I am pleased to announce today that the Australian Government will provide funding of $4.29 million towards four projects in the Shire of Ravensthorpe.
These four infrastructure projects, supporting the investment of BHP Billiton in the Ravensthorpe Nickel development, include: a new Hopetoun Community Centre ($2.75 million), a new Collocated Emergency Services facility in Hopetoun ($660,000), new services at the Ravensthorpe Entertainment Centre ($660,000) and a new Rural Transaction Centre in Hopetoun ($220,000).
The Ravensthorpe Nickel development will involve a total estimated investment of $1.8 billion. BHP Billiton is contributing $38 million for housing and infrastructure costs, and the Western Australian government has also contributed funding.
The Australian Government funding will help construct a new Hopetoun Community Centre to house consulting rooms for visiting health professionals, provide access to Shire services, banking facilities and a much needed meeting and community hall.
This funding will also help to construct a new Collocated Emergency Services facility to house firefighting, ambulance, sea search and rescue agencies in Hopetoun.
The Regional Partnerships funding will also contribute to new facilities at the Ravensthorpe Entertainment Centre including a gallery and formal reception area for community functions and events, a creche, child minding facility, mothers room, additional ablutions block, a fully equipped functions catering area, two smaller meeting rooms and a floor to ceiling glassed viewing gallery.
The Shire of Ravensthorpe will also receive funding to establish a Rural Transaction Centre to provide access to a range of business, government and other services in Hopetoun.
I congratulate all of the local community partners, including the Goldfields Esperance ACC, who have worked together to make these projects possible.