Published on Monday, 29 August 2016 at 12:00:00 AM
Paraburdoo is set to receive a new Community Hub with funding secured to upgrade the town’s sporting and recreational facilities. The $14.39 million redevelopment will be a boost to Paraburdoo, replacing ageing infrastructure with vibrant facilities to better suit the needs of the town.
Jointly funded by the Shire, Rio Tinto and the State Government’s Royalties for Regions program, the project will significantly enhance the Paraburdoo town centre while also providing ongoing sustainability for the community.
Shire President Kerry White says the Paraburdoo Community Hub has been in the pipeline for numerous years and it is exciting to now see it progress into action.
“We are thrilled to have received funding from Rio Tinto and Royalties for Regions as it now enables us to move forward with plans to improve the community infrastructure in Paraburdoo,” Cr White said.
The Community Hub project will include the following works:
- Refurbish the current sports hall and repurpose for Karingal Neighbourhood Centre (community facilities and administration offices) with consulting offices and toy library;
- New Multi-Purpose Centre with shared facilities for sports oval and indoor recreation court (change rooms, first aid, public amenities, kitchen, club rooms) and community gymnasium;
- Replace aged swimming pool facilities – change rooms, plant, first aid, office and improve pool furniture (barbecue, tables, etc);
- Upgrade softball facilities;
- Refurbish Lesser Hall and upgrade outdoor function area;
- Upgrade town centre carpark and pedestrian walkways to provide connection between commercial and community precincts.
As part of the Community Hub enhancement, the project will also address disability access and improved availability of mental health and counseling services.
Rio Tinto general manager Greater Paraburdoo Operations Gabe Iwanow said this commitment supported the recent completion of other infrastructure projects, designed to make the town an even better place to live and work.
“We’re excited to collaborate with the Shire of Ashburton in creating a vibrant and engaging space for the community to enjoy and use,” Ms Iwanow said. “The Community Hub will meet the current needs of Paraburdoo as well as supporting the long-term sustainability of community services in our town.”
Pilbara Development Commission Chief Executive Officer Terry Hill said the project was part of the $25 million Pilbara Cities Place Making and Activation Framework.
“We’re proud to be working together with the Shire of Ashburton and Rio Tinto to improve the wellbeing and quality of life of Paraburdoo residents,” Mr Hill said.
“Once complete, the new hub will activate the town centre by centralising community services, bringing new vibrancy and sense of place to the inland Pilbara town.”
The Shire will work with stakeholders and architectural consultants to develop the design for the various aspects of the project. Tender packages for construction are expected to be awarded in the first quarter of 2017, with construction completed mid-2018
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