Member for Geraldton, Kirrilee Warr MLA, is urging the Cook Labor Government to ensure that over $90 million worth of election commitments for Geraldton and the Mid-West are fully accounted for in next week’s State Budget.
“During the election campaign, WA Labor made dozens of promises for Geraldton and the Mid-West, totalling more than $90 million for essential health, education, housing and community safety projects,” Ms Warr said.
“With the State Budget just around the corner, it’s concerning to see the Government touting pre-budget commitments for the Perth metro area, including over $100 million for road upgrades, while remaining silent on their promises for Geraldton.”
Ms Warr highlighted that Labor had pledged more than $30 million for health services including:
• $21 million for a radiation oncology unit in Geraldton
• $7.5 million to establish a Royal Flying Doctor Service base in the region
• $2 million to expand the Geraldton Health Campus dialysis unit from 9 to 14 chairs.
“Many of these commitments were made during my campaign and later matched by WA Labor, and it’s disappointing to see Labor’s funding for the RFDS base is just half of what is needed. It is crucial that the full funding is included in the State Budget to improve health outcomes for our community.”
Education upgrades are also a key focus, with more than $31 million promised, including:
• $23.5 million for a new gymnasium at Champion Bay Senior High School
• $8 million for classroom refurbishments, lighting and air-conditioning upgrades at Geraldton Senior
High School.
• Upgrades to Allendale Primary ($50,000) Bluff Point Primary ($170,000) and Holland Street School
($30,000).
Ms Warr also called for progress on WA Labor’s $15.4 million commitment for 12 new family and domestic violence units in Geraldton.
“We know that family and domestic violence is a serious issue in Geraldton, and the number of offences has skyrocketed in recent years. There is an urgent need for safe accommodation and integrated wraparound services to support those affected,” she said.
Ms Warr stressed that WA Labor must deliver on its promises.
“My message to the Cook Labor Government is clear: put your money where your mouth is and ensure you honour your promises to Geraldton and the Mid-West.
“Labor has a poor track record when it comes to delivering for our region – whether it’s years of delays and budget blowouts at the Geraldton Health Campus, their failure to deliver the new Mullewa Hospital, a lack of funding for the dangerous Geraldton-Mt Magnet Road, or their failure to invest in energy infrastructure.
“This Budget presents an opportunity for the Labor Government to prove they are serious about doing what’s right for families, businesses and communities in Geraldton and the Mid-West.”
