Baldivis MLA Reece Whitby and Premier Mark McGowan.
Camera IconBaldivis MLA Reece Whitby and Premier Mark McGowan. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Reece Whitby hails State Budget help for Baldivis

Gabrielle JefferyWeekend Kwinana Courier

BALDIVIS MLA Reece Whitby has welcomed today’s State Budget and the investments he said would help the area.

Two of the most prominent measures directly affecting residents is $49 million to add an extra northbound lane to the Kwinana Freeway, and funding for new secondary and primary schools.

Mr Whitby said there would also be more employment opportunities with science and education assistants to be employed this year.

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“This is good news for local families and businesses,” he said.

“The long awaited addition of an extra northbound lane will bring a massive relief to commuters, reduce congestion and cut travel times.

“This investment of $49 million in local infrastructure also creates much needed jobs.

“Less time in the car means more time at home with family. It will also help local small businesses and tradies who will spend more of their valuable time doing their job rather than in the car.

“Families with kids will also benefit from additional investment in two new schools in Baldivis.

“We have responded to the urgent need for investment in jobs, transport and education in growing areas like Baldivis, Wellard and Bertram.”

Mr Whitby added the 2018-19 State Budget focused on responsible financial management and was on track to return to surplus.

“We have struck a careful balance, delivering on our commitments to low and middle-income families while bringing the budget back on track out of a severe downturn,” he said.

Key local commitments from today’s State Budget include: $49 million for the Kwinana Freeway northbound widening between Russell Road and Roe Highway $48 million for South Baldivis Secondary School due to open in 2019 $16.3 million for the new Baldivis North Primary School to open in 2020 More than $50 million is allocated to continue planning work on Metronet including the new Karnup Station, with a further $750 million allocated over the forward estimates to Metronet projects

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