BHP Billiton has made a long-term investment in the health of Newman residents with an A$10 million contribution towards the Newman Health Service Redevelopment Project.

The investment, made in partnership with the Western Australian Government, will support the development of an integrated health service for Newman and surrounding communities.

Western Australia Iron Ore Asset President, Edgar Basto, said the investment demonstrated the Company’s long-term commitment to Newman. 

“Newman has been an important part of our history for almost fifty years, and it will remain a key part of our operations for decades to come,” he said.

“The redevelopment will ensure that people from Newman and nearby Indigenous communities can access a range of inpatient and outpatient services, including visiting specialists and GP services, in a modern health care facility.

“It is a significant project for Newman and important to the Company to ensure the entire Newman community, and our employees, can access the same level of health care as other major regional towns.”

The new redevelopment will include a six-bay emergency department, 12-bed inpatient unit, an ambulatory care centre with outpatient facilities, a medical imaging department and medical and dental suites.

Over the past five years, BHP Billiton has invested more than A$300 million in health, education, Indigenous development and community infrastructure projects in Western Australia through its social investment program. 

Last financial year, A$18 million was invested in a range of initiatives in Newman including the East Pilbara Arts Centre, school upgrades, the Newman Retail Facility, the Fortescue Golf Club refurbishment and community lighting.