❓ The question asks about the Carpenter government's inclusion of regional WA in its capital works program. The Treasurer outlines the government's investment in regional infrastructure, funded by surpluses and reduced debt, and highlights specific projects.
AnsweredQoN 133Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
CAPITAL WORKS PROGRAM — REGIONAL WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Will the minister please outline how the Carpenter government has been including regional Western Australia in its record capital works program? Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the members for Avon and Kalgoorlie to order. Mr E.S. RIPPER
Will the minister please outline how the Carpenter government has been including regional Western Australia in its record capital works program? Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the members for Avon and Kalgoorlie to order. Mr E.S. RIPPER
AnswerView source ↗
That excited the National Party, but the government does not agree with its promise to contribute 25 per cent of mining royalties to regional infrastructure because that would be $1 billion less than the current allocation. In fact — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr E.S. RIPPER : Over the past financial year approximately half of the government’s attributable capital works program was allocated to regional Western Australia. That is a very sizeable capital works program. In the last budget the capital works program was worth $21.6 billion over a four-year period. I can assure members—particularly regional members—that capital works and infrastructure will again be a key feature of the forthcoming budget. The government can afford a historically large capital works program for two reasons. Firstly, we have been running strong surpluses, and every cent of those surpluses goes into the infrastructure program. Secondly, we have slashed state debt to a record low, with the result that we have additional borrowing capacity to fund the capital works programs the state needs in order to grow into the future. In the face of that, the Leader of the Opposition says that the government has no vision for the state. Let us look at the opposition. Its only official vision is to cut services; less with less. Meanwhile, unofficially, the Leader of the Opposition and his shadow ministers cave in to whatever demands are made by the latest interest group they meet. The shadow Minister for Education and Training is particularly guilty of that when debating the teachers’ enterprise bargaining agreement. The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Western Australia disagrees with the Leader of the Opposition. A statement by CCI chief economist John Nicolaou reads, in part — The state has cemented its reputation as an international economic powerhouse through the growth and emergence of new industries, including world class downstream mineral processing activities, shipbuilding operations, wine making abilities, innovation in the science and technology fields and excellence across a range of key service industries. As a result, WA continues to be regarded as a centre of business and industry excellence. The CCI also notes that 16 230 new businesses have been established in Western Australia over the past three years, which is an increase of almost nine per cent. I inform the National Party that there are 56 684 businesses operating in the regions. The CCI states — . . . strong growth and development has been evident across the whole state, with all regions generating growth rates in excess of eight per cent annually over the past five years. That is the government’s vision in action. I will name some of the regional projects that were funded in the last budget alone: $278 million for the Perth-Bunbury highway; $80 million for wastewater and water supply projects; $54 million for the upgrading of schools in the south west; $72 million for the upgrading of roads in the wheatbelt; $72 million for the upgrading of ports in Port Hedland and Geraldton; $30 million to replace Fitzroy Crossing District High School; $15 million to develop the Albany waterfront; and $6 million to improve the water in Coral Bay. These are just some examples from the last budget. I can assure Western Australians that the next budget will be very strong on infrastructure and capital works in all parts of the state. The government will continue to fund new police complexes, new hospitals, new roads, new schools, new electricity upgrades and new port upgrades and we will see these projects taking shape across the state. The government is also undertaking new capital works projects in the metropolitan area, including Fiona Stanley Hospital, an outdoor stadium, a new museum, a new foreshore development and Perth Arena. I want to assure the house that the government understands that the regions are the economic lifeblood of the state, and that in every budget we will support capital works and infrastructure projects across the state. The next budget will be stronger than all previous budgets for infrastructure projects. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I call to order the member for Roe and the member for South Perth.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the members for Avon and Kalgoorlie to order. Mr E.S. RIPPER replied: That excited the National Party, but the government does not agree with its promise to contribute 25 per cent of mining royalties to regional infrastructure because that would be $1 billion less than the current allocation. In fact — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr E.S. RIPPER : Over the past financial year approximately half of the government’s attributable capital works program was allocated to regional Western Australia. That is a very sizeable capital works program. In the last budget the capital works program was worth $21.6 billion over a four-year period. I can assure members—particularly regional members—that capital works and infrastructure will again be a key feature of the forthcoming budget. The government can afford a historically large capital works program for two reasons. Firstly, we have been running strong surpluses, and every cent of those surpluses goes into the infrastructure program. Secondly, we have slashed state debt to a record low, with the result that we have additional borrowing capacity to fund the capital works programs the state needs in order to grow into the future. In the face of that, the Leader of the Opposition says that the government has no vision for the state. Let us look at the opposition. Its only official vision is to cut services; less with less. Meanwhile, unofficially, the Leader of the Opposition and his shadow ministers cave in to whatever demands are made by the latest interest group they meet. The shadow Minister for Education and Training is particularly guilty of that when debating the teachers’ enterprise bargaining agreement. The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Western Australia disagrees with the Leader of the Opposition. A statement by CCI chief economist John Nicolaou reads, in part — The state has cemented its reputation as an international economic powerhouse through the growth and emergence of new industries, including world class downstream mineral processing activities, shipbuilding operations, wine making abilities, innovation in the science and technology fields and excellence across a range of key service industries. As a result, WA continues to be regarded as a centre of business and industry excellence. The CCI also notes that 16 230 new businesses have been established in Western Australia over the past three years, which is an increase of almost nine per cent. I inform the National Party that there are 56 684 businesses operating in the regions. The CCI states — . . . strong growth and development has been evident across the whole state, with all regions generating growth rates in excess of eight per cent annually over the past five years. That is the government’s vision in action. I will name some of the regional projects that were funded in the last budget alone: $278 million for the Perth-Bunbury highway; $80 million for wastewater and water supply projects; $54 million for the upgrading of schools in the south west; $72 million for the upgrading of roads in the wheatbelt; $72 million for the upgrading of ports in Port Hedland and Geraldton; $30 million to replace Fitzroy Crossing District High School; $15 million to develop the Albany waterfront; and $6 million to improve the water in Coral Bay. These are just some examples from the last budget. I can assure Western Australians that the next budget will be very strong on infrastructure and capital works in all parts of the state. The government will continue to fund new police complexes, new hospitals, new roads, new schools, new electricity upgrades and new port upgrades and we will see these projects taking shape across the state. The government is also undertaking new capital works projects in the metropolitan area, including Fiona Stanley Hospital, an outdoor stadium, a new museum, a new foreshore development and Perth Arena. I want to assure the house that the government understands that the regions are the economic lifeblood of the state, and that in every budget we will support capital works and infrastructure projects across the state. The next budget will be stronger than all previous budgets for infrastructure projects. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I call to order the member for Roe and the member for South Perth.
