State Budget: What you need to know if you're in the Peel Region

Jobs and infrastructure are the main focuses for the Peel Region in the state budget handed down this afternoon.

The McGowan Labor Government said it's creating jobs and investing in important infrastructure and services in the Peel region, while restoring responsible financial management across the State.

The State Budget includes $4 billion in Royalties for Regions funding across the State, delivering important services to people in regional Western Australia.

Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan said the Royalties for Regions funding was being spent on things that really matter to regional Western Australians.

“We are working hard to strengthen and diversify the Peel’s economy; our continued investment in the Transform Peel project will open up new opportunities for agribusiness to create new jobs for the region," she said.

“The McGowan Labor Government is focused on ensuring small businesses are given every opportunity to grow, to boost local economies and create jobs.”

The following community programs and facilities were included as state budget measures for the Peel Region:

• $16.1 million to construct a multistorey car park at Mandurah train station, subject to matching funding from the Federal Government.
• $4.4 million for upgrades at Peel Health Campus to the carpark and security.
• $20.5 million for the Target 120 program for early intervention into young offenders.
• $70 million for improvements to regional roads across the State identified as high risk for run off crashes.

Premier Mark McGowan said getting local people into local jobs was at the centre of the 2018-19 budget.

“My Government is putting the State to work, creating jobs for people in the Peel and turning the State’s finances around," he said.

“The State Budget strikes the right balance between fixing the mess of the Liberal National Government, while focusing on the things that matter to people in the Peel region - jobs, health, education and community services.”

There are a number of projects already underway and funded by the state government, including $5 million funding for the Peel Youth Medical Service Hub and $5.8 million to establish and operate a new women’s refuge in the Peel region, as part of the Government’s Stopping Family and Domestic Violence commitment.

On a state-wide level the McGowan Government has used its second state budget to push for financial stability across Western Australia.

Treasurer Ben Wyatt confirmed households would see an increase of around $300 per year in bills with a 7 per cent increase to power prices.

We can expect to see utilities rise by an average of 6.3 per cent and a 3 per cent increase to the fixed service water charge for WA households.

Those who use more water will pay a higher rate for the service water charge.

The McGowan Government said there was good news for jobseekers, confirming around 50,000 new jobs would be created over the next four years.

Metronet and Defence West are expected to be the main sources of employment, both being awarded funding in this budget.

More in-depth budget analysis to come.