Media Statements: Statements http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/Date Descending.aspx RSS feed for the Statements list. Department of the Premier and Cabinet Tue, 24 Nov 2009 01:20:37 GMT Windows SharePoint Services V3 RSS Generator 60 list Media Statements: Statements /_layouts/images/homepage.gif http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/Date Descending.aspx Shorlisted proponents announced for Ord-East Kimberley Expansion Project http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132766 Content:

Appointing a main contractor for the Ord-East Kimberley Expansion Project moved a step closer today with the announcement of four shortlisted proponents.

 

The State Government’s $220 million Royalties for Regions-funded project would deliver another 8,000ha of irrigated agricultural land at Weaber Plains, north of Kununurra.

 

Regional Development and Lands Minister Brendon Grylls said LandCorp had received 10 submissions from its initial call for Expressions of Interest.

 

“The submissions were from a range of companies and joint ventures, and demonstrated the high level of interest in this project,” Mr Grylls said.

 

“The State Government is looking for a highly experienced contractor capable of delivering the project in a very tight time frame while maximising employment, business and training opportunities for local indigenous people.”

 

Short list:

 

·           Leighton/Indigenous Business Australia (IBA) Joint Venture

·           Team Savannah (BGC Contracting and Laing O’Rourke Australia Construction Joint Venture)

·           Macmahon Contractors

·           Transfield Services Australia Ertech Joint Venture.

 

The four proponents have until mid-January 2010 to submit full proposals to LandCorp for the construction, management and delivery of irrigation and road infrastructure to support 8,000ha of farmland.

 

Further information on the Ord-East Kimberley Expansion project is available at http://www.royaltiesforregions.wa.gov.au/ord or call 9192 6557.

 

Minister's office - 9213 7000

Date: 11/11/2009
Minister: Grylls
Portfolio: Regional Development;Lands
Region: Kimberley
]]> Arbouin, Shane Wed, 11 Nov 2009 05:23:13 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132766 New equipment to improve patient care in Port Hedland http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132740 Content:

Pilbara residents are to benefit from new medical equipment worth $2.5million currently being installed in hospitals across the region, including Port Hedland Hospital.

 

Regional Development Minister Brendon Grylls and Health Minister Kim Hames said the new equipment would give people living in the Pilbara access to high-tech diagnostic and other hospital services.

 

Mr Grylls said Pilbara hospitals - including Port Hedland - would receive the new equipment, which was funded through the State Government’s Royalties for Regions program

 

“The rapid pace of resource development, increasing population and demand for services in the Pilbara continues to have a significant impact on its health system,” he said.

 

Port Hedland Hospital has received up-to-date emergency department (ED) monitoring equipment; a patient transport monitor; a new ECG machine; endoscopes, which will provide earlier diagnosis of bladder and stomach diseases; and a steris machine to clean the endoscopes.

 

Dr Hames said the central monitoring system for the emergency department would help clinicians with patient assessment and monitoring by identifying changes in a patient’s condition.

 

“The patient transport monitor is a mobile unit that monitors vital signs such as blood pressure, heart rate and temperature and can be used for adults, children and babies,” he said

 

“It gives an early indication of patient declining condition, which is very useful when monitoring people with altered levels of consciousness.”

 

Also arriving in the next few weeks will be new theatre instruments, including an orthopaedic drill and ENT microscopes, a fast scanner and other equipment.

 

Dr Hames said modern equipment would enable medical, nursing and imaging staff to provide the best possible health services for people who live and work in the Pilbara.

 

”Having access to this high-tech equipment is a great recruitment tool as doctors, nurses and imaging staff prefer to work where equipment and facilities are contemporary, modern and easy-to-use,” he said.

 

Mr Grylls said local staff had been closely consulted in identifying where the medical equipment funding was most needed.

 

“An important aspect of all funding from Royalties for Regions is the emphasis on local decision-making by the people who live and work in the region,” he said.

 

The Royalties for Regions scheme is also providing an additional $32.964million under a new partnership with industry which, through the WA Chamber of Minerals and Energy’s Pilbara Industry’s Community Council (PICC), is contributing $5.28million into the region over the next three years. This will further assist in funding urgently needed services and equipment.

 

The State Government has also provided $10million for a package of urgent upgrades to health services and staff accommodation at Nickol Bay Hospital in Karratha.

