Western Australia's Peel 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 Peel projects funded in the 2016-17 State Budget through Royalties for Regions and forward estimates released today include:
- $49.3 million to Transform Peel, with a new agricultural and industrial precinct, including:
- Nambeelup Business Park, incorporating more than 1,000 hectares of land
- planning for Peel Integrated Water Initiative
- planning for new Peel Food Zone
- a share in $20 million under the Regional Estuaries Initiative to restore the health and function of the Peel-Harvey Inlet.
State-wide investment totalling $3.78 billion across the forward estimates will benefit the Peel region in the following categories:
- Health - including Southern Inland Health Initiative
- Seizing the Opportunity Agriculture - including Water for Food, Asian Market Success and WA Open for Business
- Culture and the arts - including Regional Film Fund and Creative Regions Program
- Aboriginal development initiatives
- Tourism - including the Western Australian Caravan and Camping Action Plan, Regional Events Program and Aboriginal Tourism Development Program
- Community support services - including the Regional Grants Scheme, Community Chest Grant Scheme and Telecommunications
- Education - including Better Beginnings.
Regional Development Minister Terry Redman said the Royalties for Regions investment would build infrastructure to grow the Peel and develop economic opportunities with projects such as the new Mandurah traffic bridge.
"The Government has made responsible decisions to ensure Peel 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 Peel 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 Regional Investment Blueprints.
Fact File
The State Government has provided $872 million for regional investment through Royalties for Regions in 2016-17
$600 million will be invested through the Growing Our South initiative to revitalise the Peel, Great Southern, Wheatbelt and South-West regions
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
