Port Hedland is seeking a massive grant from the resource sector to support plans for a new aquatic centre

A huge monetary contribution from the resource sector is being sought by the Town of Port Hedland for a new multi-million-dollar aquatic facility. Through the Resources Community Investment Initiative, the Town is looking to receive $40 million worth of funding for the aquatic element of the planned South Hedland Integrated Sports Hub. The RCII is a new partnership between the WA Government and resource companies to invest in infrastructure and community projects, with $750m committed by the founding partners. Port Hedland Mayor Peter Carter said the new facility depended on the funding. “Our ability to deliver a new pool depends on Government, both State, and Federal, and the resources industry partnering with us to help fund it,” Cr Carter said. “We’ve been talking to Government about the Hedland Sports and Arts Precinct and we’re asking those involved in the Resources Community Investment Initiative to prioritise a new aquatic centre for Hedland.” Since April the South Hedland Aquatic facility has been closed because the site needed critical repairs with plans to reopen later in the year. Since 2017, repairs on the facility have cost the Town $6.6m and at the Wednesday (July 27) ordinary meeting the council will be asked to endorse a further $685, 000 to repair leaks. Given the Town’s importance to the mining industry, Cr Carter said he hoped the resource industry would support the new project. “This initiative has been pitched as a fund for the transformation projects across Western Australia, including those in key mining regions,” he said. “Port Hedland absolutely fits the bill, and we are asking the companies to get in behind us to support it. “These mining companies all gave a local presence and an interest in seeing Hedland thrive.” The estimated cost of the planned Hedland Sports and Arts Precinct is $330m, with the aquatic component estimated to cost $80m. A further contribution is being sought from the Federal Government. At the Wednesday ordinary council meeting councilors will consider the budget for the new financial year which includes the funding to design the new aquatic centre.