 

Regional Development Minister’s office - 9213 7000   

Health Minister’s office - 9222 8788

Date: 5/11/2009
Minister: Grylls;Hames
Portfolio: Regional Development;Health
Region: Pilbara
]]> Antartis, Jill Thu, 05 Nov 2009 02:12:01 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132740 Pilbara revitalisation creates opportunities for traditional owners http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132743 Content:

The involvement of indigenous people in the development of the Pilbara was the major focus at a meeting today in South Hedland between traditional owners and Regional Development and Lands Minister Brendon Grylls.

 

The meeting focused on ways to maximise the opportunities for indigenous people under the Royalties for Regions Pilbara Revitalisation program.

 

“The State Government has major plans for the Pilbara and the revitalisation program will provide significant opportunities for participation and partnership,” Mr Grylls said.

 

“I am keen to work with people throughout the region to achieve the best results and I want to make sure the traditional owners are part of the development from the start.”

 

The Minister said the Pilbara’s revitalisation involved a long-term plan to improve infrastructure and community facilities and to enhance the quality of life for its people.

 

“There are numerous opportunities for indigenous training, employment and capacity building that will bring lasting benefits,” he said.

 

The State Government’s presence in the Pilbara focuses on a number of issues including health, energy, water and community development.

 

The shires of Ashburton, Roebourne and East Pilbara, and the Town of Port Hedland have been allocated funding from Royalties for Regions and other partners for projects to help create sustainable and vibrant regional communities.

 

The projects included the:

 

·       South Hedland Town Revitalisation - $23.3million

·       Tom Price Town Centre Revitalisation - $10million

·       Onslow Sporting and Multi Purpose Precinct - $7million

·       Newman Town Centre Redevelopment and Land Release incorporating Newman Cultural Precinct - $20million

·       Karratha Learning and Leisure Precinct - $20.3million

·       rejuvenation of the Port Hedland JD Hardie Centre and Youth Zone - $2.6million

·       South Hedland Multi Purpose Recreation Centre - $4.12million

·       upgrade of public amenities and implementation of crime and safety prevention initiatives in Port Hedland/South Hedland - $10.78million

 

Mr Grylls said the revitalisation of the Pilbara region was a major State Government initiative.

 

Minister's office - 9213 7000
Date: 5/11/2009
Minister: Grylls
Portfolio: Regional Development;Lands
Region: Pilbara
]]> Antartis, Jill Thu, 05 Nov 2009 05:21:08 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132743 $2.5million for Pilbara water projects http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132711 Content:

The State Government has called for Expressions of Interest (EOI) for pilot water projects and associated works in the Pilbara as part of the $300million Royalties for Regions Pilbara Revitalisation Plan.

 

Regional Development Minister Brendon Grylls said $2.5million was available through the EOI process. 

 

“The money is to test the feasibility of projects making the best use of water resources and will contribute to economic diversification in the Pilbara region,” Mr Grylls said.

 

“The State Government is looking for funding proposals for projects that help create secondary economies, including agricultural and silviculture development and indigenous capacity building within the Pilbara hinterland.

 

“We are particularly interested in projects that partner with industry, stimulate local economies and maximise indigenous training, employment and business opportunities.”

 

The EOI call followed the release of the Pilbara Water Prefeasibility Study, which identified water source options and opportunities in the region.

 

The Minister said the study identified options, including the use of excess water from mining operations, supplementary bore field development and pipeline construction to integrate source with demand.

 

Mr Grylls said the $2.5million allowed the testing of some of the options and be made available as grant amounts in three project categories:

§  $10,000 - $50,000 (small)

§  $50,001 to $250,000 (medium)

§  $250,001 and above (big).

 

It was proposed the maximum available grant would be $500,000 (excluding GST).  However, amounts of more than $500,000 might be considered if a project demonstrated exceptional merit.

 

“The Pilbara Revitalisation Plan is an exciting initiative to modernise and transform the region’s communities,” the Minister said. 

 

“Phase One of the plan is under way and focuses on the four key delivery areas of health, energy, water and community development.

 

“The EOI process aims to identify the interest of qualified private and public organisations to deliver small or major pilot water projects, with a view to further developing these as part of the overall vision for the Pilbara.”

