Mining giant BHP Billiton will help fund the upgrade of an ageing health care facility at Newman in the iron ore rich Pilbara region of Western Australia.
The West Australian government has allocated $49.75 million to the $59.75 million project in the state Budget and BHP will contribute the remaining $10 million.
BHP's Western Australia Iron Ore Asset President Edgar Basto said the project demonstrated the company's long-term commitment to the remote town of Newman which is located near its key Mt Whaleback and Jimblebar iron ore mining assets.
"The redevelopment will ensure that people from Newman and nearby indigenous communities can access a range of inpatient and outpatient services, including visiting specialists and GP services, in a modern health care facility," Mr Basto said.
He said the redevelopment would ensure the company's employees and the Newman community had access to the same level of health care as other major regional towns.
