WALGA’s 2024-25 State Budget Submission sought funding for a number of important infrastructure programs that promote vibrant and inclusive communities and support wellbeing.
Overview
The State Government continues to invest record amounts in infrastructure, with $42.4 billion to be spent over the four years to 2027-28. The focus of the investment program is road and rail (including Metronet), energy and water, health and education infrastructure, and new housing and land-related projects.
However, the 2024-25 Budget missed the opportunity to invest in community infrastructure programs.
While it was positive that $6.7 million was provided to fund an additional 35 projects from the Community Sport and Recreation Facilities Fund (CSRFF) in 2024-25, this falls short of WALGA’s request for a permanent increase in the fund to $25 million per annum.
$300,000 was also provided in additional funding for the Bunbury Regional Gallery and Geraldton Regional Gallery. However, there was no commitment to an ongoing funding stream for arts and cultural infrastructure to address the ongoing upkeep and maintenance costs for Local Governments to provide community arts and culture infrastructure.
Public libraries, cycling infrastructure and upgrades to make community infrastructure such as parks and playground, community centres and recreation facilities more accessible also missed out.
Local Governments will however welcome the investments that have been made in regional airport infrastructure, with:
- $21.3 million allocated for upgrades to five important regional airstrips Carnarvon, Onslow, Albany, Kununurra and Eucla. This is additional to the Regional Airport Development Scheme (RADS) program funding.
- A total of $8 million allocated to critical upgrades to the Carnarvon Airstrip that will enable continuation of the Q400 operations.
- Shire of Dundas allocated $3.38 million to upgrade Eucla airstrip to allow operations following rain.
- City of Albany and Shire of Wyndham East Kimberley allocated $2.5 million each for runway upgrades, both subject to funding contributions from the Commonwealth Government.
- Shire of Ashburton allocated $4.9 million for improvements to the Onslow airport which is dependent on co-funding arrangements with the private sector.
- Improvements to the airports in Albany, Kununurra and Onslow aimed to ensure 737-700 (and equivalent) operations can be supported in the future.
WALGA Comment
With a multi-billion budget surplus and record spending on asset investment, it is disappointing that the 2024-25 Budget has missed the opportunity to fund infrastructure that will improve community health, wellbeing and social inclusion.
WALGA will continue to advocate for ongoing funding for sports, recreation and community arts and culture facilities, as well as additional funding for our public libraries.
As highlighted in submissions to the Parliamentary Inquiry into Regional Airfares and the State Aviation Strategy, regional airports, primarily owned and operated by Local Governments are critical to support regional communities and the industries that underpin the economic success of Western Australia. Supported by on-going funding for the Regional Airfare Zone Cap Scheme the investments announced in the Budget will contribute to ensuring regional residents remain connected to Perth and the rest of Australia.
