Western Australia Minister for Regional Development Brendon Grylls

Key Projects Opened At Kununurra/Wyndham

Victor P Taffa

• New airport terminal for Kununurra
• New Wyndham Community Recreational Fishing Jetty

Today’s formal opening of Kununurra’s new airport terminal and a new public jetty in Wyndham tomorrow are the latest developments to vital community assets in the growing East Kimberley region.

Regional Development Minister Brendon Grylls said the regional airport at Kununurra was a vital service to people who live in and visit the East Kimberley region.

“The investment in the newly-developed terminal is a terrific outcome which will serve people there for many years to come.” Mr. Grylls said.

“The State Government through Royalties for Regions funding is pleased to be able to partner with the Federal Government and the Shire of Wyndham East Kimberley to deliver these essential projects.”

“The airport at Kununurra is the gateway to expanding business opportunities in the East Kimberley region and it services a large area, providing jet services for people who need to travel to and from Kununurra, Halls Creek, Wyndham, Warmun and Kalumburu, as well as some Northern Territory communities.”

The Minister also welcomed the opening of the new Wyndham Community Recreational Fishing Jetty.

“This will improve safety for recreational boating and provide a valuable community amenity.” Mr. Grylls said.

The projects form part of the combined State and Federal governments’ $517.5 Million investment community and infrastructure expansion in the East Kimberley.

Fact File

• Shire of Wyndham East Kimberley received $2.2M in funding from the Regional Airports Development Scheme (RADS) for the airport terminal project; $5M from Federal Government; $1.4M from the Shire of Wyndham East Kimberley
• Federal Government contributed $6.6M to the Wyndham Jetty
• East Kimberley Development Package is $195M for social and community projects through a National Partnership Agreement with the Federal Government AND as partnering funds to the Royalties for Regions (RfR) funded Ord-East Kimberley Development Project ($311M RfR funding)

Western Australia Premier Colin Barnett

Premier Opens New Civic Administration Centre

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• Official opening of Augusta-Margaret River Civic Administration Centre
• $40,000 in funding for the shire

Premier Colin Barnett today officially opened the new Shire of Augusta-Margaret River Civic Administration Centre.

“I congratulate the Augusta-Margaret River shire on this attractive building and I have no doubt it will be well used by the local community.” Mr. Barnett said.

“The construction of this centre represents excellent value for money for residents and sends a strong message to the community that the shire is a local government that invests in its future.”

While in Margaret River, the Premier announced funding of $40,000 to the local shire.

Mr. Barnett said he hoped the money would be used to fund community-based initiatives to help support residents, particularly those directly affected by November’s fire.

“I understand the fire has had a devastating and ongoing impact on some residents.” Mr. Barnett said.

“I hope this funding helps the shire to undertake community-based activities to help lift spirits in the local community.”

The Premier said the Shire of Augusta-Margaret River had experienced rapid population growth in the past 15 years, with an estimated population of about 13,000 last year.

“The Margaret River region is much loved by West Australians and renowned internationally for its wine and as a tourism destination.” Mr. Barnett said.

The shire has grown into one of the major local governments in the South-West.

Fact File

• State Government already made significant contribution to assist the Margaret River community since November’s fire, including:
• $500,000 to the Lord Mayor’s Distress Relief Fund
• $250,000 from Tourism WA to run a campaign to assist small tourism operators
• Support of up to $100,000 from existing programs for small business provided by the Small Business Development Corporation

Western Australia Premier Colin Barnett

New Agent General Announced

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• Long-term public servant Kevin Skipworth CVO appointed to European office
• Focus to include developing relationships with African nations
• Previous Agent General thanked for her outstanding work

Premier Colin Barnett today announced the appointment of Mr Kevin Skipworth CVO to a two-year term from March as Agent General for Western Australia.

Mr. Skipworth was previously Official Secretary to the last five WA governors and Mr. Barnett said this extensive experience made the appointee well suited to the role.

“Mr. Skipworth has had a distinguished career working within the WA public sector.” Mr. Barnett said.

“He has held senior roles within the Department of the Premier and Cabinet, working closely with visiting dignitaries and was a key member of the team that helped co-ordinate last October’s successful Royal Visit during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.”

“He also has direct experience of the important work done by our European office, having held the Director of Administration position there from 1986 to 1988.”

The Premier said Mr. Skipworth had been charged with building WA’s links with African nations.

“Many African nations, particularly Commonwealth nations, have major diplomatic posts in London and this provides us with an excellent opportunity to forge additional links.” Mr. Barnett said.

“Mr. Skipworth’s experience means he will be extremely well placed at maintaining the State’s relationship with Buckingham Palace and managing the planning of any future Royal Visits.”

Mr. Barnett thanked outgoing Agent General Kerry Sanderson AO for her outstanding work both in London and the public sector over many years.

“Ms. Sanderson’s achievements include attracting increasing numbers of companies to visit WA and forged new trade and investment links within the burgeoning Russian market.” Mr. Barnett said.

