Western Australia's Gascoyne region is set to benefit from the State Government's investment in the areas of health, community support services, education, Aboriginal development, agriculture, tourism and the arts.
Treasurer Mike Nahan said the State Budget would continue to build a stronger economy in 2016-17 that attracted investment and created jobs and opportunities for people living and working in regional WA.
Specific Gascoyne projects funded in the 2016-17 State Budget through Royalties for Regions and forward estimates released today include:
- $11.2 million for the Exmouth Boat Harbour
- $16.58 million for the Carnarvon Aged Care program
- $29.5 million towards the Carnarvon Community College Stage 2 to amalgamate the primary and secondary public schools
- $2.6 million for the Middle Gascoyne Water Investigations, as part of the $40 million Water for Food program in the Seizing the Opportunity Agriculture initiative.
State-wide investment totalling $3.78 billion across the forward estimates will benefit the Gascoyne region in the following categories:
- Health - including North West Drug and Alcohol Support Program and Patient Assisted Travel Scheme
- Seizing the Opportunity Agriculture - including Water for Food, Asian Market Success, WA Open for Business and WA Biosecurity Defence
- Culture and the arts - including Regional Film Fund and Creative Regions Program
- Aboriginal development initiatives - including Youth Justice initiatives
- Tourism - including the Western Australian Caravan and Camping Action Plan, Regional Visitor Centre Sustainability Grant Program and Regional Events Program
- Community support services - including the Regional Grants Scheme, Country Age Pension Fuel Card and Telecommunications
- Education - including Boarding Away from Home Allowance
- Rangelands reform - proposed amendments to the Land Administration Act 1997.
Regional Development Minister Terry Redman said the Royalties for Regions investment would build infrastructure to grow the Gascoyne, develop economic opportunities and improve targeted social programs.
"The Government has made responsible decisions to ensure Gascoyne communities continue to thrive, develop and contribute to the State's economy," Mr Redman said.
"We must look to secure our State's future and provide opportunities for industry growth that supports local jobs and creates long-term benefits for regional communities.
"Not only does Royalties for Regions provide better infrastructure and services for regional communities, it also builds regional economies, which is good for the entire State."
In addition, the Gascoyne region also has the opportunity to access funding from the $642 million allocated over the next four years to implement major economic, social and community development projects that arise from the Regional Investment Blueprint.
Fact File
The State Government has provided $872 million for regional investment through Royalties for Regions in 2016-17
$176 million has been invested since 2010-11 through the Gascoyne Revitalisation Initiative
Since 2008, the State Government has invested $6.9 billion into more than 3,700 Royalties for Regions-funded projects and programs, including transfers to the Future Fund and other Special Purpose Accounts
Treasurer's office - 6552 5700
Regional Development Minister's office - 6552 6700
