STATE BUDGET 2006-07: BUILDING ON THE BOOM - Decisions for tomorrow, not just for today (Hills2)

11/05/06
Securing Western Australia's future as an economic powerhouse by making decisions for tomorrow, not just for today, is the key to the 2006-07 State Budget.
"Western Australians have worked hard to help put their State in such a strong position and we owe it to them to ensure we invest in tomorrow today," Treasurer Eric Ripper said.
"The 2006-07 State Budget commits to a record $18.1billion building program over four years to sustain economic growth, improve essential services and provide job opportunities for Western Australians."
Mr Ripper said the Carpenter Government was building a world-class education system and that meant giving students the best schools and the best facilities.
"In 2006-07, we will deliver an unprecedented $1.2billion capital works and maintenance program over four years in education, with a record number of new schools," he said.
"The Government's commitment to education and training is highlighted locally with $750,000 to start work on the new Coolamon Primary School, in Ellenbrook.
"We are also continuing our It Pays to Learn Allowance of up to $400 to parents of 16 and 17-year-olds to help meet the costs of education and training and our successful Behaviour Management and Discipline Program will continue in 2006-07 with a funding allocation of $4.13million in the east metropolitan region."
Mr Ripper said $3.89billion would be allocated to health in 2006-07 as the Government invested money from the boom back into crucial infrastructure and services.
"This unprecedented commitment to health is underpinned by the Government's plans to totally rebuild our hospital system and provide the best possible health care for all Western Australians," he said.
Local families will benefit from the $9.4million which will be spent to continue work on the new Swan Health Campus and $1.4million to be spent to complete the upgrade of the obstetrics unit at Swan Districts Hospital.
Mr Ripper said the 2006-07 Budget included $783.8million for WA police - a seven per cent increase on 2005-06 - which included $13million to boost the ranks of front-line officers by 90, with an extra 40 support staff and $69.7million for planning and building 21 new police stations across WA.
Locally, $7.086million would be spent to start work on Stage Two of the Police Operations Support Facility.
A total of $29.892million would be spent in 2006-07 on works by the Midland Redevelopment Authority, including:

• $10.105million to continue work on the heritage conservation project at the Midland Railway Workshops site;
• $10.773million to continue site remediation and environmental testing at the Midland Railway Workshops site; and
• $1.614million to start work on the city centre.

Other key local works to be funded include:

• $1.443million to continue work on Great Eastern Highway between Sawyers Valley and The Lakes, reconstructing the road surface and making it into a dual carriageway;
• $2million to complete the reconstruction and widening of Great Northern Highway from Leonard Street, Herne Hill, to Muchea;
• $199,000 to continue the construction of passing lanes on Toodyay Road;
• $5.83million to facilitate design and pre-planning works for the extension of Reid Highway between West Swan Road and Great Northern Highway - the project will include 2.6km of new dual carriageway road and a new bridge over the Swan River;
• $1million to progress planning for the construction of a new interchange at the major intersection of Roe Highway and Great Northern Highway, in Midvale;
• $500,000 for work on the relocation of the Midland pedestrian crossing at Midland Train Station;
• $580,000 to continue work on the co-located FESA and volunteer fire fighting services facilities at Mundaring; and
• $106,000 for upgrading and maintenance work at the Midvale SpeedDome; and
• $1million towards establishing the Swan-Canning River Park.

Mr Ripper said years of managing the State's finances in a responsible manner meant the Government could ease the burden on WA families.
"The Labor Government has again met its commitment to minimise the cost of living by keeping down a number of key tariffs, fees and charges," he said.
"We are easing the burden on WA families with a $25 cut in compulsory third party insurance premiums and electricity prices remaining frozen for the sixth consecutive year.
"In addition, families will benefit from the continuation of 50 cent student fares and an increase in the family rebate on motor vehicles to keep pace with inflation."
Treasurer's office: 9222 9365