The SPEAKER : I call the members for Avon and Kalgoorlie to order. Mr E.S. RIPPER replied: That excited the National Party, but the government does not agree with its promise to contribute 25 per cent of mining royalties to regional infrastructure because that would be $1 billion less than the current allocation. In fact — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr E.S. RIPPER : Over the past financial year approximately half of the government’s attributable capital works program was allocated to regional Western Australia. That is a very sizeable capital works program. In the last budget the capital works program was worth $21.6 billion over a four-year period. I can assure members—particularly regional members—that capital works and infrastructure will again be a key feature of the forthcoming budget. The government can afford a historically large capital works program for two reasons. Firstly, we have been running strong surpluses, and every cent of those surpluses goes into the infrastructure program. Secondly, we have slashed state debt to a record low, with the result that we have additional borrowing capacity to fund the capital works programs the state needs in order to grow into the future. In the face of that, the Leader of the Opposition says that the government has no vision for the state. Let us look at the opposition. Its only official vision is to cut services; less with less. Meanwhile, unofficially, the Leader of the Opposition and his shadow ministers cave in to whatever demands are made by the latest interest group they meet. The shadow Minister for Education and Training is particularly guilty of that when debating the teachers’ enterprise bargaining agreement. The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Western Australia disagrees with the Leader of the Opposition. A statement by CCI chief economist John Nicolaou reads, in part — The state has cemented its reputation as an international economic powerhouse through the growth and emergence of new industries, including world class downstream mineral processing activities, shipbuilding operations, wine making abilities, innovation in the science and technology fields and excellence across a range of key service industries. As a result, WA continues to be regarded as a centre of business and industry excellence. The CCI also notes that 16 230 new businesses have been established in Western Australia over the past three years, which is an increase of almost nine per cent. I inform the National Party that there are 56 684 businesses operating in the regions. The CCI states — . . . strong growth and development has been evident across the whole state, with all regions generating growth rates in excess of eight per cent annually over the past five years. That is the government’s vision in action. I will name some of the regional projects that were funded in the last budget alone: $278 million for the Perth-Bunbury highway; $80 million for wastewater and water supply projects; $54 million for the upgrading of schools in the south west; $72 million for the upgrading of roads in the wheatbelt; $72 million for the upgrading of ports in Port Hedland and Geraldton; $30 million to replace Fitzroy Crossing District High School; $15 million to develop the Albany waterfront; and $6 million to improve the water in Coral Bay. These are just some examples from the last budget. I can assure Western Australians that the next budget will be very strong on infrastructure and capital works in all parts of the state. The government will continue to fund new police complexes, new hospitals, new roads, new schools, new electricity upgrades and new port upgrades and we will see these projects taking shape across the state. The government is also undertaking new capital works projects in the metropolitan area, including Fiona Stanley Hospital, an outdoor stadium, a new museum, a new foreshore development and Perth Arena. I want to assure the house that the government understands that the regions are the economic lifeblood of the state, and that in every budget we will support capital works and infrastructure projects across the state. The next budget will be stronger than all previous budgets for infrastructure projects. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I call to order the member for Roe and the member for South Perth.
Mr E.S. RIPPER replied: That excited the National Party, but the government does not agree with its promise to contribute 25 per cent of mining royalties to regional infrastructure because that would be $1 billion less than the current allocation. In fact — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr E.S. RIPPER : Over the past financial year approximately half of the government’s attributable capital works program was allocated to regional Western Australia. That is a very sizeable capital works program. In the last budget the capital works program was worth $21.6 billion over a four-year period. I can assure members—particularly regional members—that capital works and infrastructure will again be a key feature of the forthcoming budget. The government can afford a historically large capital works program for two reasons. Firstly, we have been running strong surpluses, and every cent of those surpluses goes into the infrastructure program. Secondly, we have slashed state debt to a record low, with the result that we have additional borrowing capacity to fund the capital works programs the state needs in order to grow into the future. In the face of that, the Leader of the Opposition says that the government has no vision for the state. Let us look at the opposition. Its only official vision is to cut services; less with less. Meanwhile, unofficially, the Leader of the Opposition and his shadow ministers cave in to whatever demands are made by the latest interest group they meet. The shadow Minister for Education and Training is particularly guilty of that when debating the teachers’ enterprise bargaining agreement. The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Western Australia disagrees with the Leader of the Opposition. A statement by CCI chief economist John Nicolaou reads, in part — The state has cemented its reputation as an international economic powerhouse through the growth and emergence of new industries, including world class downstream mineral processing activities, shipbuilding operations, wine making abilities, innovation in the science and technology fields and excellence across a range of key service industries. As a result, WA continues to be regarded as a centre of business and industry excellence. The CCI also notes that 16 230 new businesses have been established in Western Australia over the past three years, which is an increase of almost nine per cent. I inform the National Party that there are 56 684 businesses operating in the regions. The CCI states — . . . strong growth and development has been evident across the whole state, with all regions generating growth rates in excess of eight per cent annually over the past five years. That is the government’s vision in action. I will name some of the regional projects that were funded in the last budget alone: $278 million for the Perth-Bunbury highway; $80 million for wastewater and water supply projects; $54 million for the upgrading of schools in the south west; $72 million for the upgrading of roads in the wheatbelt; $72 million for the upgrading of ports in Port Hedland and Geraldton; $30 million to replace Fitzroy Crossing District High School; $15 million to develop the Albany waterfront; and $6 million to improve the water in Coral Bay. These are just some examples from the last budget. I can assure Western Australians that the next budget will be very strong on infrastructure and capital works in all parts of the state. The government will continue to fund new police complexes, new hospitals, new roads, new schools, new electricity upgrades and new port upgrades and we will see these projects taking shape across the state. The government is also undertaking new capital works projects in the metropolitan area, including Fiona Stanley Hospital, an outdoor stadium, a new museum, a new foreshore development and Perth Arena. I want to assure the house that the government understands that the regions are the economic lifeblood of the state, and that in every budget we will support capital works and infrastructure projects across the state. The next budget will be stronger than all previous budgets for infrastructure projects. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I call to order the member for Roe and the member for South Perth.
