2020-21 State Budget to benefit Regional WA

The State Government has recently announced the 2020-21 budget, with a strong focus on funding vital job-creating projects and services that would assist the State’s recovery from the pandemic, particularly in regional WA.

Regional families will benefit from the $644 million WA Household Electricity Credit, where each household will receive a $600 electricity credit by the end of the year.

The State government has also committed to a $7.5 billion investment in infrastructure across regional WA, including the following:

• $18.3 million to upgrade Moonamang Road to support development in the Ord;

• $21.4 million for the Regional Aviation Recovery Program to ensure affordable airfares for residents and tourists in regional WA;

• $87.7 million for other infrastructure upgrades at tourist destinations and natural attractions across regional WA;

• $125.3 million to upgrade TAFE campuses across regional WA;

• $25 million for free TAFE short courses to upskill thousands of Western Australians, with a variety of free courses available;

• $32 million to expand the Lower Fees, Local Skills program and significantly reduce TAFE fees across 39 high priority courses;

• $231.7 million for capital programs at regional primary and secondary schools to deliver first-class learning experiences for WA students.

Premier Mark McGowan said that regional families and communities would benefit from the 2020-21 State Budget.

“We know that the pandemic has been extremely challenging for many in our community, and this assistance will make life a little easier for local families,” said McGowan

Regional households are big winners in the State Budget. Financial support and relief for Western Australians is important to help continue our recovery from the pandemic”.

The State Budget fully delivers on the $5.5 billion WA Recovery Plan, which includes major upgrades to infrastructure and services across regional WA, driving economic recovery and creating a pipeline of local job”.

For more information on the State Budget, visit https://www.ourstatebudget.wa.gov.au/