The McGowan Labor Government has moved to eradicate the legacy of Royalties for Regions by banning use of the program’s logo.
A directive published on the website of the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries states the Royalties for Regions logo “has been discontinued as of 1 July 2017 and should not be used for new projects, and/or new materials for existing projects.”
Member for Warren-Blackwood, Terry Redman said the Labor Government order was a blatant attack on the very essence of the Royalties for Regions initiative and seeks to diminish awareness of the benefits of the Royalties for Regions scheme in regional Western Australia.
Mr Redman said by failing to acknowledge the source of funding, the McGowan Government could easily move money earmarked for regional projects to either fund their metropolitan election promises, or support projects that should be funded through general government revenue.
“I am immensely proud of the range of Royalties for Regions projects around the state that have significantly contributed to the economic and social infrastructure of our communities.”
“These projects have created jobs and provided some equity of access to basic services that should be enjoyed by everyone in this State.”
The Nationals WA predicted the end of the Royalties for Regions program under the McGowan Labor Government, and despite assurances to the contrary, this discontinuation of the logo seems to be the first step in its demise.
“Mr McGowan prides himself on being accountable and transparent, so now is the time for him to explain his actions to the people of regional Western Australia who deserve to know the likely future funding opportunities for their towns and region,” Mr Redman said.
“In the current political environment, it is shaping up to be a drought of projects in regional WA without any thought given to the immense importance of the mining and agricultural contributions to Western Australia’s wealth.”