That excited the National Party, but the government does not agree with its promise to contribute 25 per cent of mining royalties to regional infrastructure because that would be $1 billion less than the current allocation. In fact — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr E.S. RIPPER : Over the past financial year approximately half of the government’s attributable capital works program was allocated to regional Western Australia. That is a very sizeable capital works program. In the last budget the capital works program was worth $21.6 billion over a four-year period. I can assure members—particularly regional members—that capital works and infrastructure will again be a key feature of the forthcoming budget. The government can afford a historically large capital works program for two reasons. Firstly, we have been running strong surpluses, and every cent of those surpluses goes into the infrastructure program. Secondly, we have slashed state debt to a record low, with the result that we have additional borrowing capacity to fund the capital works programs the state needs in order to grow into the future. In the face of that, the Leader of the Opposition says that the government has no vision for the state. Let us look at the opposition. Its only official vision is to cut services; less with less. Meanwhile, unofficially, the Leader of the Opposition and his shadow ministers cave in to whatever demands are made by the latest interest group they meet. The shadow Minister for Education and Training is particularly guilty of that when debating the teachers’ enterprise bargaining agreement. The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Western Australia disagrees with the Leader of the Opposition. A statement by CCI chief economist John Nicolaou reads, in part — The state has cemented its reputation as an international economic powerhouse through the growth and emergence of new industries, including world class downstream mineral processing activities, shipbuilding operations, wine making abilities, innovation in the science and technology fields and excellence across a range of key service industries. As a result, WA continues to be regarded as a centre of business and industry excellence. The CCI also notes that 16 230 new businesses have been established in Western Australia over the past three years, which is an increase of almost nine per cent. I inform the National Party that there are 56 684 businesses operating in the regions. The CCI states — . . . strong growth and development has been evident across the whole state, with all regions generating growth rates in excess of eight per cent annually over the past five years. That is the government’s vision in action. I will name some of the regional projects that were funded in the last budget alone: $278 million for the Perth-Bunbury highway; $80 million for wastewater and water supply projects; $54 million for the upgrading of schools in the south west; $72 million for the upgrading of roads in the wheatbelt; $72 million for the upgrading of ports in Port Hedland and Geraldton; $30 million to replace Fitzroy Crossing District High School; $15 million to develop the Albany waterfront; and $6 million to improve the water in Coral Bay. These are just some examples from the last budget. I can assure Western Australians that the next budget will be very strong on infrastructure and capital works in all parts of the state. The government will continue to fund new police complexes, new hospitals, new roads, new schools, new electricity upgrades and new port upgrades and we will see these projects taking shape across the state. The government is also undertaking new capital works projects in the metropolitan area, including Fiona Stanley Hospital, an outdoor stadium, a new museum, a new foreshore development and Perth Arena. I want to assure the house that the government understands that the regions are the economic lifeblood of the state, and that in every budget we will support capital works and infrastructure projects across the state. The next budget will be stronger than all previous budgets for infrastructure projects. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I call to order the member for Roe and the member for South Perth.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr E.S. RIPPER : Over the past financial year approximately half of the government’s attributable capital works program was allocated to regional Western Australia. That is a very sizeable capital works program. In the last budget the capital works program was worth $21.6 billion over a four-year period. I can assure members—particularly regional members—that capital works and infrastructure will again be a key feature of the forthcoming budget. The government can afford a historically large capital works program for two reasons. Firstly, we have been running strong surpluses, and every cent of those surpluses goes into the infrastructure program. Secondly, we have slashed state debt to a record low, with the result that we have additional borrowing capacity to fund the capital works programs the state needs in order to grow into the future. In the face of that, the Leader of the Opposition says that the government has no vision for the state. Let us look at the opposition. Its only official vision is to cut services; less with less. Meanwhile, unofficially, the Leader of the Opposition and his shadow ministers cave in to whatever demands are made by the latest interest group they meet. The shadow Minister for Education and Training is particularly guilty of that when debating the teachers’ enterprise bargaining agreement. The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Western Australia disagrees with the Leader of the Opposition. A statement by CCI chief economist John Nicolaou reads, in part — The state has cemented its reputation as an international economic powerhouse through the growth and emergence of new industries, including world class downstream mineral processing activities, shipbuilding operations, wine making abilities, innovation in the science and technology fields and excellence across a range of key service industries. As a result, WA continues to be regarded as a centre of business and industry excellence. The CCI also notes that 16 230 new businesses have been established in Western Australia over the past three years, which is an increase of almost nine per cent. I inform the National Party that there are 56 684 businesses operating in the regions. The CCI states — . . . strong growth and development has been evident across the whole state, with all regions generating growth rates in excess of eight per cent annually over the past five years. That is the government’s vision in action. I will name some of the regional projects that were funded in the last budget alone: $278 million for the Perth-Bunbury highway; $80 million for wastewater and water supply projects; $54 million for the upgrading of schools in the south west; $72 million for the upgrading of roads in the wheatbelt; $72 million for the upgrading of ports in Port Hedland and Geraldton; $30 million to replace Fitzroy Crossing District High School; $15 million to develop the Albany waterfront; and $6 million to improve the water in Coral Bay. These are just some examples from the last budget. I can assure Western Australians that the next budget will be very strong on infrastructure and capital works in all parts of the state. The government will continue to fund new police complexes, new hospitals, new roads, new schools, new electricity upgrades and new port upgrades and we will see these projects taking shape across the state. The government is also undertaking new capital works projects in the metropolitan area, including Fiona Stanley Hospital, an outdoor stadium, a new museum, a new foreshore development and Perth Arena. I want to assure the house that the government understands that the regions are the economic lifeblood of the state, and that in every budget we will support capital works and infrastructure projects across the state. The next budget will be stronger than all previous budgets for infrastructure projects. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I call to order the member for Roe and the member for South Perth.
