THE City of Busselton and Rio Tinto have signed a memorandum of understanding for three years to facilitate a joint focus on community initiatives.
Rio Tinto is one of the regions largest employers with 700 employees based around the South West making it the company’s largest regional hub for FIFO workers, said City of Busselton mayor Grant Henley.
Mr Henley said Rio Tinto fly their employees directly from the Busselton-Margaret River Regional Airport to Pilbara based mine sites.
“In its self this is a significant economic driver," he said.
The MOU outlines the intentions of both parties to collaborate on initiatives that will bring positive outcomes to the community for the next three years.
It is the second time the organisations have signed the MOU which focuses on family and youth services, community health and wellness, employment generation and economic stability.
Mr Henley said the community had benefited from Rio Tinto’s involvement in arts, culture, events, youth and family services and indigenous employment.
“They sponsor major events such as CinefestOZ and Sunsmart Ironman which bring significant economic returns,” he said.
“They help fund the City’s Youth Advisory Committee and the employment of a youth development trainee officer at the City of Busselton.
“They have been involved in various mental health symposiums, indigenous art exhibitions as well as youth concerts and events.”
Rio Tinto general manager communities Linda Dawson said places that were home to their fly-in fly-out employees and their families were important to Rio Tinto.
Ms Dawson said they worked closely with local governments, regional development organisations, industry groups and local stakeholders to find ways to contribute to robust and sustainable regional communities.
”In 2014 our investment in the region of $221 million contributed to an economic impact of $116 million, with more than 840 jobs generated,” she said.