BHP has committed $160 million to infrastructure and community projects in Port Hedland, marking the company’s largest community investment in Western Australia to date.
The funding package is aimed at supporting education, housing, and public amenities in the Pilbara port town.
The investment will be delivered through Western Australia’s Resources Community Investment Initiative and includes funding for an $80 million redevelopment of Hedland Senior High School, $20 million towards a new aquatic centre, and $10 million for service worker accommodation in South Hedland.
The announcement follows a separate $50 million commitment by BHP earlier this year to support essential worker housing in the town.
Western Australian premier Roger Cook said he is thankful to BHP for its contribution and is bound to make Port Hedland an “even better place”.
“I want Western Australia’s economy to remain the strongest in the nation, and that’s why it’s so important for us to continue investing in the Pilbara, our State’s economic powerhouse,” Cook said.
“Through the Resources Community Investment Initiative, my government is leveraging the strength of our world-leading resources sector to help deliver the quality infrastructure and services regional communities need to unlock the next wave of economic development in regional WA.”
Port Hedland is home to the world’s largest bulk export port and serves as the primary export gateway for Pilbara iron ore shipments.
According to BHP, the school redevelopment will address ageing infrastructure and capacity constraints at Hedland Senior High School, which caters to more than 1,200 students annually.
Planned upgrades include new science, technology and design facilities, classrooms and supporting infrastructure. Obsolete buildings will be removed as part of the project.
BHP Australia President Geraldine Slattery said the investment reflected the company’s long-term commitment to the Pilbara community.
“Strong communities like Hedland don’t happen by chance; they’re built by people and supported by partnerships that last,” Slattery said.
“This is BHP’s biggest community investment in Western Australia, and it will help young people get a good education, build great local facilities, and ensure more housing for the people who deliver vital services to the region.
“Together with Premier Cook and the Western Australian Government, we’re delivering what matters to local people.”
Education Minister Sabine Winton said the school funding would provide a significant boost for the wider community.
“BHP’s contribution of $80 million through the Resource Community Investment Initiative towards Hedland Senior High School is a significant boost for students, teachers and families of Port Hedland,” Winton said.
“It will mean educating the next generation of our nation’s economic powerhouse in a state-of-the-art secondary school.”
The accommodation component of the package is intended to support the delivery of 56 apartment-style dwellings for essential service workers, while the aquatic centre project will complement an existing $22.5 million State Government contribution. Construction of the aquatic centre is expected to begin in 2028.
Earlier this year, BHP committed $50 million towards additional Government Regional Officer Housing in Port Hedland to help attract and retain frontline workers including teachers, nurses, and police.
BHP Western Australian iron ore asset President Tim Day said the company is doing what it takes to provide reassurance and stability to the Pilbara region.
“These projects will transform how Port Hedland locals experience education, recreation and everyday life in the town – ensuring modern facilities that support a thriving regional centre,” Day said.
“They will reward our teachers and students, deliver long-term community benefits, and help to support the workers who keep Port Hedland running.”
