Childcare centre gets green light
The construction of a modern, purpose-built childcare centre in Paraburdoo was announced by the Shire of Ashburton last week.
The $4.66 million childcare centre will be located in the Paraburdoo town centre with construction expected to begin early next year.
The project incorporates a 73-place childcare centre with provision for long-term and after-school care places.
Shire of Ashburton president Kerry White said the new centre represented a major milestone in providing greater support to families living in Paraburdoo.
"The new childcare centre will greatly assist parents who are looking to re-enter the workforce, which at present is made difficult with the lack of child-minding resources," she said.
"This new facility is also a positive feature in attracting more families into the Paraburdoo community."
The project is funded by the Shire of Ashburton and State Government's Royalties for Regions Pilbara Cities program, and Rio Tinto.
Rio Tinto general manager Paraburdoo operations Scott Wilkinson said they were pleased to be working with the Shire of Ashburton to deliver projects that supported community needs.
"We are very pleased to be providing funding for the Paraburdoo Childcare Centre and we are looking forward to seeing construction start in early 2015," he said. "I am confident that the new service will be well utilised by members of the community, including our own employees."
Pilbara Development Commission chief executive Ken King said the new facility would meet the growing needs of the Paraburdoo community.
"The commission has been working in partnership with the Shire of Ashburton and Rio Tinto to secure the delivery of this much-needed community facility," he said.
"This project is part of the Pilbara Cities vision to enhance the quality of life for residents, making the Pilbara and towns like Paraburdoo places people choose to call home."
Preliminary works have begun and the building tender will be awarded later this year.
