05/09/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 05/09/2024 00:56
The Cook Labor Government is doing what's right for the Great Southern, with the 2024-25 State Budget delivering significant cost of living relief while investing in mental health supports and services, infrastructure upgrades, housing programs and new outdoor attractions.
The 2024-25 State Budget is focused on Western Australia's regions, with a record $12.8 billion investment in regional infrastructure, and billions more to fund regional service delivery.
More than $4 billion in Royalties for Regions funding will go towards projects which enrich regional communities, ensuring they remain great places to live, work and raise a family.
Western Australians living in the Great Southern will benefit from the Cook Government's massive $762 million investment in cost of living relief measures, which includes:
This cost of living support to regional families is on top of the Cook Government's $3 billion commitment over the next four years to subsidise the cost of providing water and electricity to regional Western Australians, to keep services affordable for everyone.
The Cook Government is supporting improved and expanded housing options across the State, with a total investment of $1.1 billion in housing and homelessness services, including:
Health facilities will be upgraded, and programs to secure staff will be continued, to ensure Western Australians have access to world class healthcare, regardless of where they live. The Cook Government's $3.2 billion investment in health includes:
The Cook Government is focused on diversifying regional economies and creating quality local jobs. This includes investments of:
Country roads and regional transport infrastructure will be upgraded, with a $6.4 billion investment. Key regional transport initiatives include:
The 2024-25 State Budget will continue to build safe, strong and fair regional communities. Key initiatives include:
The Cook Government is committed to encouraging Western Australians to explore the State's great outdoors, while supporting regional local businesses. Regional initiatives in the State Budget's Outdoor and Adventure Tourism package include:
Ahead of Albany's bicentennial celebrations in 2026, the State Government will also invest $3.8 million for upgrades at Strawberry Hill Farm in Albany - the first colonial farm buildings in Western Australia.
For more information, visit ourstatebudget.wa.gov.au.
Comments attributed to Premier Roger Cook:
"This Budget delivers on my Government's commitment to always do what's right for the Great Southern.
"We are focused on providing real cost of living relief, with a major investment to ease the pressure on families in our regions.
"Regional WA props up our nation's economy, and this Budget delivers measures that will drive regional economic growth, diversify regional economies and create jobs for our kids in the regions.
"There's also major funding for programs which enhance regional centres, ensuring they remain great places to live, work and raise a family for generations to come."
Comments attributed to Regional Development Minister Don Punch:
"Western Australia's regions are the heart of our State, and the Cook Government is committed to seeing them thrive.
"We want to ensure that every Western Australian has access to great housing, healthcare, and opportunities to grow - regardless of where they live.
"Our responsible financial management means we are in a position to invest in our regions, with billions of dollars flowing into these areas as part of the 2024-25 State Budget.
"From enhanced tourism infrastructure to community safety measures, and programs which diversify regional economies, this Budget delivers on what matters for regional Western Australians."
Comments attributed to Albany MLA Rebecca Stephens:
"We know what is important to the Albany community and through this Budget, the Cook Labor Government is delivering what matters.
"Our Government continues to invest in social and affordable housing, important health services including the Acute Care and Response Team for the Great Southern, and we're providing significant cost of living relief for Albany families.
"The Budget also features exciting investment for the Pilot Station Precinct at the Port of Albany and funding for upgrades at Strawberry Hill Farm, projects that will benefit the local community and attract visitors to our city."
Comments attributed to Warren-Blackwood MLA Jane Kelsbie:
"The Budget highlights the Cook Labor Government's commitment to the future of Warren-Blackwood.
"We're delivering significant investment to some of region's most iconic tourism sights - encouraging visitation to our region to benefit local business.
"Tackling cost of living remains our priority and we're delivering major relief for local families by providing the WA Student Assistance Payment and another Household Electricity Credit."