 

Information about the EOI process is available on the Department of Regional Development and Lands website at http://www.rdl.wa.gov.au

 

Expressions of Interest close at 2pm WST on Monday, December 7, 2009.

 

Minister's office  - 9213 7000
Date: 30/10/2009
Minister: Grylls
Portfolio: Regional Development
Region: Pilbara
]]> Antartis, Jill Fri, 30 Oct 2009 05:16:18 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132711 Civil works commence at the Australian Marine Complex http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132708 Content:

The Australian Marine Complex at Henderson will soon be home to a new $35million service and supply base to support some of Western Australia’s biggest resources projects.

 

Regional Development Minister Brendon Grylls announced civil works had commenced on the supply base, which will support the growing number of oil and gas developments in the State.

 

“The State Government has already secured the Chevron-operated Gorgon project as the base’s first user, which is a win for Gorgon and WA,” Mr Grylls said.

 

“This agreement once again demonstrates the significant benefits the marine complex can deliver for the oil and gas industry.”

 

The new supply base includes construction of a new wharf, able to accommodate roll-on/roll-off vessels of up to 200m in length, with an associated four- hectare staging area for truck trailers.

 

“The base will enable companies like Chevron Australia to deliver significant amounts of equipment by sea which will ultimately reduce the number of road trains required to service their operations,” he said.

 

The service and supply base is being built by Abigroup Contractors with works expected to be completed by July 2010.

 

For more information visit http://www.australianmarinecomplex.com.au or phone 9482 7492.

 

Minister's office - 9213 7000
Date: 29/10/2009
Minister: Grylls
Portfolio: Regional Development
Region: All
]]> Antartis, Jill Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:12:32 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132708 Building starts on 100th home for government workers in the regions http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132695 Content:

Construction has started on the 100th home for government employees just eight months after the State Government announced that Royalties for the Regions would fund 400 new dwellings for teachers, police officers and other staff in regional locations.

 

The new brick and tile three-bedroom home in Wagin will be the 100th built for government employees from the $200million Royalties for Regions ‘Housing Our Workforce’ funding.

 

The three-bedroom home is one of two homes to be built in Wagin under the scheme by local builder Trevor Parsons and both will be ready to house either a police officer or a teacher in the area by May 2010.

 

Construction has started on Government Regional Officers Housing (GROH) dwellings across the State with completion of the first house funded by the scheme expected in the coming months.

 

Housing and Works Minister Troy Buswell said the 100th home was a great milestone for the program and that the scheme was on target to build 400 new government employee homes over two years.

 

“The start of building on the 100th home is excellent progress and means that we are well on the way to providing additional housing to crucial workers such as police and teachers in regional areas,” Mr Buswell said.

 

“The community is getting much-needed new housing for key workers, taxpayers are getting value for money and we’re able to keep jobs in the building industry.”

 

Regional Development Minister Brendon Grylls said the new housing showed the Royalties for the Regions program was delivering direct benefits to country people.

 

“Key government workers such as teachers, police and child protection officers play an essential role in country communities and good housing is critical to attract and retain the best people,” he said. 

 

Mr Grylls said that GROH homes built under the Royalties for the Regions program would be established in the regional areas of greatest need.

 

In the Kimberley, 45 dwellings will be built through Broome, Derby, Fitzroy Crossing, Kununurra, Warmun and Wyndham.     

 

Work on construction of the homes started in 2008 and, as at September 1, 2009, a total of $51.4million had been committed. Homes are either pre-fabricated in Perth and shipped to the regions or built through a tender or expression-of-interest process.

 

In the Pilbara, 33 new homes will be built across Karratha, Newman, Port Hedland and Tom Price.

 

The Great Southern will benefit from seven new dwellings, the Goldfields 12, the Mid-West and Gascoyne two, and the Wheatbelt 12.

 

All will house government workers across a variety of agencies including fisheries, police, education and child protection. 

 

NOTE:  A map showing the location of the first 100 GROH homes funded through Royalties for Regions Housing Our Workforce is attached.

   

Housing and Works Minister’s office - 9222 9111

Regional Development Minister’s office - 9213 7000

Date: 28/10/2009
Minister: Buswell;Grylls
Portfolio: Housing and Works;Regional Development
Region: All
Attachments: http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/Attachments/132695/100GROHmap.pdf
]]> Antartis, Jill Wed, 28 Oct 2009 04:13:27 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132695 South Hedland revitalisation takes shape http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132659 Content:

The revitalisation of the South Hedland town centre has moved a step closer with planning approval for the developed of up to 130 townhouses and apartments plus commercial, medical and retail space.