The SPEAKER : Members! Mr E.S. RIPPER : Over the past financial year approximately half of the government’s attributable capital works program was allocated to regional Western Australia. That is a very sizeable capital works program. In the last budget the capital works program was worth $21.6 billion over a four-year period. I can assure members—particularly regional members—that capital works and infrastructure will again be a key feature of the forthcoming budget. The government can afford a historically large capital works program for two reasons. Firstly, we have been running strong surpluses, and every cent of those surpluses goes into the infrastructure program. Secondly, we have slashed state debt to a record low, with the result that we have additional borrowing capacity to fund the capital works programs the state needs in order to grow into the future. In the face of that, the Leader of the Opposition says that the government has no vision for the state. Let us look at the opposition. Its only official vision is to cut services; less with less. Meanwhile, unofficially, the Leader of the Opposition and his shadow ministers cave in to whatever demands are made by the latest interest group they meet. The shadow Minister for Education and Training is particularly guilty of that when debating the teachers’ enterprise bargaining agreement. The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Western Australia disagrees with the Leader of the Opposition. A statement by CCI chief economist John Nicolaou reads, in part — The state has cemented its reputation as an international economic powerhouse through the growth and emergence of new industries, including world class downstream mineral processing activities, shipbuilding operations, wine making abilities, innovation in the science and technology fields and excellence across a range of key service industries. As a result, WA continues to be regarded as a centre of business and industry excellence. The CCI also notes that 16 230 new businesses have been established in Western Australia over the past three years, which is an increase of almost nine per cent. I inform the National Party that there are 56 684 businesses operating in the regions. The CCI states — . . . strong growth and development has been evident across the whole state, with all regions generating growth rates in excess of eight per cent annually over the past five years. That is the government’s vision in action. I will name some of the regional projects that were funded in the last budget alone: $278 million for the Perth-Bunbury highway; $80 million for wastewater and water supply projects; $54 million for the upgrading of schools in the south west; $72 million for the upgrading of roads in the wheatbelt; $72 million for the upgrading of ports in Port Hedland and Geraldton; $30 million to replace Fitzroy Crossing District High School; $15 million to develop the Albany waterfront; and $6 million to improve the water in Coral Bay. These are just some examples from the last budget. I can assure Western Australians that the next budget will be very strong on infrastructure and capital works in all parts of the state. The government will continue to fund new police complexes, new hospitals, new roads, new schools, new electricity upgrades and new port upgrades and we will see these projects taking shape across the state. The government is also undertaking new capital works projects in the metropolitan area, including Fiona Stanley Hospital, an outdoor stadium, a new museum, a new foreshore development and Perth Arena. I want to assure the house that the government understands that the regions are the economic lifeblood of the state, and that in every budget we will support capital works and infrastructure projects across the state. The next budget will be stronger than all previous budgets for infrastructure projects. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I call to order the member for Roe and the member for South Perth.
Mr E.S. RIPPER : Over the past financial year approximately half of the government’s attributable capital works program was allocated to regional Western Australia. That is a very sizeable capital works program. In the last budget the capital works program was worth $21.6 billion over a four-year period. I can assure members—particularly regional members—that capital works and infrastructure will again be a key feature of the forthcoming budget. The government can afford a historically large capital works program for two reasons. Firstly, we have been running strong surpluses, and every cent of those surpluses goes into the infrastructure program. Secondly, we have slashed state debt to a record low, with the result that we have additional borrowing capacity to fund the capital works programs the state needs in order to grow into the future. In the face of that, the Leader of the Opposition says that the government has no vision for the state. Let us look at the opposition. Its only official vision is to cut services; less with less. Meanwhile, unofficially, the Leader of the Opposition and his shadow ministers cave in to whatever demands are made by the latest interest group they meet. The shadow Minister for Education and Training is particularly guilty of that when debating the teachers’ enterprise bargaining agreement. The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Western Australia disagrees with the Leader of the Opposition. A statement by CCI chief economist John Nicolaou reads, in part — The state has cemented its reputation as an international economic powerhouse through the growth and emergence of new industries, including world class downstream mineral processing activities, shipbuilding operations, wine making abilities, innovation in the science and technology fields and excellence across a range of key service industries. As a result, WA continues to be regarded as a centre of business and industry excellence. The CCI also notes that 16 230 new businesses have been established in Western Australia over the past three years, which is an increase of almost nine per cent. I inform the National Party that there are 56 684 businesses operating in the regions. The CCI states — . . . strong growth and development has been evident across the whole state, with all regions generating growth rates in excess of eight per cent annually over the past five years. That is the government’s vision in action. I will name some of the regional projects that were funded in the last budget alone: $278 million for the Perth-Bunbury highway; $80 million for wastewater and water supply projects; $54 million for the upgrading of schools in the south west; $72 million for the upgrading of roads in the wheatbelt; $72 million for the upgrading of ports in Port Hedland and Geraldton; $30 million to replace Fitzroy Crossing District High School; $15 million to develop the Albany waterfront; and $6 million to improve the water in Coral Bay. These are just some examples from the last budget. I can assure Western Australians that the next budget will be very strong on infrastructure and capital works in all parts of the state. The government will continue to fund new police complexes, new hospitals, new roads, new schools, new electricity upgrades and new port upgrades and we will see these projects taking shape across the state. The government is also undertaking new capital works projects in the metropolitan area, including Fiona Stanley Hospital, an outdoor stadium, a new museum, a new foreshore development and Perth Arena. I want to assure the house that the government understands that the regions are the economic lifeblood of the state, and that in every budget we will support capital works and infrastructure projects across the state. The next budget will be stronger than all previous budgets for infrastructure projects. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I call to order the member for Roe and the member for South Perth.
In the face of that, the Leader of the Opposition says that the government has no vision for the state. Let us look at the opposition. Its only official vision is to cut services; less with less. Meanwhile, unofficially, the Leader of the Opposition and his shadow ministers cave in to whatever demands are made by the latest interest group they meet. The shadow Minister for Education and Training is particularly guilty of that when debating the teachers’ enterprise bargaining agreement. The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Western Australia disagrees with the Leader of the Opposition. A statement by CCI chief economist John Nicolaou reads, in part — The state has cemented its reputation as an international economic powerhouse through the growth and emergence of new industries, including world class downstream mineral processing activities, shipbuilding operations, wine making abilities, innovation in the science and technology fields and excellence across a range of key service industries. As a result, WA continues to be regarded as a centre of business and industry excellence. The CCI also notes that 16 230 new businesses have been established in Western Australia over the past three years, which is an increase of almost nine per cent. I inform the National Party that there are 56 684 businesses operating in the regions. The CCI states — . . . strong growth and development has been evident across the whole state, with all regions generating growth rates in excess of eight per cent annually over the past five years. That is the government’s vision in action. I will name some of the regional projects that were funded in the last budget alone: $278 million for the Perth-Bunbury highway; $80 million for wastewater and water supply projects; $54 million for the upgrading of schools in the south west; $72 million for the upgrading of roads in the wheatbelt; $72 million for the upgrading of ports in Port Hedland and Geraldton; $30 million to replace Fitzroy Crossing District High School; $15 million to develop the Albany waterfront; and $6 million to improve the water in Coral Bay. These are just some examples from the last budget. I can assure Western Australians that the next budget will be very strong on infrastructure and capital works in all parts of the state. The government will continue to fund new police complexes, new hospitals, new roads, new schools, new electricity upgrades and new port upgrades and we will see these projects taking shape across the state. The government is also undertaking new capital works projects in the metropolitan area, including Fiona Stanley Hospital, an outdoor stadium, a new museum, a new foreshore development and Perth Arena. I want to assure the house that the government understands that the regions are the economic lifeblood of the state, and that in every budget we will support capital works and infrastructure projects across the state. The next budget will be stronger than all previous budgets for infrastructure projects. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I call to order the member for Roe and the member for South Perth.
