- Wheatbelt to receive infrastructure and services boost from Royalties for Regions
- Part of Royalties for Regions $4 billion investment over four years in regional WA
Western Australia's Wheatbelt region is set to benefit from the State Government's Royalties for Regions investment of $4 billion over the next four years in health, community services, education, sport and recreation, agriculture and tourism.
Treasurer Mike Nahan said the funding would provide essential services and infrastructure that would drive economic development, creating jobs and generating economic opportunities.
Wheatbelt projects funded across the budget and forward estimates include:
- Wheatbelt renal dialysis - $3.4 million
- State barrier fence initiative - $3.3 million
- Avonlink enhancement project - $4.4 million
- South West Emergency Rescue Helicopter Service (with South-West, Great Southern and Peel) - $29.9 million.
There will be investment throughout the State in the following categories across the forward estimates, which will include funding for the Wheatbelt region:
- Seizing the Opportunity in Agriculture - including Boost Grains Research and Development Support, Infrastructure Audit and Infrastructure Investment Fund, Sheep Industry Business Innovation, Water for Food, WA Open for Business and biosecurity
- Health - including the Southern Inland Health Initiative, Regional Mens Health initiative, Royal Flying Doctor Service and St John Ambulance Services
- Aboriginal initiatives
- Tourism - including Parks for People, Regional Visitors Centres and Regional Events Program
- Sport and recreation - including Community Pools Revitalisation and the Supporting Community Sport program
- Community support services - including the Patient Assisted Travel Scheme, Country Age Pension Fuel Card and Community Chest Fund
- Education - including Boarding Away From Home program and Better Beginnings
- Economic Development - including Regional Buy Local initiatives.
Regional Development Minister Terry Redman said the $4 billion Royalties for Regions investment would attract further government and private investment into the regions.
"Royalties for Regions is about strengthening and growing our regions and this investment will help regional communities realise their economic potential for the benefit of all West Australians," Mr Redman said.
All of the State's nine regional areas now have access to a revitalisation fund that can be used for priority projects that enhance the economic and social development of each region.
Royalties for Regions, through the Growing Our South initiative, will invest $600 million to revitalise the Wheatbelt, Great Southern, Peel and South-West regions.
In addition, the Wheatbelt region has the opportunity to access funding from the $362 million allocated over the next four years to implement major economic, social and community development projects that arise from Regional Investment Blueprints.
Fact File
- Since 2008, the State Government has invested $6.1 billion into more than 3,600 Royalties for Regions-funded projects and programs, including transfers to the Future Fund and other Special Purpose Accounts
- The Future Fund has received $807 million from Royalties for Regions since 2012-13, with a further $126 million to be transferred in 2015-16
- Royalties for Regions promotes and facilitates economic, business and social development in regional WA for the benefit of all West Australians
- For more information on Royalties for Regions projects, visit Bigger Picture - Regions
- WA Budget statements are available at http://ourstatebudget.wa.gov.au
Treasurer's office - 6552 5700
Regional Development Minister's office - 6552 6700