 

Regional Development Minister Brendon Grylls said today that approval had been obtained from the Department of Planning for the first stage of the development.

 

“South Hedland’s revitalisation has moved another step closer with this decision,” Mr Grylls said.

 

“The redevelopment of South Hedland will result in a better lifestyle, sense of community and much-improved environment for the growing number of families settling permanently in the region.”

 

The Minister said he was pleased with the feedback and ideas resulting from a series of community workshops to help shape the design of the new town square.

 

The first and three community workshops was facilitated jointly by LandCorp and Urban Design and Landscape Architecture.

 

“Feedback from the workshops clearly shows people want an active town centre that incorporates plenty of shade, a cafe strip, a central multi-use entertainment area to draw crowds day and night, and a water feature,” he said.

 

“Local residents, businesses and police also want community safety and security to be factored into the plans, with calls for the introduction of CCTV and support for higher density mixed-use development to keep the town square activated during all hours.”

 

The Minister said development plans were likely to include a town centre cafe strip featuring water-misters for the hot weather months; an entertainment area that could convert to an open-air cinema at night; and extra-wide eaves and tree-lined streets for added shade. 

 

The town centre upgrade is a key part of the State Government’s Royalties for Regions program with $23million of funding being injected to help change the face of South Hedland.

 

Bulk earthworks for Stage 1 are set to start onsite in mid-November, with civil construction expected to be completed in about October 2010.

 

For more information, please visit http://www.landcorp.com.au/southhedlandtowncentre.

 

Minister's office  - 9213 7000
Date: 21/10/2009
Minister: Grylls
Portfolio: Regional Development
Region: Pilbara
]]> Antartis, Jill Wed, 21 Oct 2009 02:54:32 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132659 New grants money for regional communities http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132655 Content:

Individuals and organisations throughout regional Western Australia will share in up to $45million in the latest round of the State Government’s Royalties for Regions Regional Grants Scheme (RGS).

 

Announcing the opening of the contestable grants program in Bunbury today, Regional Development Minister Brendon Grylls said each of the nine development commissions would make available up to $5million to applicants within their region.

 

“The grants scheme is providing money for projects to help attract investment and increase jobs or improve the quality of life in regional WA,” Mr Grylls said.

 

Applicants would be assessed and approved by Regional Development Commission boards for endorsement by the Minister and State Government.

 

“This innovative program allows individuals and organisations to bid their case for funding directly to their development commission, knowing their proposal will be dealt with at the local level,” the Minister said.

 

“In the inaugural round earlier this year, 320 applicants State-wide received grants totalling more than $30million.”

 

Mr Grylls paid tribute to the chairs, CEOs and staff of the nine commissions for their hard work and diligence during the inaugural round.

 

“They carried out their work with great diligence in assessing more than 800 grant applications from groups including volunteers, businesses, educational institutions, philanthropic foundations and community organisations,’ he said..

 

“With many of the projects now under way, it is exciting to see the diversity of the projects and the benefits from them.

 

“There’s a wide range, from building and restoring local facilities to upgrading services such as water and electricity supplies as well as allocations to support community attractions and events.

 

“Some, like the extension of the Munda Biddi Trail from Nannup to Albany, involve more than one region and will have widespread benefits including tourism, environmental, health and lifestyle opportunities.

 

“Scores of other smaller projects will bring long-term benefits to communities.”

 

The Minister said he had been pleased to see a considerable commitment to indigenous projects and activities in the first round of grants.

 

“It is a clear commitment of support for regional communities and I encourage potential applicants to contact their Regional Development Commission for more information,” he said.

 

The latest round of contestable grants is part of a total pool of $73million allocated to regional communities through the Regional Development Commission structure in the 2009-10 budget.

 

Of this total pool, $28million has been made available for projects identified by the Regional Development Council in conjunction with the nine commissions.  The Regional Development Council is the peak advisory body to the State Government on regional development issues.

 

The applications for contestable grants are now open and will close on February 10 next year.