These are just some examples from the last budget. I can assure Western Australians that the next budget will be very strong on infrastructure and capital works in all parts of the state. The government will continue to fund new police complexes, new hospitals, new roads, new schools, new electricity upgrades and new port upgrades and we will see these projects taking shape across the state. The government is also undertaking new capital works projects in the metropolitan area, including Fiona Stanley Hospital, an outdoor stadium, a new museum, a new foreshore development and Perth Arena. I want to assure the house that the government understands that the regions are the economic lifeblood of the state, and that in every budget we will support capital works and infrastructure projects across the state. The next budget will be stronger than all previous budgets for infrastructure projects. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I call to order the member for Roe and the member for South Perth.
The government is also undertaking new capital works projects in the metropolitan area, including Fiona Stanley Hospital, an outdoor stadium, a new museum, a new foreshore development and Perth Arena. I want to assure the house that the government understands that the regions are the economic lifeblood of the state, and that in every budget we will support capital works and infrastructure projects across the state. The next budget will be stronger than all previous budgets for infrastructure projects. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I call to order the member for Roe and the member for South Perth.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I call to order the member for Roe and the member for South Perth.
The SPEAKER : I call to order the member for Roe and the member for South Perth.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the members for Avon and Kalgoorlie to order. Mr E.S. RIPPER replied: That excited the National Party, but the government does not agree with its promise to contribute 25 per cent of mining royalties to regional infrastructure because that would be $1 billion less than the current allocation. In fact — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr E.S. RIPPER : Over the past financial year approximately half of the government’s attributable capital works program was allocated to regional Western Australia. That is a very sizeable capital works program. In the last budget the capital works program was worth $21.6 billion over a four-year period. I can assure members—particularly regional members—that capital works and infrastructure will again be a key feature of the forthcoming budget. The government can afford a historically large capital works program for two reasons. Firstly, we have been running strong surpluses, and every cent of those surpluses goes into the infrastructure program. Secondly, we have slashed state debt to a record low, with the result that we have additional borrowing capacity to fund the capital works programs the state needs in order to grow into the future. In the face of that, the Leader of the Opposition says that the government has no vision for the state. Let us look at the opposition. Its only official vision is to cut services; less with less. Meanwhile, unofficially, the Leader of the Opposition and his shadow ministers cave in to whatever demands are made by the latest interest group they meet. The shadow Minister for Education and Training is particularly guilty of that when debating the teachers’ enterprise bargaining agreement. The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Western Australia disagrees with the Leader of the Opposition. A statement by CCI chief economist John Nicolaou reads, in part — The state has cemented its reputation as an international economic powerhouse through the growth and emergence of new industries, including world class downstream mineral processing activities, shipbuilding operations, wine making abilities, innovation in the science and technology fields and excellence across a range of key service industries. As a result, WA continues to be regarded as a centre of business and industry excellence. The CCI also notes that 16 230 new businesses have been established in Western Australia over the past three years, which is an increase of almost nine per cent. I inform the National Party that there are 56 684 businesses operating in the regions. The CCI states — . . . strong growth and development has been evident across the whole state, with all regions generating growth rates in excess of eight per cent annually over the past five years. That is the government’s vision in action. I will name some of the regional projects that were funded in the last budget alone: $278 million for the Perth-Bunbury highway; $80 million for wastewater and water supply projects; $54 million for the upgrading of schools in the south west; $72 million for the upgrading of roads in the wheatbelt; $72 million for the upgrading of ports in Port Hedland and Geraldton; $30 million to replace Fitzroy Crossing District High School; $15 million to develop the Albany waterfront; and $6 million to improve the water in Coral Bay. These are just some examples from the last budget. I can assure Western Australians that the next budget will be very strong on infrastructure and capital works in all parts of the state. The government will continue to fund new police complexes, new hospitals, new roads, new schools, new electricity upgrades and new port upgrades and we will see these projects taking shape across the state. The government is also undertaking new capital works projects in the metropolitan area, including Fiona Stanley Hospital, an outdoor stadium, a new museum, a new foreshore development and Perth Arena. I want to assure the house that the government understands that the regions are the economic lifeblood of the state, and that in every budget we will support capital works and infrastructure projects across the state. The next budget will be stronger than all previous budgets for infrastructure projects. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I call to order the member for Roe and the member for South Perth.
The SPEAKER : I call the members for Avon and Kalgoorlie to order. Mr E.S. RIPPER replied: That excited the National Party, but the government does not agree with its promise to contribute 25 per cent of mining royalties to regional infrastructure because that would be $1 billion less than the current allocation. In fact — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr E.S. RIPPER : Over the past financial year approximately half of the government’s attributable capital works program was allocated to regional Western Australia. That is a very sizeable capital works program. In the last budget the capital works program was worth $21.6 billion over a four-year period. I can assure members—particularly regional members—that capital works and infrastructure will again be a key feature of the forthcoming budget. The government can afford a historically large capital works program for two reasons. Firstly, we have been running strong surpluses, and every cent of those surpluses goes into the infrastructure program. Secondly, we have slashed state debt to a record low, with the result that we have additional borrowing capacity to fund the capital works programs the state needs in order to grow into the future. In the face of that, the Leader of the Opposition says that the government has no vision for the state. Let us look at the opposition. Its only official vision is to cut services; less with less. Meanwhile, unofficially, the Leader of the Opposition and his shadow ministers cave in to whatever demands are made by the latest interest group they meet. The shadow Minister for Education and Training is particularly guilty of that when debating the teachers’ enterprise bargaining agreement. The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Western Australia disagrees with the Leader of the Opposition. A statement by CCI chief economist John Nicolaou reads, in part — The state has cemented its reputation as an international economic powerhouse through the growth and emergence of new industries, including world class downstream mineral processing activities, shipbuilding operations, wine making abilities, innovation in the science and technology fields and excellence across a range of key service industries. As a result, WA continues to be regarded as a centre of business and industry excellence. The CCI also notes that 16 230 new businesses have been established in Western Australia over the past three years, which is an increase of almost nine per cent. I inform the National Party that there are 56 684 businesses operating in the regions. The CCI states — . . . strong growth and development has been evident across the whole state, with all regions generating growth rates in excess of eight per cent annually over the past five years. That is the government’s vision in action. I will name some of the regional projects that were funded in the last budget alone: $278 million for the Perth-Bunbury highway; $80 million for wastewater and water supply projects; $54 million for the upgrading of schools in the south west; $72 million for the upgrading of roads in the wheatbelt; $72 million for the upgrading of ports in Port Hedland and Geraldton; $30 million to replace Fitzroy Crossing District High School; $15 million to develop the Albany waterfront; and $6 million to improve the water in Coral Bay. These are just some examples from the last budget. I can assure Western Australians that the next budget will be very strong on infrastructure and capital works in all parts of the state. The government will continue to fund new police complexes, new hospitals, new roads, new schools, new electricity upgrades and new port upgrades and we will see these projects taking shape across the state. The government is also undertaking new capital works projects in the metropolitan area, including Fiona Stanley Hospital, an outdoor stadium, a new museum, a new foreshore development and Perth Arena. I want to assure the house that the government understands that the regions are the economic lifeblood of the state, and that in every budget we will support capital works and infrastructure projects across the state. The next budget will be stronger than all previous budgets for infrastructure projects. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I call to order the member for Roe and the member for South Perth.
