STATE BUDGET 2006-07: BUILDING ON THE BOOM - Record building program

11/5/06 The 2006-07 State Budget commits to a record $5.

11/5/06
The 2006-07 State Budget commits to a record $5.2billion building program to sustain economic growth, improve essential services and provide job opportunities for Western Australians.
Treasurer Eric Ripper today said the Carpenter Government's massive $18.1billion building program over the next four years was an investment in WA's future.
"The Carpenter Government is making decisions for tomorrow, not just for today," Mr Ripper said.
"We are delivering the vital infrastructure WA needs to lock in better services, higher living standards and a strong and growing economy for the years ahead."
Capital works spending includes:

  • $620million in 2006-07 for water and wastewater services, including the completion of the Perth Seawater Desalination Plant, $29million for a major new storage reservoir at Kalgoorlie-Boulder and $59million for a new wastewater treatment plant at Alkimos;
  • $475million in 2006-07 on improving and expanding roads, with major projects including the new Perth-Bunbury Highway, Stage Two of the Karratha-Tom Price Link Road, the Mitchell Freeway extension from Hodges Drive to Burns Beach Road, and the Eyre Highway from Caigunga East to Balladonia;
  • $391million in 2006-07 on the New MetroRail project, bringing it near to conclusion - a conclusion that will now be debt-free;
  • $2.3billion over four years to improve electricity infrastructure, including $633million in 2006-07. Projects include boosting infrastructure in Coral Bay and Hopetoun, substantial safety initiatives, increasing distribution capacity to meet demand, and an additional $10million for underground power supplies;
  • more than $3.4billion over four years in assistance for housing. This includes building and purchasing 821 new properties and refurbishing 634 others in 2006-07;
  • $278million to improve health facilities in 2006-07, including $36million for the Kimberley region, $12million for the Rockingham Kwinana District Hospital development (Stage One) and $15million for the Central Tertiary Hospital development (Stage One);
  • $313million to improve public schools and training facilities in 2006-07. This includes $54million for work on seven new primary schools and funding to continue four new secondary schools and a new college on the Edith Cowan University site at Bunbury;
  • $88million in 2006-07 to improve port facilities in 2006-07, including upgrades to berthing facilities at Geraldton to accommodate iron ore exports, upgrades at North Quay at Fremantle Port, improvements to the water front at Victoria Quay and enhancements to the cargo wharf at Dampier;
  • $57.5million in 2006-07 for construction work on 19 new or replacement metropolitan and regional police stations and facilities, and $25.9million in 2006-07 to build and upgrade Fire and Emergency Services' facilities; and
  • an expansion of the Townsite Development Program, with an additional $35million over four years for land acquisition and development in regional areas.
In addition over the forward estimates, the Government is providing:
  • $195million for the Multipurpose Indoor Entertainment and Sports Stadium;
  • $74million to relocate the Department of Agriculture and Food's headquarters and biosecurity; and
  • $66million for the new Performing Arts Venue at Northbridge.
Mr Ripper said the massive building program would not be possible without the Government's disciplined approach to managing the State's finances.
"Every cent of the projected $1.275billion operating surplus in 2006-07 will be used to fund the building program which will help keep debt levels to a minimum," the Treasurer said.
"The 2005-06 surplus is being returned to Western Australians through the elimination of all MetroRail debt. This is a significant dividend - future generations will inherit a debt free rail line.
"Investment in projects such as the Multipurpose Indoor Entertainment and Sports Stadium, power network upgrades and expanded rail system will support economic development and improve the lifestyle of Western Australians for the decades to come."
Treasurer's office: 9222 8788