Budget 2017-18: Impacts on Rockingham, Kwinana and Mandurah

While the State Government’s 2017-18 Budget has delivered some tough news for Western Australians, a number of projects in today’s announcements look set to benefit the Rockingham, Kwinana and Mandurah regions.

Education

More than $465 million will be poured into school infrastructure across WA with upgrades and new facilities on the cards.

A new primary school in Baldivis East (South) has been given the green light, while $2.5 million has been set aside for restoration works to start on Lakelands Senior High School in 2018.

Transport

Planning for the new Karnup Station on the Mandurah Line will go ahead, announced as part of $101.3 million committed towards new stations and existing station upgrades.

This will be a welcome boost for residents of Secret Harbour, Golden Bay, Singleton and surrounding suburbs.

A new multi-storey car park at Mandurah Station could be on the way, subject to a matching funding contribution from the Federal Government.

Included among a raft of transport projects aimed at easing congestion is $49 million for the widening of Kwinana Freeway northbound between Russell Road and Roe Highway.

Peel region

The Peel region has emerged as a winner in this year’s Budget, with more than $138 million in infrastructure projects earmarked over the next four years.

This includes $10 million for the Mandurah foreshore redevelopment, $45 million towards the Nambeelup Peel Business Park and $5 million for Peel Youth Medical Service Hub.

Treasurer Ben Wyatt said the infrastructure funding was needed to cater for the growing region.

“As our population grows, it’s vital that we continue to invest in local schools and hospitals and ensure services meet the needs of the community,” he said.

“We have big plans for the Peel region and the State Budget will ensure that these plans become a reality as we continue to deliver on our election commitments in coming years.”

Funding for a new family and domestic violence counselling service for Peel was also announced, alongside health grants including $399,000 for a 3 Tier Youth Mental Health Program and $5 million to develop the Peel Youth Medical Service Hub.

Baldivis

Pre-election commitments in Baldivis were met, with $750,000 towards a new home for the Peel Riding for the Disabled Group the biggest direct commitment to the suburb.

The Baldivis Brumbies Football Club has been granted $100,000 for a new playing surface and $150,000 was committed to the suburb’s primary schools to provide nature playgrounds.

Baldivis MLA Reece Whitby said his electorate was boosted by the Budget.

"This is a Budget that will deliver strong outcomes on the ground in Baldivis and the positive impacts are already starting to be felt,” he said.

"Our local projects are providing a huge boost to schools, sporting clubs and other local community groups and we will soon be delivering on more of these commitments.”

Focus on jobs

Premier Mark McGowan said that implementing the State Government’s Plan for Jobs was crucial in getting WA back on track and was at the core of the Budget.

“As a Government, billions of dollars are spent each year running schools, hospitals, public transport systems, building critical infrastructure and delivering services across the State – all job-creating investments which WA businesses could be working on,” he said.

“My priority is to ensure that through our new Jobs Law, more local businesses will have the opportunity to bid for this body of work.

“The State Budget includes a $4.2 million allocation which will go towards establishing an Industry Participation Advisory Service to support small and medium businesses compete for Government contracts.”

For more on how the Budget will impact the Rockingham, Kwinana and Mandurah regions, read next week’s Telegraph.