Rio Tinto will contribute A$20 million to the Western Australian Government towards the major redevelopment of the Paraburdoo Hospital, in the state’s Pilbara region.

The partnership will see the ageing hospital upgraded with purpose-built facilities to support medical services for the local community, including new rooms for a GP.

Rio Tinto’s contribution to the hospital will come from the company’s A$250 million commitment to the WA Government’s Resources Community Investment Initiative (RCII).

The project will be packaged together with the company’s previous A$20 million commitment to a new Tom Price Hospital.

“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,” Rio Tinto Rail, Ports and Core Services Managing Director Richard Cohen, said.

Premier Roger Cook says the approach would allow the State government to deliver the works at 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.

Western Australian Premier Roger Cook, said  the innovative approach would allow the State government to work with a construction contractor to deliver the works at Tom Price and Paraburdoo.

“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,” the Premier said.

“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.”