❓ Opposition questions the government's commitment to sealing the Wiluna to Meekatharra road, citing a previous promise and lack of funding in the current budget. The Minister acknowledges the commitment but prioritizes health, education, and community safety, deferring the road project for future budget consideration.
AnsweredQoN 990Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
In preface to my question I will quote from a letter forwarded to the Chief Executive Officer of the Shire of Wiluna dated 12 June 2001 from the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure, Hon Alannah MacTiernan. The letter states, in part - Two of our Government’s election commitments were to seal the Mt Magnet to Leinster Road by 2004 and the Goldfields Highway (Wiluna to Meekatharra) by 2006 and I have every intention of keeping these commitments. In the light of the foregoing, and as there appears to be no indication of funds being made available in the 2003-04 Budget Statements , will the minister please advise the House of the actual date of commencement of these works? I clarify that my question relates to the Wiluna to Meekatharra road. Hon GRAHAM GIFFARD
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the member for some notice of this question. The member is correct that the sealing of the Mt Magnet to Leinster road by 2004 and the Goldfields Highway between Wiluna and Meekatharra by 2006 were election commitments made by this Government. As promised, the Mt Magnet to Leinster road was completed and officially opened by the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure in January this year - well ahead of the 2004 target date. The need to seal the Goldfields Highway between Wiluna and Meekatharra is recognised. However, the Government has an obligation to meet its key election commitment to increase funding for health, education and community safety. In order to achieve this it has been necessary to make reductions in other areas, including parts of the road program. This project is one of many important projects across the State competing for the limited funds available. Notwithstanding that, the project will be listed for consideration as part of the preparation for the 2004-05 budget.
Hon GRAHAM GIFFARD replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. The member is correct that the sealing of the Mt Magnet to Leinster road by 2004 and the Goldfields Highway between Wiluna and Meekatharra by 2006 were election commitments made by this Government. As promised, the Mt Magnet to Leinster road was completed and officially opened by the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure in January this year - well ahead of the 2004 target date. The need to seal the Goldfields Highway between Wiluna and Meekatharra is recognised. However, the Government has an obligation to meet its key election commitment to increase funding for health, education and community safety. In order to achieve this it has been necessary to make reductions in other areas, including parts of the road program. This project is one of many important projects across the State competing for the limited funds available. Notwithstanding that, the project will be listed for consideration as part of the preparation for the 2004-05 budget.
I thank the member for some notice of this question. The member is correct that the sealing of the Mt Magnet to Leinster road by 2004 and the Goldfields Highway between Wiluna and Meekatharra by 2006 were election commitments made by this Government. As promised, the Mt Magnet to Leinster road was completed and officially opened by the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure in January this year - well ahead of the 2004 target date. The need to seal the Goldfields Highway between Wiluna and Meekatharra is recognised. However, the Government has an obligation to meet its key election commitment to increase funding for health, education and community safety. In order to achieve this it has been necessary to make reductions in other areas, including parts of the road program. This project is one of many important projects across the State competing for the limited funds available. Notwithstanding that, the project will be listed for consideration as part of the preparation for the 2004-05 budget.
Hon GRAHAM GIFFARD replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. The member is correct that the sealing of the Mt Magnet to Leinster road by 2004 and the Goldfields Highway between Wiluna and Meekatharra by 2006 were election commitments made by this Government. As promised, the Mt Magnet to Leinster road was completed and officially opened by the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure in January this year - well ahead of the 2004 target date. The need to seal the Goldfields Highway between Wiluna and Meekatharra is recognised. However, the Government has an obligation to meet its key election commitment to increase funding for health, education and community safety. In order to achieve this it has been necessary to make reductions in other areas, including parts of the road program. This project is one of many important projects across the State competing for the limited funds available. Notwithstanding that, the project will be listed for consideration as part of the preparation for the 2004-05 budget.
I thank the member for some notice of this question. The member is correct that the sealing of the Mt Magnet to Leinster road by 2004 and the Goldfields Highway between Wiluna and Meekatharra by 2006 were election commitments made by this Government. As promised, the Mt Magnet to Leinster road was completed and officially opened by the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure in January this year - well ahead of the 2004 target date. The need to seal the Goldfields Highway between Wiluna and Meekatharra is recognised. However, the Government has an obligation to meet its key election commitment to increase funding for health, education and community safety. In order to achieve this it has been necessary to make reductions in other areas, including parts of the road program. This project is one of many important projects across the State competing for the limited funds available. Notwithstanding that, the project will be listed for consideration as part of the preparation for the 2004-05 budget.
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