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Frozen grants help hits services

Jaime ShurmerWeekend Kwinana Courier

Kwinana Mayor Carol Adams said the Federal Government froze subsidies offered through Financial Assistance Grants.

"The FAGs are an integral revenue source and subsidised rate revenue by $1.393 million in the 2014/2015 financial year. The FAGs grant assists in delivering essential services such as local roads, libraries and other community infrastructure," she said.

"Investment in local roads has also plummeted by more than $50 million when compared to last year."

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"Of course, the sale of the Kwinana Bulk Terminal presents a major opportunity within the industrial area and the City will work closely with the new owner to bolster local economic conditions however possible," the mayor said.

Kwinana MLA Roger Cook said he had been inundated with inquiries from people concerned about the extra fees and charges they would face and the cuts to rebates and concessions.

He also said there was no funding allocated for a primary school in Wellard.

Street light costs were expected to rise 7.5 per cent, directly affecting the City of Kwinana and its ratepayers.

Senator Michaelia Cash welcomed the Federal Government's Growing Jobs and Small Business package that would offer incentives for employers to take job seekers transitioning from school.

A $331 million Youth Employment Strategy will help young people aged 15 to 21 become job ready and begins on January 1 next year.

The strategy includes a Transition to Work program to support vulnerable young people most as risk of long-term unemployment including migrants, parents and those with mental illness.