MARK McGowan’s Government clocks up three months in office this weekend, prompting the Melville Times to check on the status of the funding commitments made by local Labor candidates in the lead-up to the March election.
Willagee MLA Peter Tinley said the new State Government had spent the majority of its time and energy bedding down its new plans and policies and pointed toward the reduction of Government departments from 41 to 25 as one of the major reforms that was well underway.
“This has been a priority for Government, but does not mean we are neglecting other issues and the funding commitments I made during the recent election campaign stand,” he said.
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READ NOW“The school funding commitments will be finalised in the coming weeks and those projects are expected to be completed by the end of the year and the other projects will follow.”
The establishment of the State’s first Medihotel at Fiona Stanley Hospital (FSH) is also underway, with the Government announcing at the end of May it had shortlisted applications for its construction.
The selection of a preferred proponent is expected by mid-2017.
However, there has been no further news on the promised family birth centre at FSH.
Over in the battleground seat of Bicton, both major parties pulled out the wallet ahead of the election and Labor’s Lisa O’Malley said she remained strongly committed to delivering the $6.9 million worth of projects promised to the electorate.
“The $4.5 million for the performing arts centre upgrade at Melville Senior High School and $1.8 million for the Gibson Park upgrade will be captured within the upcoming State budget in September,” she said.
“The other funding commitments are part of the Local Projects Local Jobs funding initiative and I am seeking to get the grants out to successfully funded organizations throughout the Bicton electorate as quickly as possible.
“However, these grants will be subject to the approval of the usual funding agreement process, and as a result, may take some time.
“Government agencies are in the process of contacting these organisations regarding how to proceed with the delivery of the grant and grant conditions, some of which have already been contacted.”
LABOR’S MELVILLE ELECTION COMMITMENTS
Seat of Willagee
$50,000: Caralee Community School to construct a nature play area $50,000: Samson Primary School to upgrade canteen $50,000: Kardinya Primary School to upgrade school library $25,000: Kardinya Netball Association construction of a shelter at their training courts. $30 million: New birth centre and Medihotel at Fiona Stanley Hospital
Seat of Bicton
$4.5 million: Melville Senior High School performing arts centre upgrade $1.8 million: Gibson Park upgrade $140,000: For five local seniors organisations – Senior Citizens Club, Melville Cares, Community First Meals on Wheels, Bicton-Palmyra RSL and Bicton Men’s Shed. $110,000: Bicton Primary School P&C $100,000: Melville Primary School P&C $100,000: Palmyra Primay School P&C $80,000: Mental health support organisation Growing Change to expand its urban farm project into Melville $75,000: To fund Town of East Fremantle community consultation on East Fremantle Oval site
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