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Statement Released: 26-May-2005

State Budget 2005-06: Rockingham

Budget delivers more infrastructure, better deal for families.

A better deal for families, improved services and more jobs through record infrastructure investment are the focus of this year's State Budget in the southern suburbs.

The Gallop Government's central commitment to education and training is highlighted locally with almost $30million being spent in 2005-06 on new and replacement schools including:

• $12million to continue the construction of Comet Bay College;
• $5.43million to complete work on a new primary school in Secret Harbour (South);
• $10million to continue construction of a replacement Kwinana Senior High School;
• $725,000 to complete a new primary school in Settlers Hill and $275,000 to start construction of Phase 2 of a second primary school in Settlers Hill; and
• $1million to start construction of a replacement Beazley Primary School.

Treasurer Eric Ripper said the Gallop Government's fifth balanced Budget delivered on a commitment to provide better services, create new jobs and protect the Western Australian lifestyle.

"Across the State, we are investing a record $4.7billion in capital works over the coming year," Mr Ripper said.

"We are delivering a better deal for families through initiatives such as the Education Allowance for parents of upper school students and a $25 increase in the family concession on motor vehicle registrations."

Local families will benefit from the continued works ($3million) on the Rockingham Kwinana District Hospital as part of plans to redevelop it into a metropolitan general hospital.

Preliminary works the new Perth - Bunbury Highway will also begin with a $4million Budget allocation. The new highway will incorporate the extension of the Kwinana Freeway from Safety Bay to Mandurah and the Peel Deviation, a new bypass of Mandurah.

Mr Ripper said the Government's massive capital works program means improved electricity and water infrastructure, and more schools, police stations and health facilities across the State.

"Western Power's capital works program will increase by $488million over the next four years, following on from the successful Summer Ready Program, which supplied more capacity and improved the electricity system in WA," he said.

Locally, Western Power will spend:

• $2.3million for the Cockburn Power Station 1;
• $7.4million for work on the Kwinana Rower Station;
• $1.83million for a third transformer at Medina;
• $1.8million for work on the Waikiki substation; and
• $147,000 for other transmission works in Rockingham.

The Treasurer said a record investment in infrastructure would create more jobs and opportunities for all Western Australians.

"More than $400million will be spent in 2005-06 to continue work on the New MetroRail Southern Suburbs Railway, which is expected to begin services to Mandurah by April 2007," he said.

"The Rockingham Central City Transit System, a high frequency bus link between the new Rockingham Train Station and the Rockingham foreshore, will also receive $9.8million in funding."

Other key works to be funded include:

• $314.8million to continue construction of the Perth Seawater Desalination Plant
• $13.765million for infrastructure work on Stage Two of HIsmelt;
• $625,000 for works on the Kwinana Bulk Jetty;
• $3.13million for works in the local area, including at the Woodman Point Wastewater Treatment Plant;
• $16.1million to start construction on the East Rockingham Wastewater Scheme;
  more than $4.8million for restorative and new works at the Woodman Point Recreation Camp;
• $250,000 to undertake erosion control measures at Penguin Island;
• $300,000 for maintenance work on Rockingham Regional Memorial Park; and
• $2.2million for work at the Australian Marine Complex at Jervoise Bay.

Funding for education in this year's Budget is a major priority for the area.

In addition to funding new buildings, the Government's successful Behaviour Management and Discipline Program will continue in 2005-06 with a funding allocation of $1.23million in the Peel region.

"In the Peel and south metropolitan regions a further $187,000 will also be spent to support district trials to examine additional options for 16 and 17-year-old students staying in the education and training system," Mr Ripper said.

"The trials include the New Pathways Program in Rockingham and a mentoring program in Peel for at risk indigenous youth interested in trades."

The Treasurer said the Gallop Government was delivering on its commitment to improve the quality of services, create new jobs and protect our Western Australian lifestyle.

Government Media Office: 9222 9795

With Thanks

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