Foreign Minister talks funding, praises pool project

“Whenever I’m in Perth I’m out and about in my electorate,” Ms Bishop said.

The minister had a full schedule from Cottesloe to West Leederville and met City of Stirling Mayor Giovanni Italiano in Scarborough to discuss infrastructure and possible Federal Government funding for City projects.

Cr Italiano and the mayors of Joondalup and Wanneroo had recently lobbied for Federal funding in Canberra through the Tri Cities Alliance, an alliance between the three local governments.

Ms Bishop did not rule out funding for the City’s Scarborough Beach Road West Activity Corridor but said the funding process was “very competitive”.

“There is a great deal of support for the Tri Cities Alliance from the WA members and senators,” she said.

“Of course all of these infrastructure projects are judged on their merits but the mayor put forward a very good case for Stirling as did Joondalup and Wanneroo.”

Cr Italiano said the City also applied for Federal funding twice last year for the Scarborough Beach Pool project but was unsuccessful.

“The City plans to ask funding on a Federal level for our upcoming $7 million Princess Wallington Community Parkland project in Balga,” he said.

Ms Bishop could not confirm if the funding would be granted.

The minister commended the $26 million City of Stirling funded Scarborough Beach Pool project, saying it would be “worth every cent” for the City.

Ms Bishop said the northern suburbs were among the fastest growing in Australia.

“About 23 per cent of the metro area is in the northern suburbs,” she said.

The minister said infrastructure, job opportunities, education and creating jobs for the future were key issues in the area.