Mr E.S. RIPPER replied: That excited the National Party, but the government does not agree with its promise to contribute 25 per cent of mining royalties to regional infrastructure because that would be $1 billion less than the current allocation. In fact — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr E.S. RIPPER : Over the past financial year approximately half of the government’s attributable capital works program was allocated to regional Western Australia. That is a very sizeable capital works program. In the last budget the capital works program was worth $21.6 billion over a four-year period. I can assure members—particularly regional members—that capital works and infrastructure will again be a key feature of the forthcoming budget. The government can afford a historically large capital works program for two reasons. Firstly, we have been running strong surpluses, and every cent of those surpluses goes into the infrastructure program. Secondly, we have slashed state debt to a record low, with the result that we have additional borrowing capacity to fund the capital works programs the state needs in order to grow into the future. In the face of that, the Leader of the Opposition says that the government has no vision for the state. Let us look at the opposition. Its only official vision is to cut services; less with less. Meanwhile, unofficially, the Leader of the Opposition and his shadow ministers cave in to whatever demands are made by the latest interest group they meet. The shadow Minister for Education and Training is particularly guilty of that when debating the teachers’ enterprise bargaining agreement. The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Western Australia disagrees with the Leader of the Opposition. A statement by CCI chief economist John Nicolaou reads, in part — The state has cemented its reputation as an international economic powerhouse through the growth and emergence of new industries, including world class downstream mineral processing activities, shipbuilding operations, wine making abilities, innovation in the science and technology fields and excellence across a range of key service industries. As a result, WA continues to be regarded as a centre of business and industry excellence. The CCI also notes that 16 230 new businesses have been established in Western Australia over the past three years, which is an increase of almost nine per cent. I inform the National Party that there are 56 684 businesses operating in the regions. The CCI states — . . . strong growth and development has been evident across the whole state, with all regions generating growth rates in excess of eight per cent annually over the past five years. That is the government’s vision in action. I will name some of the regional projects that were funded in the last budget alone: $278 million for the Perth-Bunbury highway; $80 million for wastewater and water supply projects; $54 million for the upgrading of schools in the south west; $72 million for the upgrading of roads in the wheatbelt; $72 million for the upgrading of ports in Port Hedland and Geraldton; $30 million to replace Fitzroy Crossing District High School; $15 million to develop the Albany waterfront; and $6 million to improve the water in Coral Bay. These are just some examples from the last budget. I can assure Western Australians that the next budget will be very strong on infrastructure and capital works in all parts of the state. The government will continue to fund new police complexes, new hospitals, new roads, new schools, new electricity upgrades and new port upgrades and we will see these projects taking shape across the state. The government is also undertaking new capital works projects in the metropolitan area, including Fiona Stanley Hospital, an outdoor stadium, a new museum, a new foreshore development and Perth Arena. I want to assure the house that the government understands that the regions are the economic lifeblood of the state, and that in every budget we will support capital works and infrastructure projects across the state. The next budget will be stronger than all previous budgets for infrastructure projects. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I call to order the member for Roe and the member for South Perth.
That excited the National Party, but the government does not agree with its promise to contribute 25 per cent of mining royalties to regional infrastructure because that would be $1 billion less than the current allocation. In fact — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr E.S. RIPPER : Over the past financial year approximately half of the government’s attributable capital works program was allocated to regional Western Australia. That is a very sizeable capital works program. In the last budget the capital works program was worth $21.6 billion over a four-year period. I can assure members—particularly regional members—that capital works and infrastructure will again be a key feature of the forthcoming budget. The government can afford a historically large capital works program for two reasons. Firstly, we have been running strong surpluses, and every cent of those surpluses goes into the infrastructure program. Secondly, we have slashed state debt to a record low, with the result that we have additional borrowing capacity to fund the capital works programs the state needs in order to grow into the future. In the face of that, the Leader of the Opposition says that the government has no vision for the state. Let us look at the opposition. Its only official vision is to cut services; less with less. Meanwhile, unofficially, the Leader of the Opposition and his shadow ministers cave in to whatever demands are made by the latest interest group they meet. The shadow Minister for Education and Training is particularly guilty of that when debating the teachers’ enterprise bargaining agreement. The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Western Australia disagrees with the Leader of the Opposition. A statement by CCI chief economist John Nicolaou reads, in part — The state has cemented its reputation as an international economic powerhouse through the growth and emergence of new industries, including world class downstream mineral processing activities, shipbuilding operations, wine making abilities, innovation in the science and technology fields and excellence across a range of key service industries. As a result, WA continues to be regarded as a centre of business and industry excellence. The CCI also notes that 16 230 new businesses have been established in Western Australia over the past three years, which is an increase of almost nine per cent. I inform the National Party that there are 56 684 businesses operating in the regions. The CCI states — . . . strong growth and development has been evident across the whole state, with all regions generating growth rates in excess of eight per cent annually over the past five years. That is the government’s vision in action. I will name some of the regional projects that were funded in the last budget alone: $278 million for the Perth-Bunbury highway; $80 million for wastewater and water supply projects; $54 million for the upgrading of schools in the south west; $72 million for the upgrading of roads in the wheatbelt; $72 million for the upgrading of ports in Port Hedland and Geraldton; $30 million to replace Fitzroy Crossing District High School; $15 million to develop the Albany waterfront; and $6 million to improve the water in Coral Bay. These are just some examples from the last budget. I can assure Western Australians that the next budget will be very strong on infrastructure and capital works in all parts of the state. The government will continue to fund new police complexes, new hospitals, new roads, new schools, new electricity upgrades and new port upgrades and we will see these projects taking shape across the state. The government is also undertaking new capital works projects in the metropolitan area, including Fiona Stanley Hospital, an outdoor stadium, a new museum, a new foreshore development and Perth Arena. I want to assure the house that the government understands that the regions are the economic lifeblood of the state, and that in every budget we will support capital works and infrastructure projects across the state. The next budget will be stronger than all previous budgets for infrastructure projects. