$70 million school spend among highlights of State Government’s Pilbara Recovery Plan to help region rebound from COVID-19

A $70 million spend on schools across the Pilbara is among the highlights of a massive State Government funding commitment to help the Pilbara bounce back from the coronavirus pandemic.

Premier Mark McGowan flew to Karratha to unveil the details of the Pilbara Recovery Plan this morning, with a $211.8 million package that includes a range of infrastructure projects and education, health and social programs to “create a pipelines of short and long term jobs.”

It forms part of the $5.5 billion WA Recovery Plan that was announced last month.

Some of the big winners in the plan include Roebourne District High School, who will will receive a $42 million redevelopment and Karratha Senior High School with a $22 million upgrade.

The massive spend on schools follows the planned $15 million upgrade for South Hedland High School, reported by the North West Telegraph in June.

Industry infrastructure in Port Hedland will also benefit from the PRP, with a $51.2 million upgrade for the retaining and sheet pile walls at the Nelson Point Tug Haven, a $20 million spend on the port inner harbour sea walls and $10.5 million for an upgraded entrance to the Boodarie industrial area.

The Government said the revamped Buy Local policy will ensure local businesses are in the box seat to carry out a majority of the works, including a $10 million upgrade to 85km of Pilbara roads, expected to create around 50 local jobs.

Mr McGowan said the plan would drive economic and social recovery in the region to ensure it could recover stronger than ever.

“It will create a pipeline of short and long-term jobs for locals and deliver huge improvements to local infrastructure and services,” he said.