Published on Friday, 29 October 2021 at 11:00:00 AM
The Shire of Ashburton is pleased to announce that the construction contract for the development of the Tom Price Childcare Centre and Emergency Services precinct has been awarded to Emirge Design and Construction.
The contract was awarded at a Special Council Meeting this week, after previously preferred contractor Pindan entered External Administration earlier in the year.
Additional childcare services have been long sought after by Tom Price residents, and the development of a new childcare centre will provide much needed additional spaces for daycare, after school care and vacation care whilst providing the children attending with a modern, built for purpose facility.
Once built, it will run under the operation of Nintirri Centre Inc, who have been providing childcare services in Tom Price for over 30 years.
The Emergency Services Precinct will combine the Shire’s major emergency services of the Bush Fire Brigade and State Emergency Services (SES) in one accessible location.
With funding contributions from DFES and Rio Tinto, along with a contribution from the Shire of Ashburton, community health and wellbeing is at the forefront of the project with the establishment of the combined, fit-for-purpose facility.
Shire President Kerry White said she was glad the project was continuing to move forward and was confident both services will be advantageous to the Tom Price community.
“After the disappointing halt of this project earlier in the year, we are delighted to engage the services of Emirge,” said Councillor White.
“Emirge have extensive building experience in design, construction and building whilst also understanding the needs of our unique Pilbara environment and harsh climate.
“We are excited to see the development of the Childcare Centre and Emergency Services Precinct that will reflect both the current and longstanding needs of the Tom Price community and look forward to construction commencing.”
Sylvia Winkler, Nintirri Chief Executive Officer said that they are relieved and pleased to hear the construction tender has been awarded and thanked the Shire of Ashburton for their work to progress this.
“We look forward to welcoming Emirge Design and Construction into the community, hoping they are able to mobilise quickly and re-commence works, with Christmas holidays and Cyclone season upon us”, said Ms Winkler.
“We look forward to continuing our working relationship with the Shire of Ashburton Projects and Procurement Team”.
Peter McCarthy, DFES Superintendent Pilbara region, acknowledged that the Tom Price volunteers are excited to see this project progress and are looking forward to taking possession of this purpose-built facility.
“The Pilbara is currently in the bushfire period, with cyclone season just a week away. When completed this new facility will provide a modern, functional building for the BFB and SES to use as a base for incident response, training and community awareness activities”, said Mr McCarthy.
“The volunteers respond to a variety of emergency incidents including bushfires, flood and storm response and rescues incident within the Karijini Gorges and this facility will provide them a fantastic base of operations”.
Rio Tinto Iron Ore Chief Executive, Simon Trott, commented that this is great news for the Tom Price community where childcare is a critical service for local families. We’re proud to support this important project.
“Rio Tinto will continue to invest in programs and initiatives like the Tom Price Childcare and Emergency Services Precinct that support the town’s development and provide quality services for the community”, said Mr Trott.
For media information contact:
Alison Lennon, Manager Media and Communications, M: 0409 314 140 | E: [email protected]
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