BHP will invest AU$160 million in Port Hedland to strengthen family retention and support long-term workforce development. It is the company’s largest-ever community infrastructure commitment in Western Australia.
The funding includes an AU$80 million transformation of Hedland Senior High School, which caters to more than 1,200 students annually.
Delivered via the state government’s Resources Community Investment Initiative (RCII), the project will see obsolete and degraded buildings demolished to make way for state-of-the-art design, technology, and science facilities.
The initial stages of the redevelopment are slated for completion by early 2029.
The investment also channels AU$20 million into a brand-new South Hedland Aquatic Centre to replace ageing infrastructure, alongside a state government pledge of AU$22.5 million. Construction on the pool is expected to commence in 2028.
To combat acute regional housing shortages, BHP is also injecting AU$10 million into a shovel-ready service worker accommodation project in South Hedland to deliver up to 56 apartment-style dwellings.
This builds upon a separate AU$50 million commitment from BHP to construct essential worker housing under the state’s Seven Cities program.
Western Australian Premier Roger Cook thanked BHP for partnering to strengthen the Pilbara powerhouse.
“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,” Cook said.
“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.”
BHP Australia President Geraldine Slattery said the record-breaking partnership was designed to secure the town’s long-term future.
“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,” Slattery said.