Talison Greenbushes lithium mine take community support to next level with new $2 million investment program

Operators of the rapidly expanding lithium mine in Greenbushes have launched a multi-million dollar investment program to fund large-scale community projects. Talison will invest more than $2 million into projects in the Shire of Bridgetown-Greenbushes for the inaugural round of Community Investment Program, which is aimed at funding projects that align with the needs and aspirations of the local community. General manager of operations Craig Dawson said while Talison has an existing community support program to provide cash and in-kind donations to many organisations each year, the new program would expand opportunities for the company to contribute to bigger projects providing tangible and lasting benefits to the communities surrounding the mine. “Talison is looking to support projects that are a high priority for local communities and consistent with the development priorities of local government,” Mr Dawson said. “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. “Talison is expanding its operations to keep up with demand driven by the global energy transition and as we grow so will the benefits that flow into the communities around our operation.” A number of projects will be funded in the inaugural round, including a $1.6 million partnership with the Shire of Bridgetown-Greenbushes, a $200,000 partnership with Geegeelup Village and a $190,000 Greenbushes RSL Hall restoration partnership. The Shire partnership 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. 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,” she said. “The community of Greenbushes in particular will benefit from some important works with this significant allocation from Talison this year.” Geegeelup Village general manager Sean Mahoney said the Talison investment supports Geegeelup’s vision to provide more opportunities for people to age in their community and would be life changing for village residents. Greenbushes RSL president Trevor Bottomley welcomed the investment for the hall restoration. “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,” he said.