BHP commits $160m to Port Hedland in largest WA community investment

BHP commits $160m to Port Hedland in largest WA community investment 

An $80 million upgrade to Hedland Senior High School is the centrepiece of a $160 million investment by BHP in Port Hedland, the company’s largest community infrastructure commitment made in WA. 

The funding includes $20 million to deliver a new aquatic centre and $10 million towards the construction of service worker accommodation. 

Funding is through the Resources Community Investment Initiative (RCII) and follows BHP’s commitment of $50 million to build essential worker accommodation in Port Hedland as part of the State Government’s Seven Cities program. 

That program will build more Government Regional Officer Housing for frontline government workers including police, teachers, and nurses. 

Premier Roger Cook and Education Minister Sabine Winton were in Port Hedland for today’s $160m announcement. 

Obsolete and degraded school buildings will be demolished as part of the refurbishment, which will address long-standing infrastructure, capacity and amenity constraints at the region’s central secondary school, which caters for more than 1200 students every year.  

The upgrade will include new design, technology and science facilities, general classrooms and other facilities.   

The funding will enable the development of a comprehensive, staged redevelopment to deliver a contemporary school with facilities capable of supporting enrolment growth, specialist education pathways and improved student outcomes.  

The final scope of the project will be determined by the Education Department, with the initial stages expected to be completed by early 2029. 

The upgrade will deliver social and economic benefits over many years, strengthen family retention in Hedland and support long-term workforce development. 

South Hedland Service Worker Accommodation 

BHP’s $10 million investment in this shovel-ready accommodation project responds to an acute housing shortage in Hedland that undermines workforce attraction, service delivery and community stability. 

Led by the Town of Port Hedland, stage 1 will deliver up to 56 apartment-style dwellings for essential service workers who do not qualify for social housing. 

South Hedland Aquatic Centre 

The Town of Port Hedland has identified the new aquatic centre as a priority investment to support population growth, youth engagement and community health. 

It will replace the existing ageing and inadequate facilities. BHP’s $20 million investment will enable the project to proceed, with construction anticipated to start in 2028. 

The State Government has pledged $22.5 million towards the cost of the project. 

Western Australian Premier Roger Cook said:  

“I want to thank BHP for their contribution to these projects, which will make Port Hedland an even better place to live, work and raise a family and help realise my government’s Seven Cities vision. 

 “I want Western Australia’s economy to remain the strongest in the nation. 

 “That’s why it’s so important for us to continue investing in the Pilbara, our State’s economic powerhouse. 

 “Through the Resources Community Investment Initiative, my government is leveraging the strength of our world-leading resources sector to help deliver the quality infrastructure and services regional communities need to unlock the next wave of economic development in regional WA.” 

Education Minister Sabine Winton said:  
“The Cook Labor Government is focused on delivering quality services across our State to support a high quality of life for Western Australians, no matter where they live.  

 “BHP’s contribution of $80 million through the Resources Community Investment Initiative towards Hedland Senior High School is a significant boost for students, teachers and families of Port Hedland.  

 “It will mean educating the next generation of our nation’s economic powerhouse in a state-of-the-art secondary school.”  

BHP Australia President Geraldine Slattery said: 

"Strong communities like Hedland don't happen by chance. They're built by people and supported by partnerships that last. 

 "This is BHP's biggest community investment in Western Australia. It will help young people get a good education, build great local facilities and ensure more housing for the people who deliver vital services to the region. 

 "Together with Premier Cook and the Western Australian Government, we're delivering what matters to local people." 

BHP Western Australian Iron Ore Asset President, Tim Day said: 

“These projects will transform how Port Hedland locals experience education, recreation and everyday life in the town – ensuring modern facilities that support a thriving regional centre. 

“They will reward our teachers and students, deliver long-term community benefits, and help to support the workers who keep Port Hedland running.”