Fact File

• Mr. Skipworth was born in Kalgoorlie-Boulder
• Began career in State Public Service, 1964. In 1986 started work in the State’s European Office as Director of Administration in the Agent General’s Office
• Appointed as Chief of Protocol in the Ministry of the Premier and Cabinet, 1988. Then served as Official Secretary to successive WA governors January 1991-December 2011
• Mr. Skipworth‘s service to successive governors and the WA Government was recognised in April 2000 with Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II appointing him as a Lieutenant of the Royal Victorian Order (LVO). During the 2011 Royal Visit, The Queen promoted Mr Skipworth to a Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (CVO)
• For further information about the European Office visit http://www.wago.co.uk

Western Australia Minister for Mines and Petroleum Norman Moore

Long-Standing Member To Retire In May 2013

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Mines and Petroleum, Fisheries and Electoral Affairs Minister, and Mining and Pastoral Region MLC Norman Moore have decided today to not seek pre-selection by the Liberal Party for the next State Election due in March 2013.

Mr. Moore said that he will therefore retire from State Parliament on May 21, 2013 when his current Legislative Council term concludes.

“I will continue in my ministerial role with the intention of completing a number of important projects and reforms in my portfolios prior to the election, as well as working as hard as possible to assist in the re-election of the Liberal-National Government.” Mr. Moore said.

Mr. Moore was first elected in 1977 and is the longest serving member of the State Parliament, having already served 34 years.

The Minister said today that while his enthusiasm for the job has never diminished, he was mindful that should he win pre-selection and complete a further Parliamentary term he would be 72-years-old, at the end of that term.

“As I have a number of other things to do in life after Parliament, it seems appropriate to retire on May 21, 2013.” Mr. Moore said.

Mr. Moore said that he was particularly grateful to the Liberal Party for giving him the opportunity to serve in the State Parliament for so many years.

“By May 2013, I will have had a pretty good innings.”

Western Australia Minister for Regional Development and Lands Brendon Grylls

Newman’s Growth Continues

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• Registrations of interest for 23 lots now open
• Ranging in size from 422 sqm to 863 sqm, prices start from $173,000

Regional Development and Lands Minister Brendon Grylls today announced the new release of residential lots in East Newman to address the current and future demand of residential land within the Newman area.

The online Registration of Interest process for the 23 Stage 3A lots being run by LandCorp, is a key part of Newman’s revitalisation under the State Government’s Pilbara Cities vision.

Mr. Grylls said he expected the demand to be strong as the last release sold quickly. The majority of interest has come from local residents, business owners and investors.

“The new release of land will offer local families and business owners the opportunity to enter into the residential market, as well as allow other people the chance to relocate to the area.” Mr. Grylls said.

The East Newman estate is located off Daniels Drive and Pillara Street, about 1.5km from the town centre. The lots range in size from 422 sqm to 863 sqm and are priced from $173,000.

“Stage 3A is the ideal estate for families with the average lot sized at 650 sqm. Investors are also catered for as there will be a number of cottage lots available within the current release. Once completed, the estate will include landscaped public open space and dual use foot paths.” the Minister said.

The lots are available via an online registration of interest process which closes at 2pm WST on Thursday February 9, 2012. LandCorp have released 61 lots since development began, and the estate will eventually yield about 296 lots when finished.

To further accelerate Newman’s growth to becoming a major Pilbara town, industrial land has been made available. LandCorp has released 45 lots with another further 13 to come.

To register visit http://www.landcorp.com.au/newmanresidential

Fact File

• Successful purchasers will be required to build within LandCorp’s 30-month construction timeframe and to the East Newman Design Guidelines
• Practical completion of Stage 3A is anticipated in May 2012, with issue of titles expected in May 2012

Western Australia Premier Colin Barnett

Western Australia Minister for Transport Troy Buswell

Perth City Link Tunnelling Under Way

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• Work starts to sink Fremantle line between William and Lake/King streets
• First release of artist impressions for Perth Station in 2014
• 2031 time capsule prepared for burial at the station

Work on the Perth City Link took a major step forward with a ceremony today to mark the start of tunnelling to sink the Fremantle train line west of the Horseshoe Bridge.

Premier Colin Barnett said the $360 Million rail component, on track for completion in 2014, literally underpinned the delivery of the entire Perth City Link vision.

“The Perth City Link will fundamentally change the face of Perth and benefit both local people and visitors to our city through reconnecting the CBD and Northbridge for the first time in 100 years.” Mr. Barnett said.

“This project is expected to attract more than $3 Billion of private investment into our State and play a vital role in establishing Perth’s reputation as a world-class city.

“With the Perth Waterfront, Riverside Development, the Perth Cultural Centre and new Perth Stadium, the Perth City Link is part of an era of transformation and I hope all West Australians embrace and enjoy these exciting changes.”

“In addition to new entertainment, cultural and lifestyle choices for the WA community, Perth City Link will also help meet a shortage of inner-city residential, commercial and visitor accommodation necessary to support the State’s long-term economic growth.”

“This project is set to make Perth a more vibrant place to live and easier to live in by removing the railway line that has acted as a barrier cutting the CBD off from Northbridge.”

