Published on Friday, 11 November 2022 at 7:30:12 AM
This week, the Shire of Ashburton formally acknowledged the completion of the both the Emergency Services Precinct and the new Childcare Centre in Tom Price.
The Shire was joined by Hon Peter Foster MLC representing Minister for Local Government and Minister for Emergency Services, Craig Waters, Deputy Commissioner Fire and Emergency Services and Richard Cohen, Managing Director Port, Rail and Core Services Rio Tinto at ceremony to acknowledge the realisation of both projects.
Shire of Ashburton President Kerry White praised the achievement and the completion of both much needed facilities to the Tom Price community.
“The Shire of Ashburton, in partnership with Rio Tinto as part of our Community Infrastructure and Services Partnership, has been working for a number of years to deliver a childcare centre that will meet the needs of current and future residents”, acknowledged Councillor White.
“The $6.75M modern facility offers 96-spaces through the provision of day-care, after school care and vacation programs in a purpose-built environment that will foster learning and creativity.
“We know that this facility will greatly enhance the liveability of our town as will as assisting working parents with childcare needs.
“I would like to acknowledge Rio Tinto for their funding contribution to the project and continued investment into the community.
“I also would like to acknowledge The Nintirri Centre Inc., who will be operating the new centre from early next year and thank them for their continued contribution to the Tom Price community.
“We also officially opened the $4M Emergency Services Precinct today, with representatives from DFES and local emergency services groups and volunteers in attendance alongside Shire officers and Rio Tinto.
“The combined, fit-for-purpose facility will house the Bush Fire Brigade (BRB) and State Emergency Services (SES) in one accessible location.
“With our Pilbara climate, prone to cyclones, floodwaters and bushfires, and proximity to Karijini National Park that sees close to 500,000 visitors a year in our region, the BFB and SES now have an accessible base to coordinate emergency and incidence response, training and other community activities.
“I am very pleased that together with funding contributions from DFES and Rio Tinto, along with a contribution from the Shire of Ashburton we have delivered these valuable amenities to the community”.
Rio Tinto’s Managing Director Port, Rail & Core Services, Richard Cohen, said: “Rio Tinto is proud to have helped deliver this state-of-the-art precinct, which will offer two vital services for Tom Price to support a healthy, vibrant, and thriving local community”.
“Early childhood education is a critical service, and this new centre will help attract and retain families, while the new emergency services facility will provide a boost to those who work tirelessly to protect Tom Price and surrounding areas.”
“DFES is pleased with the addition of this facility which will significantly improve the delivery of emergency service to the Tom Price area and the greater Pilbara region,” DFES Superintendent Pilbara Peter McCarthy said.
“Co-location of the Tom Price Bush Fire Brigade (BFB) and State Emergency Service Unit (SES) in the one facility will enhance an already strong working bond between the two volunteer services.
“The state-of-the art operational, training, vehicle and equipment storage and amenity areas provide our volunteers the space and functionality to prepare for, respond to and assist recovery from a range of emergency situations.”
Additional Information
- Both facilities constructed by Emirge
- Tom Price Childcare Centre Project cost $6.75M, funded by Rio Tinto $4.96M and Shire of Ashburton $2.2M
- Emergency Services Precinct Project cost $4M funded by DFES $1.72M, Rio Tinto $1.5M and Shire of Ashburton $800,00
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