From cost-of-living relief to regional project costings, what the State Budget means for the South West

The South West is set to benefit from a number of measures addressing the cost of living after iron ore prices delivered another healthy surplus in Western Australia’s latest Budget. Cost-of-living support will come from the State Government’s flagship $400 electricity credit along with some regional schemes including an expanded free regional school bus service system and an increase in the Student Transport Allowance from 25.24 cents to 55.6 cents per kilometre. Those on the age or disability pension will receive a $100 boost to the Regional Pensioner Travel Card, previously known as the Country Age Pension Fuel Card. Rising costs of materials has resulted in blow out costs for several State Government projects, with the Bunbury Outer Ring Road’s price tag swelling a further $200 million to be estimated to cost $1.46 billion, about $600m more than initially announced. The Bussell Highway duplication price tag has also risen to $120m, up from the original price of $80m. The project’s funding is split between the Federal and State governments, which will fund it 80 and 20 per cent respectively. The Bunbury Regional Hospital upgrade has also seen its cost skyrocket by $173.2m. It will now cost $451.1m, 60 per cent more than previously announced. The Wellington Dam bridge replacement will also get another $14m thrown at it, making the project’s total cost $24m. Away from infrastructure funding, there is plenty to like for nature lovers. $67.2m has been committed for a Forest Management Plan with an emphasis on climate action and forest health in native forests following the State Government’s controversial ban on native logging. New funding for getting the Gloucester and Bicentennial tree attractions reopened and climbable was also announced with $3m committed. Campgrounds across the South West will get more than $5m put into them with sites across the Cape to Cape track, various national parks and major lakes getting upgrades. Improvements of the Wadandi Track will cost $17.5m and extend the walking and cycling trail to 110km. A Pemberton trails master plan will also be developed to the tune of $8m which will include the Pemberton Circuit Hike, Two Rivers Adventure Ride and the first two stages of the Pemberton Arboretum mountain bike trails.