Big boost for country in budget, Waldron
Author: Terry Waldron
Published on: 21-May-2010
Local Member for Wagin Terry Waldron has enthusiastically welcomed the State Budget saying it brings huge benefits to Country Western Australia.
“I have long fought for equity to Country WA and we are now seeing that equity being delivered directly to country WA in this budget.” Mr Waldron said.
“All members of country communities are the beneficiaries through the major Country Projects, Programmes and Royalties for Regions Funding of $879million.”
Mr Waldron said Highlights for Country WA and our region include:
• Regional Education - ($152million over 4 years for Regional School and Residential Colleges)
• Health – Hospitals, new and upgrades – Albany, Esperance, Carnarvon, Karratha and Kalgoorlie
• Training junior Doctors in regions ($8.5million over 3 years)
• Indigenous Health Clinics ($22million over 3 years)
• Regional Development Council Funds – ($218.8million over 4 years – Regional Capital Works Initiative.)
($302.5million over 4 years – Regional Strategic Projects Fund)
• Upgrade new Orange School buses - ($11million over 4 years to air-condition all new buses)
• Country Local Government Fund - ($435million over 4 years)
• St John Ambulance Service in the Country ($26million over 4 years)
• Clontaf Academies ($5million over 3 years includes 9 new academies, one in Katanning)
• Country Age Pension Fuel Card - ($96million over 4 years extending to Disabilities Support Pension, Widow and Widow B Pension and carer payment)
• $120.3million over three years to expand the State’s mobile phone coverage on the State’s highways, black spots and upgrade regional police and emergency service communications.
• Responsible Parenting ($27.9million over 4 years)
• Recreational Boating Scheme boost ($20million over 4 years)
Other 2010/11 allocations include:
• Funding for the Community Resource Centre Network - ($12million)
• Ongoing funding for the Boarding Away from Home Allowance - ($1.9million)
• Continued support for the Patient Assisted Travel Scheme - ($9million)
• Ongoing funding for Housing for Workers (GROH) - ($79million)
• Living Lakes - Feasibility and planning study - ($600,000).
“I am extremely pleased for the people of our region and across Country WA that we can deliver real benefits that make our country communities ever better places to live,” Mr Waldron said.
