BHP partners with State Government to tackle Port Hedland housing shortage

BHP is partnering with the State Government to tackle acute housing shortages in the Pilbara, committing $50 million to build essential worker accommodation in Port Hedland.

The funding for Government Regional Officer Housing (GROH) accommodation for frontline government workers is through the State Government’s Resources Community Investment Initiative (RCII).

The commitment will deliver much-needed housing for essential government employees, including teachers and police to help attract and retain workers.

Making more housing available for frontline government workers will help to free-up accommodation in the private market.

The State Government will invest $419 million through the 2026-27 Budget to build more GROH accommodation in the Pilbara and other regional areas as part of a broader boost to housing in key locations under its Seven Cities vision.

The GROH expansion will be delivered over five years. Rio Tinto and Hancock Prospecting are also contributing through the RCII.

The projects will deliver an increase in housing supply, improve local amenity and support essential services.

The RCII is a major partnership between the State Government and the resources sector, enabling companies to invest in infrastructure and community projects that improve liveability.

BHP’s total RCII contribution is $250 million over 10 years to deliver community infrastructure, with further announcements to follow involving Port Hedland and Newman.

West Australian Premier Roger Cook said:

“Our regions have been central to Western Australia becoming the strongest economy in the nation and will be critical to our future economic success.

“While traditional industries like mining, agriculture and tourism will continue to thrive, our regions will be front-and-centre to my government’s vision and becoming a renewable energy powerhouse and making more things here.

“To seize the big job-creating projects in front of us in regional WA, we need the Seven Cities to have the economic infrastructure they need and to be able to provide quality services to the towns and remote communities within their regions.

“My Seven Cities vision starts with housing and ensuring these cities outside of Perth have the frontline workers needed to deliver quality public services.

“I commend and thank Rio Tinto, BHP and Hancock Prospecting for partnering with my government on this GROH housing build, to support the delivery of better services in the communities in which they operate.

BHP Western Australian Iron Ore Asset President Tim Day said:

“Strong Pilbara communities start with people having access to safe, affordable housing.

“When people can find a place to live, they’re far more likely to build a life here, stay longer, and contribute to the region’s long-term success.

“BHP’s investment will help deliver the housing the Pilbara needs to attract and retain essential workers and ensure our towns continue to be great places to live and work.”