The 2016-17 Western Australian state budget announced by Treasurer Mike Nahan on Thursday afternoon pledged $105.6 million in asset investment projects for the South West region.
The highlights of this planned spending include;
- $24 million on the Stirling Dam Pumpback to Harris Dam
- $10.5 million on the Busselton and Harvey Health Campuses
- $8.8 million on the Rapid’s Landing Margaret River Primary School
- $8.6 million on the redevelopment of the Dolphin Discovery Centre at Bunbury;
- $7.3 million on the maintenance and upgrade of power infrastructure in the Collie and Margaret River regions
- $5.5 million on the South Western Highway Collie River Bridge replacement
- $4.6 million on the Bunbury Headquarters and Public Access Facilities project for the Department of Parks and Wildlife
- $4.1 million on the Bunbury mental health subacute unit
- $4 million towards road and infrastructure upgrades and improvements at the South West Port Authority at Bunbury
- $4 million on the Margaret River Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade
- $3.9 million on the South West Emergency Rescue Helicopter Service
- $3.5 million on road upgrades and improvements to the Bussell and Coalfields Highways
- $2.7 million on the Bunbury Career Fire and Rescue Service Fire Stations
- $2.4 million on the maintenance and upgrade of water facilities in Balingup and wastewater facilities in Bunbury and Balingup.
Royalties for Regions is also a big winner with $3.78 billion set aside over the next four years for projects including $58.3 million to provide an alternative route for the Margaret River perimeter road and $29.9 to transform Bunbury's waterfront.
WA Treasurer Mike Nahan said new spending initiatives in this budget are focused on broadening the economy and creating new job opportunities.
Regional Development Minister Terry Redman said the Royalties for Regions investment would build infrastructure to grow the state, develop economic opportunities and improve targeted social programs.
"Royalties for Regions is about strengthening and growing our regions and this investment will help regional communities realise their economic potential for the benefit of all West Australians," Mr Redman said.
"The government's investment of $642 million in the Regional Investment Blueprint Initiative reflects the commitment to develop strategic economic, social and community development projects across regional WA."
Andrew Elstermann
Email: andrew.elstermann@fairfaxmedia.com.au
Email: andrew.elstermann@fairfaxmedia.com.au
