25. May 2015 15:30
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swanvalleyrealtyblog
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The following article by Joel Kelly appeared in the Ellenbrook Advocate on May 20th 2015.
THE State Budget has drawn mixed reactions from stakeholders in the Swan region.
WA Treasurer Mike Nahan revealed a record State deficit of $2.7 billion for the 2015-16 financial year, the first deficit in 15 years.
For the local area, on a positive note, City of Swan has received a $7 million boost for its sport and recreation facilities, including a $2 million allocation for an aquatic centre.
There is also continued spending on road projects like the Swan Valley bypass section of the North Link project and upgrades to the Great Eastern Highway.
Swan Hills MLA Frank Alban said he believed this Budget was about ensuring the most vulnerable members of the community would receive the support they needed.
“With regard to Swan Hills projects, I am pleased that our State Government’s commitments to NorthLink WA continue, as well as the recent Commonwealth Government announcement of $499.1 million for infrastructure projects in the State,” he said.
“In the broader context of the State, I believe this Budget is about ensuring the most vulnerable members of our community will receive the support they need.”
As expected, the Government has held its position on delivering a second high school for Ellenbrook in 2018.
Missing from the Budget is any indication it will invest in a university for Midland.
The same goes for the relocation of Midland’s train station closer to the new hospital, which was identified as a key priority for Midland by the Metropolitan Redevelopment Authority.
The good news is $23.5 million has been allocated to the MRA to carry out objectives in the Midland Master Plan, set to be released soon.
This could include ideas in the draft plan like the relocation of Midland Station, improving connectivity in Midland CBD and improving the Helena River foreshore.
For the local viticulture industry, the State’s cellar door subsidy, charged to wineries selling more than $500,000 of wine, has been removed and will impact the larger Swan Valley wine producers.
West Swan MLA Rita Saffioti said despite investment in the electorate’s recreational facilities, there was a long way to go.
“There are no plans or funding for new public transport to service Ballajura or Ellenbrook,” she said.
“There is no funding to upgrade Lord Street, while the Caversham South Primary School remains cancelled.”