Labor continues to deliver for regional WA

Wednesday, 12 October 2011

There is no doubt that this is a tough time for Labor federally. However, rather than playing into the mindless negativity of Tony Abbott, we are getting on with the job of governing.

Nowhere is that more apparent than in the north of our great state where last month I announced funding for, or opened, more than six major projects.

New school facilities in the Kimberley and Pilbara

On two visits to the Kimberley and Pilbara, I had the pleasure of opening school facilities that were funded under Labor’s Building the Education Revolution.

The new covered assembly and music block at Millars Well Primary School in Karratha will ensure that the community’s growing population has access to the best educational facilities. Meanwhile, Sacred Heart School at Beagle Bay Mission will benefit from a new library – their first ever!

In addition, the Government is making significant investments in the wider community.

$19.9 million for Kimberley Land Council and Karratha Leisure Complex

From the Regional Development Australia Fund, we’ve awarded $4.9 million for the construction of purpose built facilities in Broome for the Kimberley Land Council (KLC).

That funding was accompanied by $15 million for the Karratha Leisure Complex – the largest allocation in this round!

Over $3.3 million for drug & alcohol and Indigenous employment programs

The Government is also providing capital works funding of $3.1 million to improve facilities at the Milliya Rumurra Centre, which offers residential rehabilitation for people affected by drug and alcohol problems.

And under our Indigenous Employment Program, we have been working with the Martu Trust to train eight young Indigenous jobseekers as youth workers in their remote Western Desert communities.

NBN Rollout for Geraldton

Finally, I welcomed NBN Co’s announcement that NBN fibre roll out will begin in Geraldton, which will modernise local businesses, schools and hospitals.

During these difficult times, it is important that we reflect on Labor’s impressive track record in government. It is a record built on core Labor values: from modernising our schools to making record investments in health and infrastructure.

We are in the fight of our lives to continue that legacy, but with your support we can prevail – to the benefit of all Australians.

Best wishes

Louise