2017-19 State Budget delivers for Collie

Delivered on Thursday afternoon, the McGowan government's first state budget included $20 for a Collie Futures Fund and $15 million towards road projects, including upgrade at Raymond Road, Collie-Preston Road and widening the South West Highway at Picton East. 

To help create more local jobs, the budget set aside $300,000 to promote the Ferguson Valley and Wellington Forest areas as tourist destinations and a $14.6 million natural resource management program to work with local communities to protect the environment. 

Funding was also committed for a number of community projects including; 

$20m for the Collie Futures Fund

 $10.5m funding to develop Kemerton and Shotts Industrial Parks to create opportunities for new business developments.

 $3m to develop Lake Kepwari as a recreational tourist destination.

 $100,000 to promote South West motoring.

$300,000 to promote the Ferguson Valley and Wellington Forest area as a tourist destination.

$15m towards road projects in Collie, including upgrades at Raymond Road, Collie-Preston Road, Wellington Forest Road and Brookdale Road in Boyanup, and widening the South West Highway at Picton East with slip lanes to improve safety.

$7.5m to build new classrooms at Collie Senior High School.

Commence Planning for upgrades to Collie TAFE.

$27.9m boost to tourism funding to showcase our regional destinations.

$250,000 for the revitalisation of the Collie River

$2m to upgrade to Riverview Residence retirement facility in Collie to a modern centre for over 55s.

$2m towards Collie Mineworkers memorial pool.

$250,000 to enhance facilities at Stockton Lake.

$500,000 for upgrades at the Minninup Pool Tourist Caravan Park.

$200,000 for upgrades to the Wellington Dam walk trails.

The budget confirmed $7.5 million to build new classrooms at Collie Senior High School and $2 million towards the Collie Mineworkers memorial pool. 

Treasurer Ben Wyatt noted the state budget includes $4 billion in Royalties for Regions expenditure across the state, with $636 million to be spent in the South West on infrastructure over the next four years. 

“As our population grows, it’s vital that we continue to invest in local schools and hospitals to ensure services meet the needs of the community,” Mr Wyatt said. 

Premier Mark McGowan said his government was getting on with the job of delivering its election promises in Collie-Preston. 

“Our first state budget includes a big investment in Collie-Preston, with a focus on projects that will create jobs and opportunities for locals as well as improve important services such as health and education,” he said. 

“Our first state budget includes a big investment in Collie-Preston, with a focus on projects that will create jobs and opportunities for locals as well as improve important services such as health and education.”

Member for Collie-Preston MLA Mick Murray said road safety was a top priority for the region. 

“Too many Western Australians are losing their lives on dangerous country roads. The $15 million investment to upgrade roads in Collie-Preston is part of our plan to improve safety on roads across regional WA,” he said. 

“The $3 million investment into Lake Kepwari will create a tourist destination, with opportunities to participate in water sports such as water skiing, wakeboarding and jet skiing.

“As our population grows, it’s vital we continue to invest in local schools and hospitals and ensure services meet the needs of the community.

“We have big plans for Collie-Preston and the State Budget will ensure these plans become a reality as we continue to deliver on our election commitments in coming years.”