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I call to order the member for Roe and the member for South Perth.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr E.S. RIPPER : Over the past financial year approximately half of the government’s attributable capital works program was allocated to regional Western Australia. That is a very sizeable capital works program. In the last budget the capital works program was worth $21.6 billion over a four-year period. I can assure members—particularly regional members—that capital works and infrastructure will again be a key feature of the forthcoming budget. The government can afford a historically large capital works program for two reasons. Firstly, we have been running strong surpluses, and every cent of those surpluses goes into the infrastructure program. Secondly, we have slashed state debt to a record low, with the result that we have additional borrowing capacity to fund the capital works programs the state needs in order to grow into the future. In the face of that, the Leader of the Opposition says that the government has no vision for the state. Let us look at the opposition. Its only official vision is to cut services; less with less. Meanwhile, unofficially, the Leader of the Opposition and his shadow ministers cave in to whatever demands are made by the latest interest group they meet. The shadow Minister for Education and Training is particularly guilty of that when debating the teachers’ enterprise bargaining agreement. The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Western Australia disagrees with the Leader of the Opposition. A statement by CCI chief economist John Nicolaou reads, in part — The state has cemented its reputation as an international economic powerhouse through the growth and emergence of new industries, including world class downstream mineral processing activities, shipbuilding operations, wine making abilities, innovation in the science and technology fields and excellence across a range of key service industries. As a result, WA continues to be regarded as a centre of business and industry excellence. The CCI also notes that 16 230 new businesses have been established in Western Australia over the past three years, which is an increase of almost nine per cent. I inform the National Party that there are 56 684 businesses operating in the regions. The CCI states — . . . strong growth and development has been evident across the whole state, with all regions generating growth rates in excess of eight per cent annually over the past five years. That is the government’s vision in action. I will name some of the regional projects that were funded in the last budget alone: $278 million for the Perth-Bunbury highway; $80 million for wastewater and water supply projects; $54 million for the upgrading of schools in the south west; $72 million for the upgrading of roads in the wheatbelt; $72 million for the upgrading of ports in Port Hedland and Geraldton; $30 million to replace Fitzroy Crossing District High School; $15 million to develop the Albany waterfront; and $6 million to improve the water in Coral Bay. These are just some examples from the last budget. I can assure Western Australians that the next budget will be very strong on infrastructure and capital works in all parts of the state. The government will continue to fund new police complexes, new hospitals, new roads, new schools, new electricity upgrades and new port upgrades and we will see these projects taking shape across the state. The government is also undertaking new capital works projects in the metropolitan area, including Fiona Stanley Hospital, an outdoor stadium, a new museum, a new foreshore development and Perth Arena. I want to assure the house that the government understands that the regions are the economic lifeblood of the state, and that in every budget we will support capital works and infrastructure projects across the state. The next budget will be stronger than all previous budgets for infrastructure projects. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I call to order the member for Roe and the member for South Perth.
The SPEAKER : Members! Mr E.S. RIPPER : Over the past financial year approximately half of the government’s attributable capital works program was allocated to regional Western Australia. That is a very sizeable capital works program. In the last budget the capital works program was worth $21.6 billion over a four-year period. I can assure members—particularly regional members—that capital works and infrastructure will again be a key feature of the forthcoming budget. The government can afford a historically large capital works program for two reasons. Firstly, we have been running strong surpluses, and every cent of those surpluses goes into the infrastructure program. Secondly, we have slashed state debt to a record low, with the result that we have additional borrowing capacity to fund the capital works programs the state needs in order to grow into the future. In the face of that, the Leader of the Opposition says that the government has no vision for the state. Let us look at the opposition. Its only official vision is to cut services; less with less. Meanwhile, unofficially, the Leader of the Opposition and his shadow ministers cave in to whatever demands are made by the latest interest group they meet. The shadow Minister for Education and Training is particularly guilty of that when debating the teachers’ enterprise bargaining agreement. The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Western Australia disagrees with the Leader of the Opposition. A statement by CCI chief economist John Nicolaou reads, in part — The state has cemented its reputation as an international economic powerhouse through the growth and emergence of new industries, including world class downstream mineral processing activities, shipbuilding operations, wine making abilities, innovation in the science and technology fields and excellence across a range of key service industries. As a result, WA continues to be regarded as a centre of business and industry excellence. The CCI also notes that 16 230 new businesses have been established in Western Australia over the past three years, which is an increase of almost nine per cent. I inform the National Party that there are 56 684 businesses operating in the regions. The CCI states — . . . strong growth and development has been evident across the whole state, with all regions generating growth rates in excess of eight per cent annually over the past five years. That is the government’s vision in action. I will name some of the regional projects that were funded in the last budget alone: $278 million for the Perth-Bunbury highway; $80 million for wastewater and water supply projects; $54 million for the upgrading of schools in the south west; $72 million for the upgrading of roads in the wheatbelt; $72 million for the upgrading of ports in Port Hedland and Geraldton; $30 million to replace Fitzroy Crossing District High School; $15 million to develop the Albany waterfront; and $6 million to improve the water in Coral Bay. These are just some examples from the last budget. I can assure Western Australians that the next budget will be very strong on infrastructure and capital works in all parts of the state. The government will continue to fund new police complexes, new hospitals, new roads, new schools, new electricity upgrades and new port upgrades and we will see these projects taking shape across the state. The government is also undertaking new capital works projects in the metropolitan area, including Fiona Stanley Hospital, an outdoor stadium, a new museum, a new foreshore development and Perth Arena. I want to assure the house that the government understands that the regions are the economic lifeblood of the state, and that in every budget we will support capital works and infrastructure projects across the state. The next budget will be stronger than all previous budgets for infrastructure projects. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I call to order the member for Roe and the member for South Perth.
