Rio Tinto celebrated their tenth anniversary of our fly-in fly-out program from Busselton to their operations in the Pilbara.
Over the past decade Rio Tinto’s South West workforce grew from 80 in its first year to 700 employees – making it the largest regional FIFO hub in WA.
Rio Tinto Iron Ore chief executive Chris Salisbury said the program continued to make a significant socio-economic contribution to the region.
“They have set down roots, their children attend local schools and they support local businesses by buying local goods and services," he said.
“In 2016 our investment in the South West of $155 million contributed to an economic impact of $78 million, with approximately 500 jobs generated.
The long term partnerships Rio Tinto has forged over the past decade with the local community and key stakeholders including the City of Busselton, Busselton Chamber of Commerce and Industry, CinefestOZ Festival and Shire of Manjimup.
The company announced a new three-year partnership with CinefestOZ valued at over $555,000, aimed at expanding the festival.
CinefestOZ CEO Malinda Nixon said that on-going support from Rio Tinto has contributed to the integrity of the festival.
“Rio Tinto's support since 2010 has helped CinefestOZ develop important community programs which really form the backbone of the festival,” she said.
City of Busselton mayor Grant Henley said the community benefited from Rio Tinto’s continuing commitment to the region, contributing to art, culture, events, youth and family services, as well as Indigenous employment.
“Rio Tinto has taken a grass-roots approach and invested time, resources and energy into our community to the benefit of all,” he said.
Rio Tinto pioneered the regional FIFO program in 2006 to create opportunities for people living in regional WA.
The number of Rio Tinto flights from Busselton last year totalled 526 last year, with 12,182 passengers.
