The Community Investment Program (CIP) will provide funding for larger, or longer-term projects, that align with the needs and aspirations of communities surrounding the Greenbushes Lithium Operation (Mine).
A number of projects in the Shire of Bridgetown-Greenbushes will be funded in the inaugural round including a partnership with the Shire of Bridgetown Greenbushes for future focused community projects, a Geegeelup Vision Partnership and a Greenbushes RSL Hall Restoration Partnership.
The partnership with the Shire is for $1.6 million and will bring improvements to the Greenbushes townscape and roads, recreation facilities in Greenbushes and Bridgetown and initiatives to bring carbon neutral benefits to Bridgetown Leisure Centre, Library and Civic Centre.
The proposed improvements include:
a concept plan for Greenbushes Footpath Upgrade and Tree Root Management Plan;
asphalt overlay for nine (9) streets within the Town of Greenbushes;
installation of lights at the Greenbushes Sports Complex;
installation of fans in all courts at Bridgetown Leisure Centre;
purchase of inflatable obstacle course for Bridgetown swimming pool:
installation of automated pool blankets for the Bridgetown swimming pool;
a one-third contribution to cost of Bridgetown Sports Ground works including oval and lighting upgrade and carpark seal; and
Planning (design and costings) to install solar panels and batteries to make the Bridgetown Leisure Centre, Library and Civic Centre energy neutral equivalent.
The partnership with Geegeelup Village Incorporated (Geegeelup Vision Partnership) will provide $200,000 for groundworks to enable construction of more homes for seniors in the Geegeelup Village complex enhancing opportunities for local residents to remain in their own community as they age. The funding will primarily be used for earthworks and installation of services to enable Geegeelup Incorporated to install four new units on Allnutt Street, Bridgetown.
The historic Greenbushes RSL building will also be given a $190,000 make-over in a community driven project that will improve facilities for the community while enhancing the building’s street frontage. Works will include removal of asbestos cladding, re-stumping and renovation of the kitchen.
Craig Dawson, Talison’s General Manager – Operations, said the CIP was designed to provide larger funding opportunities to deliver strategic programs and projects to build social capital and local ownership by engaging multiple stakeholders including, but not necessarily limited to, community groups, local government, education and training providers, Indigenous organisations and not for profit organisations.
“Talison is looking to support projects that are a high priority for local communities and consistent with the development priorities of local government,” said Mr Dawson.
“We have been engaging with local governments and community organisations over the past few months to identify projects that will add value to our communities across a broad range of categories.”
Shire of Bridgetown-Greenbushes Chief Executive Officer Tim Clynch welcomed the partnership.
“This partnership is in addition to the Shire’s usual capital works program which will still be delivered as per our budget, so it really has provided a boost that will enable Council to respond to community driven projects in a timely manner,” said Mr Clynch.
Shire of Bridgetown-Greenbushes President Jenny Mountford said the Council has been working towards a partnership with Talison for some time.
“We are now delighted to see the formalising and commencement of this momentous partnership. The community of Greenbushes in particular will benefit from some important works with this significant allocation from Talison this year. We are looking forward to ongoing collaboration via the Partnering for the Future program with further projects in coming years,” said Ms Mountford.
Geegelup Village Incorporated Manager Sean Mahoney said “The Talison investment in facilities for our elders will be used to support Geegeelup’s vision to grow and provide more opportunities for residents to age in their own community and the impact of this support is life changing.”
Greenbushes RSL President Trevor Bottomley said his organization was pleased to have been supported in the inaugural round of Talison’s CIP.
“The RSL members have been fundraising for many years to kick start the project, and now, with the generous support of Talison we have the opportunity to give the premises a new lease of life,” said Mr Bottomley.
“It is a historical building which has withstood many changes in the community over the years and with this refurbishment will be able to stand proudly in the main street of Greenbushes for many years to come”.
The four pillars of Talison’s CIP are Quality Education, Sustainable Environments and Biodiversity Improvement, Health and Wellbeing, and Vibrant and Sustaining communities.
For enquires contact GBContact@talisonlithium.com