Pilbara infrastructure, health to benefit from Budget

Infrastructure, healthcare and tourism were among the big winners for the Pilbara in the McGowan Government’s State Budget, handed down early this afternoon.

As promised last month, the effort to complete the Karratha-Tom Price received an extra $12 million on top of the $50 million previously committed by the State Government, making up the funding shortfall left after the Federal Government allocated $248 million towards the project last month.

Other infrastructure initiatives included $85 million towards the Port Hedland Marina, $7.8 million for demolition and remediation works on the old Nickol Bay Hospital site and a 12-month extension for pricing relief at Utah Point to support junior iron ore miners.

In the health space, the Budget allocated $13.8 million to extend the provision of specialist medical services in Karratha for four more years, $8.6 million to support the Karlarra House residential aged care facility in Port Hedland and $1.3 million towards the construction of a four-chair renal unit at the new Newman Hospital once complete.

The government also re-committed $46 million to the Newman Health Service Redevelopment and $5.3 million towards Tom Price Hospital.

An additional $42.5 million was allocated to the Statewide Methamphetamine Action Plan, including $20.1 million for the North West Drug and Alcohol Support Program and $914,000 for increasing training for Aboriginal workers in drug services.

In wins for Pilbara tourism, the Budget also committed $1.33 million for the Murujuga Living Knowledge Centre and Tourism Precinct at Conzinc Bay and $649,000 towards implementing the Murujuga Rock Art Strategy.

Premier Mark McGowan said the Budget continued his government’s strong investment in the Pilbara to create jobs and provide services to local families.

“The Budget includes significant funding for the Pilbara, including a boost to local health services and funding to progress the Murujuga Living Knowledge Centre and Tourism Precinct,” he said.

For more, see next Wednesday’s issue of the Pilbara News and North West Telegraph.