State Budget 2005-06: Fremantle

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 in the southern suburbs.
The Gallop Government's central commitment to local education and training is highlighted with $4million being spent on completing a replacement school for Koorilla Primary School.
A further $5.2million has been allocated to continue work on the Henderson Oil and Gas Centre at Challenger TAFE.
Work will also continue to complete Stage One of the Maritime Centre at Challenger TAFE in Fremantle with a Budget allocation of more than $2million.
Additions and improvements at Melville Senior High School will be completed at a cost of $500,000 and $1million will kick-off the construction of a new high school in Atwell.
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.
"At the same time, we will roll out a record $4.7billion capital works program across the State in the coming year.
"Locally, families will benefit from more than $3.58million to be spent at Fremantle Hospital including the commencement of Stage One of the hospital's reconfiguration, an upgrade of the operating theatre and the refurbishment of wards.
"A further $1.7million has also been allocated to start construction of the new Fiona Stanley Hospital in Murdoch."
The Treasurer 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," he said.
Locally, Western Power will spend:

• $4.1million to continue the State Underground Power Program in Fremantle;
• $5.7million to double the capacity of the transmission line from Kwinana to South Fremantle;
• $682,000 to finalise the land purchase for a new power substation in Myaree; and
• $837,000 on other transmission works in the Fremantle area.

Mr Ripper said a record investment in infrastructure would create more jobs and opportunities for all Western Australians.
"An upgrade to Fremantle Train Station, including restoration work, will also start this year," he said.
Other key works to be funded include:

• $9.23million for new holiday and tourist facilities and an accommodation refurbishment program on Rottnest Island;
• $39.95million for various works at Fremantle Port;
• $6.83million for restorative and new works at the Woodman Point Recreation Camp and Point Walter Recreation and Conference Centre;
• $3.13million for Water Corporation work in the local area, including at the Woodman Point Wastewater Treatment Plant;
• $1million for work on the Fremantle Traffic Bridge; and
• $670,000 for restoration works at Fremantle Prison.

Funding education in this year's Budget is a major priority for the area.
In addition to funding new buildings, the Government's successful Behaviour Management and Discipline Program will continue in 2005-06 with a funding allocation of $2.54million in the south metropolitan region.
"A $1.08million computer cluster will be formed in the Willetton area with local schools receiving upgraded computer resources and extra teacher training," the Treasurer said.
"In the south metropolitan and Peel regions, a further $187,000 will also be spent to support district trials to examine additional options for 16 and 17-year-old students staying in the education and training system."
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