Roebourne hotel development gets go-ahead

Work will begin on redeveloping Roebourne’s historic Victoria Hotel this month, after the $4.4 million contract was awarded to a Pilbara-based business.

Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan intervened in the contracting process for the hotel in June after raising concerns not enough emphasis had been placed on local and indigenous employment.

As a result, the multimillion-dollar contract has been awarded to GBSC Yurra, which has developed an Aboriginal employment training model for the work.

The company has established relationships with North Regional TAFE, Roebourne Senior High School, Roebourne Regional Prison and Aboriginal employment provider REFAP, to oversee the implementation of the Aboriginal employment training model.

“Aboriginal employment and providing long-term skills to the local community should be at the heart of a project like this,” Ms MacTiernan said.

“We have driven an approach that will maximise the value of State Government investment by refocusing the project to creating work-readiness in the community.”

“Congratulations to the Yindjibarndi people for their commitment to creating a new legacy for the Victoria Hotel.”

Once complete, the Victoria Hotel will incorporate commercial space for small businesses, a visitor information centre, an eatery and a multi-purpose function space.

The hotel will not serve alcohol.