Hon Terry Redman MLA

Hon Terry Redman MLA

Former Minister for Regional Development; Lands; Minister Assisting the Minister for State Development

Hon Mike Nahan BEc MS PhD MLA

Hon Mike Nahan BEc MS PhD MLA

Former Treasurer; Minister for Energy; Citizenship and Multicultural Interests

    Our State Budget 2016-17: Securing our economic future - New level of arts and culture for Karratha

    13/05/2016 10:30 AM
     
    • $14 million for Karratha Arts Centre to support culture and arts in the Pilbara
    • Royalties for Regions to provide $872 million for regional investment in 2016-17 

    The final stage of Karratha's city centre revitalisation has received a $14 million investment through the State Government's Royalties for Regions program, as part of the 2016-17 State Budget.

     

    The Karratha Arts and Community Precinct will have a professional standard theatre, regional library, outdoor amphitheatre, war memorial and gallery, with the project set to further activate the city's vibrant new main street.

     

    Regional Development Minister Terry Redman said once completed, the facility would house the only professional standard theatre in the North-West and would deliver a new level of arts and culture for the region. 

     

    "The precinct will act as a hub for local artists while also attracting national performers and productions to the Pilbara.  Karratha has been without a theatre since mould from flood damage forced the closure of the city's only facility in 2011," Mr Redman said.

     

    "Residents in regional Western Australia deserve the same opportunity to enjoy a diverse program of entertainment and cultural experiences as those in metropolitan areas.

     

    "This precinct will contribute to the economic, cultural and social success of the Pilbara and is an important investment for Royalties for Regions."

     

    The project was identified for funding under the $1.7 billion Pilbara Cities initiative.

     

    Treasurer Mike Nahan said the State Government would invest $3.78 billion over the next four years to build vibrant regions with strong economies through Royalties for Regions initiatives in health, community support services, education, arts, Aboriginal development, agriculture, tourism and economic development.

     

    "This investment will provide essential services and infrastructure to attract investment, grow regional economies and create jobs for regional communities," Dr Nahan said.

     

    The City of Karratha has completed schematic designs for the new precinct, with construction expected to start in the second half of 2016.

     

    Fact File

    • The $1.7 billion Pilbara Cities initiative is being delivered by the Pilbara Development Commission
    • For more information about the Pilbara Cities initiative, visit the Pilbara Development Commission
    • 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
    • For more information on Royalties for Regions projects, visit Bigger Picture - Regions
    • WA Budget statements are available at http://ourstatebudget.wa.gov.au  

    Regional Development Minister's office - 6552 6700

    Treasurer's office - 6552 5700