The City of Greater Geraldton (CGG) would benefit from a further investment of $17.726million for three infrastructure projects from State Government Royalties for Regions' funding.
The three projects, managed by the CGG, which were identified as part of the $220million
Mid West Investment Plan (MWIP), planned to improve roads within the city's southern suburbs, upgrade services to the airport and restore Geraldton's original railway station.
Funding of $13.97million has been provided to implement the CGG's Building Better Regional Cities - Karloo and Wandina project. The project would improve road links from Geraldton's northern suburbs to the southern suburbs, including the much-anticipated Verita Road.
Regional Development and Lands Minister Brendon Grylls said construction of Verita Road and an overpass across the Southern Transport Corridor would connect Karloo to Wandina, providing improved access to planned new facilities.
"Verita Road will be the main access to the planned Southern Districts sporting complex as well as the proposed commercial shopping precinct in Wandina," Mr Grylls said. "It will also open further opportunity for land and housing developments."
Funding of $2.75million from Royalties for Regions has been allocated to upgrade services to Geraldton Airport.
The Minister said the airport works would upgrade electrical and scheme water services for regular passenger transport, charter and aviation services, and facilitate future expansions of the terminals.
"Demand on the Mid-West aviation industry is rapidly increasing and this project will cater for future growth of an expanding airport and the planned, adjoining technology park," he said.
Further funding of $1million has been allocated for the restoration of Geraldton's historic railway station.
Mr Grylls said the restoration of the Government's first railway station building would enable the city to protect the important State heritage asset.
"The restored 113-year-old building will provide a new base for the Geraldton Visitor Centre and a place of interest for residents and visitors," he said.
"Restoration of the railway station will enhance tourism and, combined with the relocation of the visitor centre, will provide additional attraction for Geraldton's western end and foreshore."
Fact File
Liberal-National Govt allocated $220m from Royalties for Regions in September 2011 for the MWIP and a further $3m to support its implementation
Total cost of the Building Better Regional Cities - Karloo and Wandina is $27.97m: $9m from Federal Government's Building Better Regional Cities Fund; $5m from City of Greater Geraldton; and $13.97m from State Govt's Royalties for Regions initiative
Total cost of Geraldton Airport Landside Development project is $5.5m with $2.75m from Royalties for Regions and $2.75m from City of Greater Geraldton
Total cost of Geraldton Original Station Restoration is $2.13m with $1m from Royalties for Regions and $1.13m from City of Greater Geraldton and Federal Government's Regional Development Australia Fund
MWIP developed and administered by Mid West Development Commission
Minister's office - 6552 5500
