Community News - providing readers with the very latest in local news, sport, entertainment and more.
Camera IconCommunity News - providing readers with the very latest in local news, sport, entertainment and more. Credit: Community News

Some win, some lose from State Budget

Joel KellyMidland Kalamunda Reporter

WA Treasurer Mike Nahan revealed a record State deficit of $2.7 billion dollars for the 2015-16 financial year, the first deficit in 15 years.

For the local area, on a positive note, the City of Swan has received a $7 million boost for its sport and recreation facilities, including a $2 million allocation for an aquatic centre.

Swan Hill MLA Frank Alban said he believed this budget was about ensuring the most vulnerable members of our community would receive the support they needed.

PerthNow Digital Edition.
Your local paper, whenever you want it.

Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE

Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.

READ NOW

"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."

There is also continued spending road projects like the Swan Valley bypass section of the North Link project and upgrades to the Great Eastern Highway.

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.