Member for Geraldton Kirrilee Warr MLA says the State Government’s mid-year budget has left the city wanting more, calling the latest news ‘disappointing’.
Ms Warr said generally, the review left more questions than answers.
“There is no new structural cost-of-living relief in this Mid-year Review, no tax reform, no permanent relief for households, and no reduction in fees and charges,” she said.
“Never before has Western Australia seen this level of wealth, yet households are paying more in stamp duty, motor vehicle taxes, and everyday costs with little to show for it.”
Ms Warr said relaying what had already been announced was a missed opportunity to provide real change for Geraldton residents.
“The community would see this review as disappointing, given the majority of announcements are simply rehashing what has already been said,” she said.
“This State Government has already announced their commitments to radiation oncology and renal dialysis in Geraldton.
“Today’s review appears to be nothing more than a chance to repeat some of these ideas, instead of including them in the budget from the start.”
There were some projects that were not previously accounted for in June’s State Budget, including Mullewa Hospital and a Royal Flying Doctor Service base for Geraldton.
Ms Warr said the State Government’s $1.9 billion dollar health injection only came as the result of pressure from the Opposition.
“The Mullewa Hospital redevelopment is long overdue and six months on the budget appears to be spiralling out of control despite no changes to the original plan,” she said.
“This Government has already proven its poor track record of keeping to a budget, with Geraldton Health Campus now more than $100m over budget.
“They continue to spend at a record rate, but we are yet to see any new general ward beds in any of our health facilities.
“A local RFDS base will help thousands across WA, and has been delivered thanks to advocacy from The Nationals WA, but the organisation isn’t getting the full amount to build their facility which is disappointing.
“Meanwhile, this Government still won’t budge on key safety issues in our community, including repairs to Geraldton-Mt Magnet Road, and funding a Mid West rescue chopper.”
Ms Warr called on the Cook Labor Government to invest in Geraldton and the Mid West, saying the region is primed for opportunity.
“There appears to be nothing for upgraded transmission, despite the clear need and continued requests for greater power reliability,” she said.
“The investment into GROH housing only scratches the surface of what is needed for regional communities.
“The lack of detail surrounding the social housing announcements does not give confidence that the issue will be solved for Geraldton.
“I will continue to ask questions of the ministers and to raise these issues to ensure Geraldton matters.”
