The McGowan Government's strong investment in the Kimberley 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 Kimberley 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 McGowan Government continues to support vital services across regional WA, such as $239.8 million for regional school bus services, $1 billion to subsidise water costs for country users, and $200 million to support remote Aboriginal communities.
The Budget fully funds the suite of regional projects 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:
- $10 million to North Regional TAFE's Broome Campus for a new Hospitality and Student Services Centre, to expand training in hospitality and tourism with a particular focus on supporting Aboriginal businesses;
- $6 million to North Regional TAFE's Kununurra Campus for a new Health and Hospitality Trade Training Centre, to deliver specialist training facilities for NDIS related courses and hospitality training.
- $5.21 million to invest in renewable energy projects across Derby, including installing solar PV systems on council buildings, replacing street lights with energy efficient LEDs, and a large-scale solar panel and battery at Derby Health Campus;
- $21.4 million for the Regional Aviation Recovery Program to ensure affordable airfares for residents and tourists in regional WA, including to the Kimberley;
- $9.77 million for Aboriginal regional suicide prevention plans in each region of WA prioritising Aboriginal-led and locally endorsed initiatives that accommodate a culturally informed social and emotional wellbeing approach to suicide prevention;
- $7.98 million towards the planning and development of the Broome Health and Wellbeing Campus, a Nyamba Buru Yawuru project;
- $3 million to construct the Broome Town Beach Jetty allowing pedestrian, fishing and small boat access;
- $18.3 million to upgrade Moonamang Road to support development in the Ord; and
- $8.3 million to continue the Northern Beef program.
To view the full list of Kimberley WA Recovery Plan projects funded in the State Budget, visit https://www.wa.gov.au/sites/default/files/2020-07/Kimberley-Recovery-Plan.pdf
The McGowan Government has a record of major investment in the Kimberley region over the past four years. Projects currently underway or completed include:
- $6.7 million in funding to upgrade boating facilities at Broome Town Beach;
- $22 million towards Stage 1 and 2 of the Chinatown Revitalisation Project in Broome;
- $12 million through the Regional Road Safety Program to upgrade 100 kilometres of Kimberley roads with shoulder sealing and installation of audible lines, creating around 55 local jobs;
- Fast-track the Great Northern Highway Ord River North Stage 3 and 4 with construction to commence in March 2021;
- $51.5 million for the upgrade of Duncan Road and Gordon Downs Road;
- $25.8 million to upgrade Great Northern Highway from Broome to Kununurra;
- $42.7 million to upgrade Tanami Road;
- $68.5 million for the Great Northern Highway upgrade at Bow River and Maggie's Jump Up;
- $36 million to continue improvements of the Gibb River Road;
- $65.7 million to continue work on upgrades to Broome-Cape Leveque Road (created 290 jobs with nearly two thirds of total project work hours on site completed by Aboriginal people);
- $4.2 million to activate tourism opportunities on the Dampier Peninsula;
- $4 million to complete the sealing of internal roads in Bidyadanga and community airstrip;
- $20 million over five years into the Aboriginal Ranger Program;
- $6.9 million in maintenance funding for Kimberley health campuses;
- $3 million to Wyndham District High School to rebuild the Early Childhood Education Centre;
- $19.3 million towards upgrades to Broome Senior High School;
- $8.5 million for maintenance in Kimberley schools as part of our major maintenance blitz;
- $266.7 million Commitment to Aboriginal Youth Wellbeing package includes measures to support health and mental health issues in the Kimberley:
- $2.7 million for a Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Prevention Package;
- $3 million for expanded and more accessible clinical mental health services in the Kimberley; and
- $32.3 million across the State towards the implementation of a new State Suicide Prevention Action Plan;
- $6.2 million Kimberley Juvenile Justice Strategy;
- $25 million for the Kimberley Schools program to drive better education outcomes in the region;
- $2 million for a new PCYC in Kununurra;
- $997,065 through the Digital Farm program to roll out high-speed broadband to growers in Kununurra; and
- $1.6 million to drive local jobs in the Kimberley through the Regional Economic Development (RED) Grants program.
For more information, visit https://www.ourstatebudget.wa.gov.au
As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:
"Kimberley 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 Kimberley, 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 Kimberley.
"We're transforming the face of Broome, ensuring this pearl of the north holds its place as a world-class tourist destination. At the same time, we're investing into the East Kimberley, with projects like the Moonamang Road sealing to support the long-term prosperity of the Ord.
"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."
