Jerdacuttup Road to the mine entrance
Tamarine Road from Jerdacuttup Road to Middle Road
"The Australian Government is committed to a residential work force for the mine, rather than a fly in - fly out operation. A residential workforce will have greater long term benefits for the region", he said.
"Our commitment is conditional on BHP Billiton using a residential work force based in the Esperance, Ravensthorpe and Hopetoun region.", the Prime Minister said.
"As is normal practice with roads of national importance, the Australian Government expects a contribution from other befitting parties including local government, the WA Government and BHP Billiton."