Ashburton seeks clarity on 2020/21 State Budget

The Shire of Ashburton is seeking clarification on the funding and deliverables announced as part of the State’s 2020/21 budget.

While we are pleased that the State Governments focus has been to continue to support the Western Australian economy, support to the Shire of Ashburton and our communities has not met expectations.

Shire President Kerry White said that she is extremely disappointed that once again the Shire of Ashburton has been overlooked.

“Throughout the WA recovery and stimulus projects announced by the State Government to lessen the negative economic effects of COVID-19, the Shire of Ashburton received close to nothing in comparison to our neighbouring local government areas.

“This budget announcement is another blow to the Shire with the funding included in last week's announcement previously allocated to projects or to projects that are already completed.

“The role of the Shire of Ashburton in supporting the growth and wealth of the Western Australian economy continues to be disregarded and go unnoticed.

“Our Shire delivers 38.1% or $15.943 billion to the Gross Regional Product of the Pilbara region, which is over twice the amount of the City of Karratha and over three times as much as the Town of Port Hedland. Yet the state funding that the Shire receives is pale in comparison to the development and investment into these areas.

“And consider that mining exports and market prices have exceeded expectations for this year, keeping WA in a surplus position throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

“What has been mentioned in the budget announcement are projects that are current and already have the investment allocated to them.    

“Within the State Government’s commitment to building stronger, safer communities and investment in health and mental health we would have liked to have seen a response to the amenities that are highlighted as extreme importance for our community such as the redevelopment of Onslow Police Station, the provision of $7M to complete the Onslow Beadon Creek Marina and an upgrade to Tom Price Hospital.

“There is no updated or further support for future development of educational and TAFE facilities in Ashburton, upgrades to our road network, infrastructure to support and sustain industry growth, whether that be mining, transport and shipping, agriculture, tourism and our local economies.

“The majority of our residents will also miss out on relief from the electricity credit for households, another oversight for our community and Shire.

“We are optimistic that Ashburton will be recognised in ongoing and future announcements by government and state agencies as we continue to focus and build Australia’s economic future”.

For media information contact:

Alison Lennon - Manager Media and Communications, Shire of Ashburton

M: 0409 314 140 | E: [email protected]

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