- Rio Tinto donates mobile workers' camp to support Kimberley floods recovery efforts
- Camp will provide urgent accommodation solution for up to 40 workers
- Local government management of camp will optimise recovery efforts
Rio Tinto will donate a 40-person mobile workers camp to the State Government and deliver it to Fitzroy Crossing to support the recovery efforts in the wake of the recent devastating Kimberley floods.
The mobile workers' camp is being provided to the State Government "free-and-clear" and will offer an accommodation solution for 40 workers while medium-term options with local partners are finalised.
The donated facility also includes a dry mess, loading dock, office space, water tanks, water treatment plant, laundry and first aid facilities.
The recent unprecedented flooding in the Kimberley has had a severe impact on community infrastructure and assets across the flood-affected region.
Significant recovery and reconstruction works will need to be undertaken in Fitzroy Crossing and surrounds, with additional accommodation required to house the incoming workforce.
The Rio Tinto workers' camp will meet the urgent accommodation needs of the initial recovery workforce. The Shire of Derby/West Kimberley will be responsible for coordinating the ongoing operations of the facility as part of the locally led recovery efforts.
It is anticipated the camp will be ready for transport and delivered to Fitzroy Crossing by the end of April.
Discussions between the Australian and Western Australian Governments regarding the shared costs of servicing the workers' camp, along with additional workers' accommodation, are well under way.
As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:
"The State Government is committed to supporting Kimberley communities impacted by the devastating floods and is working to ensure they can recover and start rebuilding as quickly as possible.
"I want to commend Rio Tinto for their support of flood-affected communities in their time of need - their contribution to the recovery efforts will make a real difference on the ground."
As stated by Emergency Services Minister Stephen Dawson:
"Helping flood-affected communities get back on their feet as soon as possible is a priority for the State Government.
"This donated workers' camp is a very welcome and much-needed addition to the pool of accommodation for the influx of workers required for the recovery effort."
As stated by Rio Tinto Iron Ore Chief Executive Simon Trott:
"Rio Tinto has a strong connection with the Kimberley region and we want to support those communities affected by this tragedy so they can recover as quickly as possible.
"This mobile accommodation facility will provide a place for essential workers to stay for the repair and rebuild of critical infrastructure in the region."
As stated by Kimberley MLA Divina D'Anna:
"The recovery and rebuild of Fitzroy Crossing, including homes, businesses and roads is not only important for the people of the Valley but also for the people of the Kimberley.
"Supporting the recovery process has been a priority of both the State and Federal Governments from the start.
"Being able to accommodate workers involved with the reconstruction phase of flood recovery is a huge step forward and is welcomed by all.
"We are grateful for the generosity shown by Rio Tinto on this occasion."
