Western Australia's South-West 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 South-West projects funded in the 2016-17 State Budget through Royalties for Regions and forward estimates released today include:
- $58.26 million for the Margaret River Perimeter Road
- $22.3 million for the revitalisation of Manjimup Town Centre Stage 2
- $5.49 million to redevelop the main street in Margaret River
- $24.9 million to transform Bunbury's Waterfront Stage 1
- $6 million to upgrade facilities at Cape Naturaliste College
- a share of $14 million to support potato growers in Pemberton, Myalup, Marybrook, Busselton and Manjimup to make the transition to a deregulated market.
State-wide investment totalling $3.78 billion across the forward estimates will benefit the South-West region in the following categories:
- Health - including Southern Inland Health Initiative
- Seizing the Opportunity Agriculture - including WA Open for Business, Asian Market Success and Water for Food
- Culture and the arts - including Regional Film Fund and Creative Regions Program
- Aboriginal development initiatives
- Tourism - including Regional Events Program, the Western Australian Caravan and Camping Action Plan, Road Coach Replacement and Aboriginal Tourism Development Program
- Community support services - including Country Age Pension Fuel Card, Community Chest Fund and Telecommunications
- Education - including Boarding Away from Home Allowance.
Regional Development Minister Terry Redman said the Royalties for Regions investment would build infrastructure to grow the South-West and develop economic opportunities with projects such as the expanded Busselton-Margaret River Regional Airport.
"The Government has made responsible decisions to ensure South-West 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 South-West 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
$600 million will be invested through the Growing Our South initiative to revitalise the South-West, Peel, Wheatbelt and Great Southern 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
