The McGowan Government is delivering its plan for the Goldfields-Esperance region, with funding in the State Budget to create local jobs and support the local economy, while delivering important community infrastructure and services.
The 2019-20 State Budget includes $4.2 billion in Royalties for Regions funding across regional Western Australia.
More than $5.6 billion will be invested in regional infrastructure over the next four years.
WA's first budget surplus in five years, delivered two years ahead of schedule, has allowed the McGowan Government to deliver the lowest increase to household fees and charges in 13 years.
The Budget includes funding for important, job-creating infrastructure and programs in the Goldfields-Esperance region, including:
- $6.3 million for the Kalgoorlie Health Campus MRI suite;
- $40 million to upgrade the Coolgardie to Esperance Highway;
- $6.9 million to upgrade Shed 4 at the Port of Esperance;
- $4 million towards the new Laverton Hospital project;
- $12 million State-wide injection to Tourism Western Australia to expand promotion of WA overseas;
- $131.5 million of additional State-wide expenditure to support agriculture in WA, grow export markets and create long-term jobs including $39.6 million for the Boosting Biosecurity Defences, Asian Market Success and Grains Research and Development support programs (in addition to $45 million for Grains Research and Development in the 2018-19 Budget);
- $182.4 million of State-wide funding for a new Employer Incentive Scheme and training delivery, including $45 million for regional WA. The scheme will help WA employers with the costs of employing apprentices and trainees; and
- $24.1 million in ongoing State-wide funding for the 'WA Open for Business' program to promote export opportunities for regional businesses.
The McGowan Government is committed to delivering community services to people across regional WA, including in the Goldfields-Esperance region. The Budget includes:
- $42.5 million in additional State-wide funding for the Methamphetamine Action Plan, including $914,000 to increase training for Aboriginal staff in alcohol and other drug services;
- $11.7 million for two Family and Domestic Violence Hubs, including one in Kalgoorlie;
- $2.3 million package to combat elder abuse, including continued funding for the WA Elder Abuse Helpline
- $11.3 million to support and expand sustainable service delivery of PCYCs across the State to reduce juvenile offending and improve community safety;
- $6.5 million for the Aboriginal Community Connectors program to improve community safety, and reduce community consequences of alcohol and other drugs and related 'at risk' behaviours;
- $34.6 million for the roll-out of personal issue mobile smart tablets for police officers across the State;
- $15.4 million towards the roll-out of personal issue multi-threat body armour to frontline police officers across the State;
- $4.8 million for enhanced driver training and education for regional and remote communities;
- Investing an additional $713,000 to maintain regional bus services;
- $19.9 million for the Regional Arts and Cultural Investment program;
- $8.1 million for the Suicide Prevention Strategy; and
- The introduction of the new Regional Taxi Transition Fund.
The McGowan Government is delivering its Plan for the Goldfields and progressing its election commitments. Initiatives that are already underway include:
- $10 million a year from 2019-20 to continue the Exploration Incentive Scheme;
- $1.2 million for much-needed maintenance work for the Goldfields Arts Centre;
- $14 million towards upgrades to Great Eastern Highway between Anzac Drive and Gatacre Drive in Kalgoorlie-Boulder;
- $59.8 million for sealing priority sections of the Outback Way;
- $12.5 million in funding towards the step up/step down mental health facility in Kalgoorlie;
- $17.9 million allocated towards the new South Regional TAFE Campus in Esperance;
- $4.1 million for the Esperance indoor sports stadium;
- $500,000 for the Goldfields Solar Feasibility Study;
- $18.7 million State-wide for the Aboriginal Rangers Program to provide jobs looking after State parks and protected areas;
- $6.9 million for the State Barrier Fence Esperance extension;
- $2 million for the Kalgoorlie Pastoral Alliance Cell Fence;
- $65 million across regional WA to continue to support Community Resource Centres; and
- $170.5 million across regional WA to continue the Country Age Pension Fuel Card and $5.1 million for the Volunteer Fuel Card.
For more 2019-20 State Budget information, visit http://www.ourstatebudget.wa.gov.au
As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:
"The McGowan Government is continuing its strong investment in the Goldfields-Esperance region, to create jobs and provide local families with the services they need.
"The Budget includes significant funding for the region, to deliver the much-needed MRI suite at Kalgoorlie Health Campus and a new Family and Domestic Violence Hub.
"It also includes $42.5 million in additional funding for the Methamphetamine Action Plan.
"Since coming to Government in 2017, we have worked hard to bring the Budget back under control while delivering important improvements to vital services like health and education across regional WA.
"We will continue to implement our plans for the Goldfields-Esperance region to support job creation, grow the local economy and support families in the region."
As stated by Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan:
"Our Government is committed to driving economic diversification and local job opportunities in the regions, and this Budget helps to deliver the important projects and services the Goldfields-Esperance region needs.
"Upgrades at the Port of Esperance will help to drive increased and diversified exports in the mining sector, supporting jobs growth right across the region.
"We are continuing our program to fill labour shortages in Kalgoorlie and the Goldfields, with the Goldfields-Esperance Development Commission working to attract migrants from Perth to the region."
