THE West Australian Government has agreed to spend $5m to help mining towns deal with the closure of BHP Billiton’s Ravensthorpe nickel mine.
Local communities, families and economies in the Ravensthorpe Shire are expected to suffer from the mine closure, which will slash 1,800 jobs, many from local workers.
According to WA Premier, Colin Barnett, the initiative will help local businesses and the shire cope with the cut in cash flow brought about by the exodus of mine workers.
Shire president, Brenda Tilbrook, says the area has been left with a huge maintenance bill for facilities such as the airport and major roads built for the mine.
While she agrees the funding will help, Tilbrook is pushing for the funding to be ongoing.
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