The McGowan Government's strong investment in the Gascoyne region continues, with the State Budget funding vital job-creating projects and services to assist with the region's recovery.
As part of the unprecedented $644 million WA Household Electricity Credit, households in the Gascoyne region will receive a $600 credit on their electricity bill by the end of the year
This first-of-its kind announcement recognises that financial support and relief for Western Australians is important to help continue our recovery from the pandemic.
The region will also benefit from the McGowan Government's major announcement to recruit 800 more police officers, on top of the 300 new police officers already being delivered.
This is the largest increase on record, and is expected to result in WA having the highest number of police officers per person of all States.
The Budget includes a total of $4.2 billion in Royalties for Regions funding across regional WA, and a $7.5 billion investment in infrastructure in the regions.
The Budget fully funds the suite of projects in the Gascoyne region announced as part of the $5.5 billion WA Recovery Plan, which is delivering support for businesses and households, and driving jobs and economic growth in the region.
The 2020-21 State Budget includes:
- $7 million for immediate measures to assist with access to the Carnarvon fascine while also finalising and implementing a long term plan;
- $1.3 million towards planning for the redevelopment of the Tantabiddi Boat Ramp facility in Exmouth, to cater for recreational tourists and separate commercial use;
- $5.7 million towards construction a demonstrator renewable hydrogen microgrid to power Denham;
- $1.47 million to upgrade wastewater services to allow for the expansion of the Coral Bay Caravan Park;
- $2.65 million for significant upgrades to visitor access and facilities in the Shark Bay World Heritage Area, near Denham;
- $1.2 million for upgrades to visitor access and facilities in the Ningaloo Coast World Heritage Area;
- $21.4 million for the Regional Aviation Recovery program to ensure affordable airfares for residents and tourists in regional WA, including flights to Exmouth, Carnarvon and Monkey Mia; and
- $6 million towards the realignment of Yardie Creek Road in Exmouth.
To view the full list of Gascoyne region WA Recovery Plan projects funded in the State Budget, visit https://www.wa.gov.au/sites/default/files/2020-08/Gascoyne%20Recovery%20Plan.pdf
The McGowan Government has a record of major investment in the Gascoyne region over the past four years. Projects currently underway or completed include:
- $1.4 million in new programs and upgrades at the Carnarvon Research Facility to support a sustainable, profitable and diverse horticultural industry in the Gascoyne;
- $2.7 million to reopen the Gwoonwardu Mia Gascoyne Aboriginal Heritage and Cultural Centre in Carnarvon;
- $6.7 million for management and public recreation facilities for Ningaloo Reef;
- $2.8 million towards the Carnarvon Heritage Precinct One Mile Jetty Interpretive Centre;
- $388,000 for land management activities and capacity development for the Gibson Desert Nature Reserve;
- $500,000 to complete the Gascoyne Food Bowl project;
- Introduced discounted community airfares to Carnarvon and Monkey Mia;
- $18.8 million towards the new 38 bed residential aged and palliative care facility in Carnarvon;
- $26.6 million to continue to deliver the Carnarvon Community College;
- $1.6 million for maintenance upgrades to local schools as part of the school maintenance blitz;
- $1 million to redevelop the Carnarvon PCYC;
- $986,000 for the Carnarvon Rangelands Barrier Fence to support the local pastoral industry;
- $600,000 through the Digital Farm program to support high-speed broadband for Carnarvon growers; and
- $1.6 million to drive local jobs in the Gascoyne through the Regional Economic Development (RED) Grants program.
For more information, visit https://www.ourstatebudget.wa.gov.au
As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:
"Gascoyne region households are big winners in the State Budget.
"Financial support and relief for Western Australians is important to help continue our recovery from the pandemic. That's why we've taken the unprecedented step of giving households across WA a $600 credit on their electricity bill this year.
"We know that the pandemic has been extremely challenging for many in our community, and this assistance will make life a little easier for local families.
"I'm also pleased to announce that the local community will benefit from our major boost to police officers. This is the largest increase on record, placing more officers out on the beat and keeping the community safe.
"The State Budget fully delivers on the $5.5 billion WA Recovery Plan, which includes major upgrades to infrastructure and services in the Gascoyne region, driving economic recovery and creating a pipeline of local jobs.
"Even though COVID-19 caused the largest global economic shock in nearly 100 years, WA's economic and financial position is better than first expected due to our world-leading response and border controls.
"By keeping WA safe and strong, Western Australia can recover from COVID-19, stronger than ever."
As stated by Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan:
"The State Budget continues our record of investment in the Gascoyne region.
"Our investments into the Gascoyne are helping to revitalise regional centres like Carnarvon and Exmouth, driving local jobs on the ground across the region.
"We're also investing in the industries of the future in the region, with projects like the Denham renewable hydrogen micro-grid putting the Gascoyne at the forefront of 21st century jobs.
"The McGowan Government's ongoing guarantee to deliver Royalties for Regions ensures Western Australians have access to quality services, no matter where they live.
"For the past four years, we have been focused on creating local jobs, delivering our election commitments in the region, and ensuring we continue to improve local infrastructure and services like hospitals and schools."
Premier's office - 6552 5000
