Infrastructure respite for south coast communities
For the past two-and-a-half years the Albanese Labor Government has starved regional Western Australia of infrastructure funding, but efforts by Federal Member for O’Connor Rick Wilson MP to secure support for important projects across his electorate have today borne fruit.
Mr Wilson announced today that four major projects on the south coast of O’Connor had been funded under Round 2 of the Growing Regions Program.
“This is a $37 million funding announcement for projects that will help keep the south coast economy moving, and its communities thriving,” he said.
“WA’s south coast been hammered by Labor’s bans on fishing between Eucla and Bremer Bay, and upcoming prohibition of the live export trade, so it’s some comfort to see the Federal Government belatedly listening to Liberal MPs regarding the desperate need for regional infrastructure investment.
“While it’s a pity the south coast had to wait until the eve of a Federal election, I applaud the initiative and persistence of the communities that lodged successful grass-roots applications.”
In Albany, $14,693,895 will be provided toward a much-needed upgrade of the runway at Albany Regional Airport.
“The airport is a critical transport hub for the Great Southern region, and I was proud to endorse the City’s application for much‑needed works,” Mr Wilson said.
“Under the project, the runway, taxiway and apron will be improved, and the passenger terminal and carpark will be expanded.”
Also in Albany, Southern Aboriginal Corporation will receive $5,227,500 toward its Kairli Cultural and Language Centre project on the Albany foreshore.
“This funding is significant because the bicentenary of Albany’s foundation as the first urban settlement in Western Australia is fast approaching, in 2026,” Mr Wilson said.
“Earlier, Southern Aboriginal Corporation purchased the block of land for this project on a site beside the Albany Entertainment Centre not far from where Major Lockyer pulled ashore in 1826.
“Albany was the first settlement in WA where Aboriginal and European people learned to live together, and the Kairli Centre will be a place of cross-cultural connection.”
Mr Wilson at the Kairli Centre site with Asha Bhat OAM and Oscar Colbung of Southern Aboriginal Corporation
In Esperance, $14,903,000 will be provided for a community hub at James Street.
“A library, visitor centre and new café will be located there, enhancing Esperance’s obvious appeal as a tourism and lifestyle centre,” Mr Wilson said.
“I congratulate the Shire of Esperance for its perseverance on this project, and for what was a very well drafted application.”
In Denmark, $2,197,666 will be provided to help develop the area around Berridge Park.
“The Shire of Denmark has kept me well briefed on this project, which will include a skate park, multi‑sport hard court, picnic tables, climbing wall and play equipment,” Mr Wilson said.
“Denmark is one of WA’s favourite holiday destinations and this project aligns with the local business community’s focus on adventure tourism, and with the wider community’s stated desire for more youth‑focused facilities.”
Also funded in Mr Wilson’s electorate of O’Connor are the:
- Cunderdin Memorial Aquatic and Wellness Hub, toward which the Shire of Cunderdin will receive $2,888,385;
- Mukinbudin Community Cultural Hub toward which the Shire of Mukinbudin will receive $1,787,600; and
- Dumbleyung swimming pool redevelopment project for which the Shire of Dumbleyung will receive $1,600,000.
Mr Wilson said he looked forward to working with communities to ensure the promised funding is delivered promptly and with a minimum of Labor red tape.
Media contact: Chris Thomson: (08) 9842 2777, [email protected]
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