Western Australia's Pilbara 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 Pilbara projects funded in the 2016-17 State Budget through Royalties for Regions and forward estimates released today include:
- $183.9 million for the Karratha Health Campus
- $49.7 million for the Newman Health Service Redevelopment Project
- $500,000 towards Building a State of Creativity in the Pilbara
- $2.4 million from the Seizing the Opportunity Agriculture initiatives Water for Food program for La Grange - West Canning Basin: Groundwater for Growing Opportunities
- $2 million for the East Pilbara Innovation Centre
- $14 million for the Karratha Arts and Community Precinct
- $13.6 million for the Pilbara Health Partnership.
State-wide investment totalling $3.78 billion across the forward estimates will benefit the Pilbara region in the following categories:
- Health - including Ear Health program, North West Health Initiative and Renal Dialysis Service Expansion
- Seizing the Opportunity Agriculture - including Water for Food, Northern Beef Industry Strategy, Asian Market Success and WA Open for Business
- Culture and the arts - including Regional Film Fund and Creative Regions Program
- Aboriginal development initiatives - including North West Drug and Alcohol Support Program and Regional Youth Justice Strategy
- Tourism - including Regional Visitor Centre Sustainability Grant Program and Western Australian Caravan and Camping Action Plan
- Community support services - including Country Age Pension Fuel Card, Regional Workers Incentives and Telecommunications
- Education - including Boarding Away from Home Allowance
- Rangelands reform - proposed amendments to the Land Administration Act 1997.
- Regional services reform - to create better education, health, social wellbeing and job outcomes for Aboriginal people living in regional and remote WA.
Regional Development Minister Terry Redman said the Royalties for Regions investment would build infrastructure to grow the Pilbara, develop economic opportunities and improve targeted social programs.
"The Government has made responsible decisions to ensure Pilbara 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 Pilbara 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 in through Royalties for Regions 2016-17
More than $1 billion has been invested through the Pilbara Cities Initiative since 2008-09 to revitalise the region
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
