Media Statements - Inland towns receive their fair share of Pilbara Fund

27/10/05

Pilbara Minister Jon Ford said inland communities including Newman and Tom Price had received their fair share of grants in round two of the Pilbara Fund.

Mr Ford said one of the most exciting projects was the $3.5million Newman Community Centre, where the Pilbara Fund contribution would amount to $600,000.

“The purpose-built community centre will house non-profit groups and Government agencies and also give the town state-of-the-art conference facilities,” he said.

Under round two of the Pilbara Fund, $6.2million has been allocated to 43 projects across the region.

“Almost one third of this is being spent on inland towns and communities,” the Minister said.

Tom Price High School will employ a chaplain with a grant of more than $63,000 and the revamp of Paraburdoo’s swimming pool will move a step closer with a grant of $20,000.

Projects to receive funding include:

Shire of East Pilbara

$123,463 to refurbish staff accommodation in Newman;
$600,000 to help build the Newman Community Centre;
$90,000 for the first stage of the Newman Town Centre Revitalisation Project;
$227,723 to Pilbara TAFE to help provide a trades training facility at Newman;
$47,000 to the Newman Mainstreet Project to assist with the installation of a new indoor play facility at the Newman Community Hall;
$27,995 to the St John Ambulance in Newman to help buy a 4WD ambulance; and
$125,000 to the Newman State Emergency Service Unit to help build a garage, storeroom and ablution block.

Shire of Ashburton

$250,000 to help install underground power at the town of Onslow;
$66,000 for the refurbishment of Tjulina Oval change-rooms at Tom Price;
$20,000 to the Shire of Ashburton to prepare a brief for the refurbishment of Paraburdoo’s swimming pool;
$17,256 to North Tom Price Primary School to improve the playground area;
$63,717 to Tom Price Senior High School to employ a chaplain;
$29,159 to the Onslow Tourism & Progress Association to build a permanent shelter over the Onslow Historical Museum’s outdoor display area;
$60,000 to the Nintirri Centre to develop a Tom Price Community Arts & Culture Centre; and
$50,000 to the St John Ambulance service in Tom Price to help buy a 4WD ambulance.

Mr Ford said the Gallop Government was ensuring that all regional people received their fair share.

Minister's office - 9425 4200