State Budget 2005-06: Armadale Gosnells

26/05/05
Budget delivers more infrastructure, better deal for families.
A better deal for families, improved services and more jobs through record infrastructure investment are the focus of this year's State Budget.
The Gallop Government's central commitment to education and training is highlighted with almost $12million being spent in 2005-06 on new and replacement schools in the local area, including:

• $6million to start construction of Stage Two works at Canning Vale College;
• $1million to start building Bushy Grove Primary School in Canning Vale;
• $1million to complete additions and upgrades to Gosnells Senior High School;
• $2million for improvements to Cecil Andrews Senior High School; and
• $1.9million to upgrade the science block and complete improvements to Kelmscott Senior High School.

Treasurer Eric Ripper said the Gallop Government's fifth balanced Budget delivered on a commitment to provide better services, create new jobs and protect the Western Australian lifestyle.
"We are delivering a better deal for families through initiatives such as the Education Allowance for parents of upper school students and a $25 increase in the family concession on motor vehicle registrations," Mr Ripper said.
"Across the State, we are spending a record $4.7billion on capital works in the coming year.
"Local families will benefit from $1million to further develop the emergency department at Armadale Kelmscott Hospital."
Mr Ripper said the Government's massive capital works program means improved electricity and water infrastructure, and more schools, police stations and health facilities across the State.
"Western Power's capital works program will increase by $488million over the next four years, following on from the successful Summer Ready Program, which supplied more capacity and improved the electricity system in WA," Mr Ripper said.
Locally, Western Power will spend:

• $4.43million to establish a new substation at Southern River;
• $1.35million to complete the State Underground Power Program in Gosnells North;
• $96,000 for transmission works in Serpentine-Jarrahdale; and
• $1.39million for transmission works.

The Treasurer said funding education in this year's Budget was a major priority for the area.
"In addition to funding new buildings and refurbishments, the Government's successful Behaviour Management and Discipline Program will continue in 2005-06 with a funding allocation of more than $3.8million in the east metropolitan region," Mr Ripper said.
"A further $267,000 will be spent in the region to support district trials to examine additional options for 16 and 17-year-old students staying in the education and training system."
The Treasurer said a record investment in infrastructure would create more jobs and opportunities for all Western Australians.
"More than $400million will be spent in 2005-06 to continue work on the New MetroRail Southern Suburbs Railway, which is expected to begin services to Mandurah by April 2007," he said.
"More than $1.51million will be allocated to improve public transport facilities including the Armadale Bus Interchange and Kelmscott and Maddington train stations."
Other key works to be funded include:

• $21.75million to complete the construction of Tonkin Highway from Mills Road West to Thomas Road;
• $1million to upgrade the intersection of South Western Highway with Thomas Road;
• $3.54million for works on the Serpentine-Canning Water Transfer Trunk Main;
• $5.3million to improve security at Karnet Prison and $3.75million for the juvenile accommodation strategy, which involves planning additional facilities to complement Banksia Hill Detention Centre;
• $2million for the ongoing implementation of the Armadale Redevelopment Scheme and $5.75million over two years to complete the new Forrestdale Business Park, and an extra allocation of $1million for the Kelmscott Town Centre Revitalisation; and
• $7million for the continuing Champion Lakes development.

Mr Ripper said the Gallop Government was delivering on its commitment to improve the quality of services, create new jobs and protect our Western Australian lifestyle.
Government Media Office: 9222 9795