Improving the wellbeing of the Aboriginal community in Geraldton, WA, is the driving force behind the State Government’s $28.5 million project, set to provide affordable short-stay accommodation for Aboriginal people visiting the region.
Construction of the facility, known as Short Stay, began earlier this year. It will offer a secure environment where individuals can access essential services, connect with community resources, and participate in cultural activities. The Short Stay facility aims to foster a sense of belonging and stability, promoting long-term wellbeing and social cohesion within the community.
Holcim has partnered with local construction company Geraldton Building Services and Cabinets Yurra (GBSC) to supply more than 1,300m³ of ECOPact concrete for the project – marking the first ECOPact venture in regional Western Australia.
Shane Nani, Holcim’s Area Manager for the Northern Region WA, expressed his enthusiasm for the project: “The use of ECOPact low-carbon concrete in Geraldton represents an exciting step forward for sustainable construction in WA. ECOPact can reduce CO2 emissions by up to 40% compared to traditional concrete, without sacrificing quality or durability. Kudos to the forward-thinking teams at GBSC and Short Stay for recognising the sustainability benefits and championing our innovative product on this project.”
"By using around 1,300m³ of ECOPact concrete, we anticipate saving approximately 75 tonnes of CO2 emissions, compared to Holcim's General Purpose Cement Concrete.
“This is equivalent to taking 53 average passenger cars off the road for a year. That’s a significant step towards minimising our carbon footprint and supporting sustainable development," Nani said.
The project, expected to be completed in early 2025, will create an estimated 96 jobs and inject about $37 million into the region’s economy throughout its construction.
