- State Budget includes a $406.7 million investment in job-creating infrastructure in the South-West
- $9.3 million for an Alcohol and Other Drug Residential Rehabilitation and Treatment Service in the South-West
- $10.5 million to establish and manage the Preston River to Ocean and Leschenault Regional Parks
- $570,000 for crisis and transitional accommodation in Collie
- $800,000 additional funding for the Yarloop bushfire clean-up
- $22.5 million for the Regional Economic Development Grants Scheme to drive economic development in regional Western Australia
- $80 million to enhance rural bushfire capacity across the State through the new Rural Fire Division
- $70 million for improvements to regional roads across the State identified as high risk for run off crashes
- Investment builds on important projects already underway
- McGowan Labor Government to invest more than $4 billion in Royalties for Regions across regional WA
The McGowan Labor Government is creating jobs and investing in important infrastructure and services in the South-West, while restoring responsible financial management across the State.
The State Budget includes $4 billion in Royalties for Regions funding across the State, delivering important services to people in regional Western Australia.
The McGowan Labor Government will spend $3.4 billion on infrastructure across regional WA.
Creating jobs and strengthening the State's economy remains the number one priority of the McGowan Labor Government. The Budget includes:
- $10.5 million to establish and manage the Preston River to Ocean and Leschenault Regional Parks to protect the areas' biodiversity, improve recreation facilities and drive tourism;
- $22.5 million for the Regional Economic Development Grants Scheme to drive economic development in regional Western Australia;
- $106.3 million contribution towards the Bunbury Outer Ring Road;
- $5 million for the Myalup Primary Industry Reserve to access 2,000ha of Myalup and McLarty State Forest for future irrigated agriculture;
- $140 million in Commonwealth funding and a concessional loan of up to $50 million towards the Myalup-Wellington Dam Project; and
- $200,000 for planning towards major upgrades to Collie TAFE campus.
The McGowan Labor Government will invest $80 million to enhance rural bushfire capacity across the State through the new Rural Fire Division. For the first time ever, the Department of Fire and Emergency Services will have a division dedicated to rural firefighting and bushfire management.
The Budget includes funding for important community programs and facilities, including:
- $9.3 million for an Alcohol and Other Drug Residential Rehabilitation and Treatment Service in the South-West;
- $570,000 for crisis and transitional accommodation in Collie;
- $500,000 for upgrades to Valley View Residence Aged Care facility;
- $800,000 in additional funding for the Yarloop bushfire clean-up;
- $70 million for improvements to regional roads across the State identified as high risk for runoff crashes; and
- $1.2 million to install five Rural Intersection Active Warning systems on regional roads.
Key McGowan Labor Government projects already underway or funded in the South-West include:
- $47.5 million towards the Myalup-Wellington Water for Growth project and Southern Forest Irrigation Scheme;
- $32 million towards the Rail Future Fund to upgrade the Perth-Australind rail service;
- $10 million to establish rail access to Kemerton Industrial Park;
- $20 million over five years for the Collie Futures Fund;
- $13.4 million to complete and operate the sub-acute mental health facility in Bunbury;
- $8 million for a new police station in Capel, with work due to start this year;
- $10.5 million investment in Kemerton and Shotts industrial parks to create more opportunity for businesses;
- $3 million to enhance Halifax Business Park;
- $34.4 million towards the Transforming Bunbury Waterfront project;
- $15 million towards priority road upgrades in the Collie-Preston region;
- $14 million of new works commencing on schools, including new facilities at Eaton Community College, upgrades to Eaton Primary School, redevelopments at Newton Moore Senior High School STEM Centre, and upgrades at South Bunbury Primary School;
- $30 million of upgrades to Margaret River Senior High School, $5 million towards upgrades at Bunbury Senior High School and $7.5 million towards new facilities at Collie Senior High School;
- $30.1 million towards the construction of new school buildings at Cape Naturaliste College;
- $1 million to complete works at Rapids Landing Primary School and $1.5 million towards constructing new early childhood facilities at Glen Huon Primary School;
- $37 million to continue the operation of the South West Emergency Rescue Helicopter;
- $23.7 million investment to increase prison capacity at Bunbury Regional Prison by 160 additional beds;
- $3 million to deliver the tourism precinct for Lake Kepwari;
- $2 million for upgrades to the Eaton Bowling Club; and
- $8 million towards replacing ageing Volunteer Fire Stations in regional locations, including Margaret River.
The McGowan Labor Government is focused on delivering the things that matter to people across regional WA. We are progressing important election commitments in regional WA, including:
- $18.5 million for the Regional Enforcement Unit to increase traffic enforcement on country roads;
- More than $2 billion will be spent on the State's regional roads between 2018-19 and 2021-22;
- $39.7 million to boost tourism funding to showcase regional destinations;
- Putting education assistants and Aboriginal and Islander Education Officers back into regional classrooms;
- Funding to put Independent Learning Coordinators in 10 regional schools will assist students undertaking courses through the School of Isolated and Distance Education;
- Eight Regional Learning Specialists allocated to the School of Isolated and Distance Education to provide specialist classes for Year 11 and 12 students;
- $4.5 million for new and emerging regional businesses as part of the New Industries Fund;
- $1.6 million for the Find Cancer Early program in regional areas;
- $6.8 million for the renal dialysis program;
- $182.3 million for the Patient Assisted Travel Scheme to support regional Western Australians when they need to travel for medical treatment;
- $136 million for the Country Age Pension Fuel Card and $4 million for the volunteer fuel card;
- $37 million for Community Resource Centres across regional Western Australia; and
- $24.8 million for the Natural Resources Management Program.
For more information on the 2018-19 State Budget, visit http://www.ourstatebudget.wa.gov.au
Comments attributed to Premier Mark McGowan:
"My Government is putting the State to work, creating jobs for people in the South-West and turning the State's finances around.
"The State Budget strikes the right balance between fixing the mess of the Liberal National Government, while focusing on the things that matter to people in the South-West - jobs, health, education and community services.
"Our State-wide Methamphetamine Action Plan is underway, and our $9.3 million investment in an Alcohol and Other Drug Residential Rehabilitation and Treatment Service in the South-West recognises the extent of this scourge in the South-West."
Comments attributed to Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan:
"The State Budget includes $4 billion in Royalties for Regions funding and is focused on driving strength and diversity in regional economies.
"Our $5 million investment in Myalup primary reserves is an important, job-creating investment in expanding our State's horticultural industry.
"Our $10.5 million investment in the Preston River to Ocean and Leschenault Regional Parks will help to protect significant natural assets in the South-West to drive tourism opportunities and create local jobs for the region."
Premier's office - 6552 5000
Regional Development Minister's office - 6552 6200
