Country age pensioners will continue to benefit from the Country Age Pension Fuel Card, thanks to an additional $106 million investment by Royalties for Regions.
Member for the Mining and Pastoral Region Dave Grills MLC welcomed this week’s announcement that the scheme would be extended for a further three years from 2017-18 to 2019-20.
“The fuel car was introduced to help age pensioners in regional Western Australia who don’t have access to public transport, cover the cost of travel and accessing services that are often far away from home,” Mr Grills said.
“The fuel card provides a fuel card to the value of $575 to assist country age pensioners to meet the additional cost of travel using their own vehicles or taxis.
“The scheme helps more than 52,000 regional pensioners who need to travel to access essential services, participate in community groups and recreational activities or to catch up with family and friends.”
Nationals WA Candidate for the Kimberley Rob Houston said The Nationals WA took the Country Age Pension Fuel Card to the 2008 election as an election commitment.
“This important scheme highlights The Nationals’ commitment to ensuring regional pensioners have access to affordable transport options and can remain connected to their communities,” Mr Houston said.
“Since its introduction in 2009, the scheme has not only had a positive impact on the individual but also the whole community. It has allowed Kimberley pensioners to remain mobile and access essential services.
“It is great to see Royalties for Regions continue to play a fundamental role in building stronger Kimberley communities that are great places to live, work and invest.”
For more information visit: http://www.drd.wa.gov.au/projects/Roads-andTransport/Pages/Country-Age-Pension-Fuel-Card.aspx
For media enquiries contact Dave Grills MLC on (08) 90711 500 or email dave.grills@mp.wa.gov.au.
