The State Government will provide $550,000 to the Shire of Boddington to help cope with the $2 billion expansion of the Boddington gold mine.
Resources Minister John Bowler announced the funding during a visit to the town today and said the Boddington population was expected to at least double in the next three years due to the mine expansion.
"The existing services and facilities are inadequate to cope with the enormous increase in demand," Mr Bowler said.
"This funding is an indication of the Carpenter Government's commitment to the region and the development of essential infrastructure."
The Minister said the expansion at the mine would lead to the employment of more than 1,000 people during the construction phase and 650 once in operation.
The mine was expected to produce up to 600,000 ounces of gold and 20,000 tonnes of copper concentrates every year of its 17-year life.
Initial production is expected by late 2008.
"The Government is aiming to ensure adequate infrastructure and community services are provided to the shires of Boddington, Murray and Wandering, as they will all be significantly affected by the expansion," Mr Bowler said.
"We are currently investigating the nature of suitable future assistance we may be able to give to this important region."