Mr E.S. RIPPER : Over the past financial year approximately half of the government’s attributable capital works program was allocated to regional Western Australia. That is a very sizeable capital works program. In the last budget the capital works program was worth $21.6 billion over a four-year period. I can assure members—particularly regional members—that capital works and infrastructure will again be a key feature of the forthcoming budget. The government can afford a historically large capital works program for two reasons. Firstly, we have been running strong surpluses, and every cent of those surpluses goes into the infrastructure program. Secondly, we have slashed state debt to a record low, with the result that we have additional borrowing capacity to fund the capital works programs the state needs in order to grow into the future. In the face of that, the Leader of the Opposition says that the government has no vision for the state. Let us look at the opposition. Its only official vision is to cut services; less with less. Meanwhile, unofficially, the Leader of the Opposition and his shadow ministers cave in to whatever demands are made by the latest interest group they meet. The shadow Minister for Education and Training is particularly guilty of that when debating the teachers’ enterprise bargaining agreement. The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Western Australia disagrees with the Leader of the Opposition. A statement by CCI chief economist John Nicolaou reads, in part — The state has cemented its reputation as an international economic powerhouse through the growth and emergence of new industries, including world class downstream mineral processing activities, shipbuilding operations, wine making abilities, innovation in the science and technology fields and excellence across a range of key service industries. As a result, WA continues to be regarded as a centre of business and industry excellence. The CCI also notes that 16 230 new businesses have been established in Western Australia over the past three years, which is an increase of almost nine per cent. I inform the National Party that there are 56 684 businesses operating in the regions. The CCI states — . . . strong growth and development has been evident across the whole state, with all regions generating growth rates in excess of eight per cent annually over the past five years. That is the government’s vision in action. I will name some of the regional projects that were funded in the last budget alone: $278 million for the Perth-Bunbury highway; $80 million for wastewater and water supply projects; $54 million for the upgrading of schools in the south west; $72 million for the upgrading of roads in the wheatbelt; $72 million for the upgrading of ports in Port Hedland and Geraldton; $30 million to replace Fitzroy Crossing District High School; $15 million to develop the Albany waterfront; and $6 million to improve the water in Coral Bay. These are just some examples from the last budget. I can assure Western Australians that the next budget will be very strong on infrastructure and capital works in all parts of the state. The government will continue to fund new police complexes, new hospitals, new roads, new schools, new electricity upgrades and new port upgrades and we will see these projects taking shape across the state. The government is also undertaking new capital works projects in the metropolitan area, including Fiona Stanley Hospital, an outdoor stadium, a new museum, a new foreshore development and Perth Arena. I want to assure the house that the government understands that the regions are the economic lifeblood of the state, and that in every budget we will support capital works and infrastructure projects across the state. The next budget will be stronger than all previous budgets for infrastructure projects. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I call to order the member for Roe and the member for South Perth.
In the face of that, the Leader of the Opposition says that the government has no vision for the state. Let us look at the opposition. Its only official vision is to cut services; less with less. Meanwhile, unofficially, the Leader of the Opposition and his shadow ministers cave in to whatever demands are made by the latest interest group they meet. The shadow Minister for Education and Training is particularly guilty of that when debating the teachers’ enterprise bargaining agreement. The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Western Australia disagrees with the Leader of the Opposition. A statement by CCI chief economist John Nicolaou reads, in part — The state has cemented its reputation as an international economic powerhouse through the growth and emergence of new industries, including world class downstream mineral processing activities, shipbuilding operations, wine making abilities, innovation in the science and technology fields and excellence across a range of key service industries. As a result, WA continues to be regarded as a centre of business and industry excellence. The CCI also notes that 16 230 new businesses have been established in Western Australia over the past three years, which is an increase of almost nine per cent. I inform the National Party that there are 56 684 businesses operating in the regions. The CCI states — . . . strong growth and development has been evident across the whole state, with all regions generating growth rates in excess of eight per cent annually over the past five years. That is the government’s vision in action. I will name some of the regional projects that were funded in the last budget alone: $278 million for the Perth-Bunbury highway; $80 million for wastewater and water supply projects; $54 million for the upgrading of schools in the south west; $72 million for the upgrading of roads in the wheatbelt; $72 million for the upgrading of ports in Port Hedland and Geraldton; $30 million to replace Fitzroy Crossing District High School; $15 million to develop the Albany waterfront; and $6 million to improve the water in Coral Bay. These are just some examples from the last budget. I can assure Western Australians that the next budget will be very strong on infrastructure and capital works in all parts of the state. The government will continue to fund new police complexes, new hospitals, new roads, new schools, new electricity upgrades and new port upgrades and we will see these projects taking shape across the state. The government is also undertaking new capital works projects in the metropolitan area, including Fiona Stanley Hospital, an outdoor stadium, a new museum, a new foreshore development and Perth Arena. I want to assure the house that the government understands that the regions are the economic lifeblood of the state, and that in every budget we will support capital works and infrastructure projects across the state. The next budget will be stronger than all previous budgets for infrastructure projects. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I call to order the member for Roe and the member for South Perth.
These are just some examples from the last budget. I can assure Western Australians that the next budget will be very strong on infrastructure and capital works in all parts of the state. The government will continue to fund new police complexes, new hospitals, new roads, new schools, new electricity upgrades and new port upgrades and we will see these projects taking shape across the state. The government is also undertaking new capital works projects in the metropolitan area, including Fiona Stanley Hospital, an outdoor stadium, a new museum, a new foreshore development and Perth Arena. I want to assure the house that the government understands that the regions are the economic lifeblood of the state, and that in every budget we will support capital works and infrastructure projects across the state. The next budget will be stronger than all previous budgets for infrastructure projects. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I call to order the member for Roe and the member for South Perth.
The government is also undertaking new capital works projects in the metropolitan area, including Fiona Stanley Hospital, an outdoor stadium, a new museum, a new foreshore development and Perth Arena. I want to assure the house that the government understands that the regions are the economic lifeblood of the state, and that in every budget we will support capital works and infrastructure projects across the state. The next budget will be stronger than all previous budgets for infrastructure projects. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I call to order the member for Roe and the member for South Perth.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I call to order the member for Roe and the member for South Perth.
The SPEAKER : I call to order the member for Roe and the member for South Perth.
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