The electorate of Warren-Blackwood is set to benefit from Royalties for Regions investment in the areas of health, community support services, education, Aboriginal development, agriculture, tourism and the arts.
Member for Warren-Blackwood, Terry Redman, said the State Budget would help to build a stronger economy in the region in 2016-17 with initiatives to attract investment and create jobs and opportunities for regional families, businesses and communities.
Specific projects funded in the 2016-17 State Budget through Royalties for Regions and forward estimates released today include:
- $58.26 million for the Margaret River Perimeter Road;
- $22.3 million for the revitalisation of Manjimup Centre Stage 2;
- $5.49 million to redevelop the main street in Margaret River;
- A share of the $14 million support package for potato growers based in Pemberton and Manjimup to transition to a deregulated market;
- A share of the $20 million under the Regional Estuaries Initiative to restore the health and functionality of six South West estuaries, including Hardy Inlet and Wilson Inlet;
- $7.6 million for the Denmark East Development Precinct to develop and industrial area and restructure roads;
State-wide Royalties for Regions investment totalling $3.78 billion across the next four years will benefit the region in the following categories:
- Health, including the Southern Inland Health Initiative, the Patient Assisted Travel Scheme (PATS) and support for Aged Care;
- Seizing the Opportunity Agriculture – with an additional $50 million added to the fund to support ongoing initiatives such as WA Open for Business, Water for Food and Asian Market Success;
- Culture and the arts – Including the newly announced $16 million Regional Film Fund and continuing support for the Creative Regions Program;
- Tourism – Including the Regional Events Program, the WA Caravan and Camping Action Plan, Road Coach Replacement, the Aboriginal Tourism Development Program and the Regional Visitor Centre Sustainability Grant program;
- Community support services – including the Country Age Pension Fuel Card, the Emergency Service Volunteers Fuel Card, the Community Chest Fund and the Regional Telecommunications Program;
- Education – including the Boarding Away from Home Allowance.
Mr Redman said Royalties for Regions would build infrastructure to grow the Warren-Blackwood electorate, developing economic opportunities and targeting social programs.
“The Nationals in Government have made responsible decisions to ensure regional communities continue to thrive, develop and contribute to the State’s economy,” Mr Redman said.
“Royalties for Regions investment is providing better infrastructure and services whilst also helping to build regional economies, making for vibrant and sustainable communities.”
Communities across Warren-Blackwood also have the opportunity to access funding from the $642 million allocated over the next four years to implement major economic, social and community development projects that arise from Regional Investment Blueprints.
Fact File:
- Royalties for Regions is delivering $872 million in regional investment in 2016-17.
- $600 million will be invested through the Growing Our South initiative to revitalise the South-West, Great Southern, Peel, and Wheatbelt Regions.
- Since 2008, Royalties for Regions has invested $6.9 billion into more than 3,700 projects and programs, including transfers to the Future Fund and other Special Purpose Accounts.
- WA Budget statements are available at http://ourstatebudget.wa.gov.au
For media enquiries please contact Terry Redman on 9848 3171 or Terry Redman@mp.wa.gov.au