BHP to help deliver homes in the Pilbara

The WA Government has welcomed a further $45 million investment in the Pilbara through the Resources Community Investment Initiative (RCII), helping ensure every Western Australian has a home in the region.

As part of the RCII, BHP will invest $30 million to build new homes in remote communities in the region, with Traditional Owners to be involved throughout, helping housing design, planning and delivery.

Key points

• Government welcomes $45 million investment in the Pilbara through the Resources Community Investment Initiative (RCII)
• Builds on BHP’s previously announced commitments to Port Hedland through the RCII
• New investment includes more homes for remote communities and affordable accommodation for essential workers

This is part of the government’s $127 million top-up to the Remote Communities Fund as part of the 2026-27 State Budget to deliver additional housing investment, undertake municipal works, and support essential infrastructure and services in remote Aboriginal communities throughout WA.

Premier Roger Cook thanked BHP for its contribution to these projects, which will help make Newman and the Pilbara an even better place to live, work and raise a family.

Premier Roger Cook thanked BHP for their contribution.

“The Resources Community Investment Initiative has played a significant role supporting the Government to deliver its priorities of jobs, health, and housing in regional Western Australia as part of its Seven Cities vision,” he said.

BHP will also invest $15 million through the RCII to convert up to 40 of its vacant houses in East Newman into affordable accommodation for essential workers not eligible for Government Regional Officer Housing (GROH), including childcare, retail and hospitality workers.

These investments build on BHP’s $160 million contribution to a range of projects in Port Hedland, including Hedland Senior High School, announced earlier this month.

These contributions bring the total committed funding from the RCII to $427 million.

This includes a $170 million commitment from Rio Tinto, BHP, and Hancock to undertake the State’s biggest-ever build of Government Regional Officer Housing (GROH) to support the government’s Seven Cities vision.

BHP Iron Ore asset president Tim Day said they were working with communities in Newman.

BHP Iron Ore asset president Tim Day said the investments reflected BHP’s commitment to support the communities we are part of, and we know that when we get something as fundamental as housing right, the benefits flow well beyond the homes themselves.

“Improved and appropriate remote housing helps reduce overcrowding, supports better health outcomes, and creates real opportunities for Aboriginal businesses to play a leading role in construction and upgrades,” he said.

“In Newman, we are working with State and local governments, agencies, and community organisations to deliver a better, brighter future for the town.

“Our investment will ensure more key worker housing, help revitalise East Newman and create new recreation areas for the entire community.

“Our focus is for our community investment to make a difference where it matters. Increasing housing availability is a powerful way that we can help communities thrive.”