FUNDING for the Murdoch Drive extension was Melville’s biggest win in Thursday’s State Budget, which the City’s financial team will now comb through ahead of its own considerations for 2018-19.
The $100 million project, which will extend Murdoch Drive south from Farrington Road to Roe Highway, providing cleaner access into and out of a growing activity centre, was allocated $45.8 million.
The funding was hardly surprising given the Federal Government is providing $92.5 million of the overall cost, following the reallocation of funds from the defunct Roe 8 project.
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Melville Senior High School’s new $4.5 million performing arts centre is expected to open in 2019.
A further $2.5 million was announced for the project on Thursday, following the $2 million allocated in the 2017-18 budget.
The State Government also fulfilled an election commitment by offering Fiona Stanley Hospital $1.8 million for a new family birthing centre.
“This will provide women with greater birth options within a fully integrated service, which enables rapid access to the birth suite and neonatal intensive care unit,” the State’s Budget Papers read.
Melville Mayor Russell Aubrey was unsurprised by infrastructure funding within the City.
“The City did reasonably well out of the budget, with most of it anticipated,” he said.
But with the State Budget costing the average household an extra $300 in fees and services, Mr Aubrey said the City’s financial team would now work to keep rate increases to a minimum.
“I’m still confident (the City of Melville) can deliver a budget that does not unduly affect ratepayers,” he said.
The State Government has also budgeted $118 million for the upgrade of High Street between Carrington Street and Stirling Highway.
Of that, $7.5 million will be on offer over the next financial year, with another $110 million to follow in 2019-20 and 2020-21.
Bicton MLA Lisa O’Malley said she was pleased to investment in infrastructure and education, including “significant funding allocated for the performing arts centre at Melville Senior High school”.
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