The Chamber of Minerals and Energy of Western Australia (CME) and its member companies are partnering with the Western Australian Government on the Resources Community Investment Initiative, which will provide funding for not only infrastructure but also much-needed community and social initiatives.
Established with $750 million from founding contributors Rio Tinto, BHP, Hancock Prospecting, Roy Hill, Atlas Iron, Woodside Energy, Chevron Australia and Mineral Resources, the initiative is expected to attract investment from across the breadth of CME’s membership and will help make iconic infrastructure projects around the state a reality.
CME CEO, Rebecca Tomkinson, said the Western Australia mining and resources sector has a proud history of supporting the state’s economy and investing in local communities.
“Our members already help to fund health, education and other essential services around the state with the significant royalties they pay each year.”
According to Ms Tomkinson, these royalties totalled more than $25 billion over the past two state budgets.
“In addition, our sector is committed to enriching the lives of West Australians, from the 157,000 jobs we provide, to supporting local businesses and community groups across the regions in which we operate, and now this targeted investment.
“This initiative provides yet another avenue for CME member companies to give back to the community by investing in iconic state infrastructure projects and community and social initiatives around Western Australia.”
Ms Tomkinson said several of the projects receiving initial funding will be instantly recognisable, including the Perth Zoo Master Plan, the Perth Concert Hall redevelopment and contributions to Telethon.
“Others may be less recognisable but equally exciting, including the Remote Aboriginal Communities Fund and the new Aboriginal Cultural Centre to be built on the banks of the Derbarl Yerrigan.
“CME looks forward to seeing the Resources Community Investment Initiative help build a better future for Western Australia.”
