CONSTRUCTION WORKS COMMENCE ON SEVEN GP HOUSES

03-02-2012
Construction will start next week on Dempster Street, Cooke Point, as part of the GP Housing Project which will see seven new houses built especially for local GP’s.
The project is a partnership between Town of Port Hedland, BHP Billiton Iron Ore and Royalties for Regions and is an initiative to attract and retain GP’s to assist the increasing need of essential services for residents.

“As our population continues to grow, the need for essential services such as health will also increase. Like other professions and industries, the health sector struggles to bring staff to Hedland mainly due to a lack of housing and accommodation,” said Mayor Kelly Howlett.

“This project will assist in retaining GP’s and helping them to relocate their families to Port Hedland and make this town their home. The construction of seven houses forms Stage One of the project, and it is hoped this will set a precedent for future stages.”

The GP Housing Project was initiated through the development of a Business Case for Accommodation for GP’s which was commissioned by BHP Billiton Iron Ore in 2009.

A Business Plan for the project was advertised for public comment in February 2011 and the tender for civil works and construction awarded to Pilbara Constructions in May 2011.

BHP Billiton Iron Ore Manager, Community – Port and Rail Peta Greening explains the GP Housing Project will provide essential health infrastructure to sustain medical services to the growing community.

“BHP Billiton Iron Ore identified the need for dedicated GP housing through our social impact assessments, community surveys and social baseline studies,” Mrs Greening said.

“We have worked closely with the Town of Port Hedland and State Government to ensure this important project comes to fruition, investing $2.25 million into the development of the strategy and stage one of the GP Housing Project for Hedland.”

Stage One of the GP Housing Project is expected to be completed by late-2012.

PAUL MARTIN
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
FRIDAY 3 FEBRUARY 2012

*ENDS*

Released on behalf of: Town of Port Hedland
For more information: Nur-Irdah Halik
Publicity Officer
Town of Port Hedland
PH: (08) 9158 9355
E: publicityofficer@porthedland.wa.gov.au
Last modified 03-02-2012 04:10 PM