The McGowan Government's strong investment in the Peel 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 Peel 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:
- $9.17 million to South Metropolitan TAFE's Mandurah campus for a new Hospitality and Tourism Training Centre to deliver training for a range of courses including commercial cookery, tourism and events management;
- $25 million for free TAFE short courses to upskill thousands of Western Australians, with a variety of free courses available at South Metropolitan TAFE's Mandurah campus;
- $32 million to expand the Lower Fees, Local Skills program and significantly reduce TAFE fees across 39 high priority courses;
- $10.38 million for the Pinjarra Senior High School for a new permanent performing arts centre and sports hall
- $8.65 million to invest in upgraded infrastructure, including roads and drainage in East Keralup to attract private industry and create local jobs;
- $2 million for upgrades and maintenance at Mandurah Police Station;
- $116 million across the State for the Regional Land Booster package that will make residential, commercial and industrial lots more affordable including residential lots at Mandurah Junction and Ranford, and industrial lots in Pinjarra;
- installing solar panels at up to 60 bus and train stations across WA, including at Mandurah train station;
- $210,000 for upgrades at Waroona Volunteer Fire and Emergency Services
- $2 million towards the construction of an additional six units at the Peel Therapeutic Women's Refuge, on top of approximately $8.1 million already announced;
- $1.19 million for upgrades on the Bibbulmun Track and Munda Biddi Trail including renewing camp sites, bridges and sections of the track;
- $750,000 to replace the ageing timber boardwalk in Goegrup Lake Nature Reserve in the Mandurah region;
- $350,000 for upgrades to buildings, new facilities and services across national parks in the Peel region, including Serpentine National Park; and
- $25 million for the Healthy Estuaries WA program for improvement works in estuaries across regional WA, including in the Peel-Harvey system.
To view the full list of Peel region WA Recovery Plan projects funded in the State Budget, visit https://www.wa.gov.au/sites/default/files/2020-08/Peel-Recovery-Plan.pdf
The McGowan Government has a record of major investment in the Peel region over the past four years. Projects currently underway or completed include:
- $32.1 million to build the Mandurah Station Multi-Storey Car Park;
- $49.3 million funding towards the Transform Peel project;
- $10 million for the Mandurah eastern foreshore redevelopment;
- $27.5 million for the Pinjarra heavy haulage deviation;
- Opened the $51.8 million new Mandurah Bridge;
- $25 million towards upgrades at Peel Health Campus;
- $1 million over four years to Allambee Counselling in Mandurah to provide support for victims of family and domestic violence;
- Nearly $400,000 over three years will be provided to GP Down South to improve mental health awareness and recovery for young people in the Peel region;
- $2.5 million towards developing shared use sporting facilities at the new Coastal Lakes College;
- $100,000 awarded to Pat Thomas House to ensure women and children seeking refuge are kept safe;
- $7 million to upgrade level crossings on the South West train line in Cookernup, Coolup and Waroona;
- $18 million for the Bushfire Centre of Excellence in Nambeelup;
- $8.7 million for improvement and safety works on Pinjarra-Williams Road;
- $4.95 million to help implement the Dwellingup Adventure Trails project;
- $2.3 million for the new Pinjarra bus depot - $1.3 million tender awarded to local company Shelford Construction creating local jobs;
- Committed to building the new Lakelands Station on the Mandurah Line;
- $1.5 million upgrades to North Dandalup and Cookernup train stations;
- Unveiled the designs of the brand new $54.7 million Australind railcar sets;
- $1.8 million for the Waroona Housing Options Village Aged Accommodation;
- $2 million for Bedingfeld Park Aged Accommodation in Pinjarra; and
- $1.47 million to drive local jobs in the Peel region through the Regional Economic Development (RED) Grants program.
For more information, visit https://www.ourstatebudget.wa.gov.au
As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:
"Peel 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 Peel 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 Peel region.
"Our investment into the Peel Business Park and Transform Peel initiative is driving industrial activity and new jobs in the region - alongside our support for new training initiatives in the region, we're putting the Peel on the best path forward.
"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."
