Our State Budget 2016-17: Securing our economic future - Great Southern to benefit from State Budget

Western Australia's Great Southern region is set to benefit from the State Government's investment in the areas of health, community support services, education, Aboriginal development, agriculture, tourism and the arts.

  • Great Southern to receive services boost in 2016-17 

Western Australia's Great Southern region is set to benefit from the State Government's investment in the areas of health, community support services, education, Aboriginal development, agriculture, tourism and the arts.

Treasurer Mike Nahan said the State Budget would continue to build a stronger economy in 2016-17 that attracted investment and created jobs and opportunities for people living and working in regional WA.

Specific Great Southern projects funded in the 2016-17 State Budget through Royalties for Regions and forward estimates released today include:

  • $15.7 million for the Katanning SuperTown Heritage Centre Project
  • $1.5 million to establish a specialised food centre in Albany through the Seizing the Opportunity Food Industry Innovation initiative
  • $7.6 million for the Denmark East Development Precinct to develop an industrial area and restructure roads
  • $1.7 million for the Bremer Bay Town Centre and Trail Project 

State-wide investment totalling $3.78 billion across the forward estimates will benefit the Great Southern region in the following categories:

  • Health - including Patient Assisted Travel Scheme and Southern Inland Health Initiative
  • Seizing the Opportunity Agriculture - including WA Open for Business, Asian Market Success and Sheep Industry Innovation
  • Culture and the arts - including Regional Film Fund and Creative Regions Program
  • Aboriginal development initiatives - including Ear Health program
  • Tourism - including Regional Visitor Centre Sustainability Grant Program, Regional Events Program and Road Coach Replacement
  • Community support services - including Country Age Pension Fuel Card, Regional Grants Scheme and Telecommunications
  • Education - including Boarding Away from Home Allowance.  

Regional Development Minister Terry Redman said the Royalties for Regions investment would build infrastructure to grow the Great Southern region, develop economic opportunities and improve targeted social programs.

"The Government has made responsible decisions to ensure Great Southern communities continue to thrive, develop and contribute to the State's economy," Mr Redman said.

"We must look to secure our State's future and provide opportunities for industry growth that supports local jobs and creates long-term benefits for regional communities.

"Not only does Royalties for Regions provide better infrastructure and services for regional communities, it also builds regional economies, which is good for the entire State."

In addition, the Great Southern region also has the opportunity to access funding from the $642 million allocated over the next four years to implement major economic, social and community development projects that arise from Regional Investment Blueprints. 

Fact File

  • The State Government has provided $872 million for regional investment through Royalties for Regions in 2016-17

  • $600 million will be invested through the Growing Our South initiative to revitalise the Great Southern, Peel, Wheatbelt and South-West regions

  • Since 2008, the State Government has invested $6.9 billion into more than 3,700  Royalties for Regions-funded projects and programs, including transfers to the Future Fund and other Special Purpose Accounts

  • WA Budget statements are available at http://ourstatebudget.wa.gov.au  

Treasurer's office - 6552 5700

Regional Development Minister's office - 6552 6700