 

A list of Regional Development Commission contacts is available on the Department of Regional Development and Land’s website: http://www.royaltiesforregions.wa.gov.au/Content/MajorProjects/RGS/Default.aspx or by phoning 9217 1400.

 

Minister's office - 9213 7000
Date: 20/10/2009
Minister: Grylls
Portfolio: Regional Development
Region: All
]]> Antartis, Jill Tue, 20 Oct 2009 04:43:19 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132655 Funding to improve quality and reliability of power in Ravensthorpe http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132634 Content:

Energy Minister Peter Collier and Regional Development Minister Brendon Grylls have announced $3million funding to improve power reliability for Ravensthorpe.

 

This followed ongoing discussions between Western Power and the local community, including the South Eastern Shires Regional Power Group, to upgrade the region’s power supply and to meet the region’s potential load growth.

 

Mr Collier said funding would be used to implement a two-stage plan developed by Western Power and Horizon Power to help resolve the region’s immediate power supply issues.

 

The first involved establishing a temporary diesel power station to supply the town. This is expected to be commissioned by the end of 2009.

 

Stage two is expected to be the development of a hybrid system involving a combination of renewable energy and diesel.

 

“This temporary arrangement will remain in place for up to two years while a more sustainable solution to Ravensthorpe’s power supplies is developed,” Mr Collier said.

 

“Securing the region’s power for the future is a priority for the Liberal-National Government.”

 

Western Power has continued to invest in improving local power supplies in the past two years, installing two diesel generators to help resolve capacity and quality issues until a permanent solution was developed.

 

Mr Grylls said reliability of electricity supply in Ravensthorpe was raised as a major priority for the local community during a consultation process he had undertaken earlier this year.

 

“It was one of many concerns which the State Government committed to undertake to ensure the viability of the Ravensthorpe and Hopetoun communities,” he said

 

“The Government’s investment will help improve the power supply in Ravensthorpe while a more sustainable and longer term plan is developed.”

 

Energy Minister’s office - 9213 7150

Regional Development Minister’s office - 9213 7000

Date: 17/10/2009
Minister: Collier;Grylls
Portfolio: Energy;Regional Development
Region: Goldfields/Esperance;Great Southern
]]> Antartis, Jill Mon, 19 Oct 2009 00:35:08 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132634 Ravensthorpe-Hopetoun Future Fund http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132635 Content:

Regional Development Minister Brendon Grylls has welcomed the announcement to establish the independent Ravensthorpe-Hopetoun Future Fund.

 

Mr Grylls said Ravensthorpe Nickel Operation, a subsidiary of BHP Billiton, would contribute a one off payment of $5million to establish the future fund, matching the $5million contribution the State Government has already made to the region.

 

“The aim of the fund is to support the local Ravensthorpe and Hopetoun community to undertake improvements for the benefit of local people,” he said.

 

The announcement of the fund follows a recommendation from the John Curtin Institute of Public Policy ‘Housing Study for Hopetoun (May 2009)’.

 

The recommendation was to give communities control over their own destiny through growth and distribution of endowed funds and community leadership development.

 

“It has been a collaborative effort between the Shire of Ravensthorpe, Ravensthorpe Nickel Operations and the local community to establish the fund and to build on future needs of the region,” the Minister said.

 

“The fund will be administered by a Board of Governors and focus on the region’s future development.”

 

The board will comprise an independent chairperson; two nominations from the Shire of Ravensthorpe; and two local community representatives, who normally reside in the Ravensthorpe-Hopetoun area via a nomination process administered by the Goldfields-Esperance Development Commission.

 

“When the announcement of suspension of operations at the mine site came in January this year, the Government gave an undertaking we would not abandon the people of Ravensthorpe-Hopetoun,” Mr Grylls said.

 

“The Government immediately committed $5million to an initial assistance package, and appointed respected local advisor Tony Bright to assist the Shire of Ravensthorpe to maintain local services and to provide grant assistance to local businesses.

 

“The announcement of the Ravensthorpe-Hopetoun Future Fund today is another step forward in securing the future and confidence of those who are committed to living, recreating and investing in the region.”

 

Minister's office - 9213 7000
Date: 17/10/2009
Minister: Grylls
Portfolio: Regional Development
Region: Goldfields/Esperance
]]> Antartis, Jill Mon, 19 Oct 2009 00:39:48 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132635