WA Minister for Transport Troy Buswell

Accompanied by Transport Minister Troy Buswell, Perth Lord Mayor Lisa Scaffidi and Senator Louise Pratt (representing Federal Infrastructure Minister Anthony Albanese), the Premier sealed artist’s impressions of the completed station with other documents in a time capsule to be buried at the station and opened in 2031.

Mr. Buswell said there would be a number of upgrades to Perth Station, including a new pedestrian underpass, linking all platforms to Perth Underground Station, and a new platform on the Roe Street side.

“This project will significantly improve passenger amenity and cater to Perth’s growing public transport needs – it will give our 44,000 city station patrons improved connections, better access and faster transfers between services.” Mr. Buswell said.

“The new platform on the Roe Street side of Perth Station will ensure the Public Transport Authority has greater flexibility to service special events, meet future demand and accommodate new projects like the stadium in Burswood.”

Fact File

• The rail work is supported by all three tiers of government and is being delivered by the Perth City Link Rail Alliance
• The State Government has provided $336 Million to sink the Fremantle Line and build the new bus station, and the City of Perth has allocated $38M. The Federal Government has allocated $236 Million to the rail project
• Additional information is available at http://www.perthcitylink.wa.gov.au

Western Australia Minister for Heritage John Castrilli

Search For WA Heritage Champions

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• Nominations open for 2012 WA Heritage Awards
• Outstanding conservation projects to be showcased in Asia Pacific

For the first time, the Western Australian Heritage Awards will team with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) Asia Pacific Awards, renowned as the region’s premium cultural heritage awards.

Heritage Minister John Castrilli said the co-operation with UNESCO was an exciting opportunity to highlight the outstanding work of WA heritage property owners, architects and designers.

“This year, winners and high commendation recipients in the conservation and adaptive reuse categories will be shortlisted for nomination to UNESCO, with Heritage Council endorsement and agreement of the project owners.” Mr. Castrilli said.

“The WA Heritage Awards are an opportunity to honour the State’s leading contributors in heritage conservation, adaptive reuse, interpretation, tourism and promotion.”

“Now in its 20th year, the awards also acknowledge the contribution of the many volunteers and professionals whose passion and determination ensures our cultural heritage is secured and valued in the future development of this State.”

The 2012 WA Heritage Award winners will be announced on April 17 at an event to be held at Government House Ballroom in the presence of His Excellency Mr. Malcolm McCusker, AC CVO QC.

Fact File

• Awards held in April to coincide with Australian Heritage Week
• For more information visit http://www.heritage.wa.gov.au
• Nominations close at 5pm on Friday, March 2, 2012

Western Australia Premier Colin Barnett

Enter The Dragon

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• Premier opens Tet Festival at Wanneroo Showgrounds
• Marks Perth’s 30th annual Tet Festival Vietnamese Lunar New Year
• About 12,000 people of Vietnamese heritage in Western Australia

Premier Colin Barnett tonight opened the Tet Festival, celebrating the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, at Wanneroo Showgrounds.

The celebration, the 30th to be held by the Vietnamese community in Perth, heralds the beginning of the lunar year represented by the dragon.

“The Tet Festival at Wanneroo Showgrounds has become a major event for the wider community and I congratulate the local Vietnamese community on its 30th anniversary.” Mr. Barnett said.

“With stalls and family entertainment, the festival provides an enjoyable family event and a chance to support Western Australia’s Vietnamese community.”

The Premier said WA was home to about 12,000 people of Vietnamese heritage, many of whom arrived in the late 1970s, during the Vietnam War.

“They came from a homeland ravaged by war and after suffering hardship that many of us would find unrecognisable.” Mr. Barnett said.

“As settlers in WA, the Vietnamese community has made a big contribution to our society.”

“The Tet Festival, coming just a day after Australia Day, is a strong example of how we can celebrate as a nation and still retain the culture and heritage of those born outside this country.”

“The organisation Vietnamese Community in WA was established in 1987 and has since been instrumental in settlement and relocation; social services work and preserving Vietnamese culture.”

Mr. Barnett said the dragon held special significance for Vietnamese people.

“The dragon symbolises power and authority and promises to deliver good fortune.” Mr. Barnett said.

“For all Vietnamese-born people who call WA home, I would say they could not have picked a better State in Australia in which to ensure this symbol and promise delivered a reality.”

Fact File

• Lunar New Year Tet Festival is held at Wanneroo Showgrounds
• In Vietnam, Tet starts at time of full moon before spring planting
• 10,489 Vietnam-born residents of WA (0.5 % of population)
• 11,844 people in WA nominate Vietnamese as their ancestry

Western Australia Minister for Health Kim Hames

Western Australia Minister for Regional Development Brendon Grylls

Large Scale Building Condition Audits For SIHI

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• Thirty-seven building condition audits of WA Country Health Service sites are being conducted out across the southern inland area
• Preface planned upgrades to district hospitals, refurbish small hospitals and nursing posts

Thirty-seven building condition audits of WA Country Health Service sites are currently being carried out across the southern inland area of Western Australia.

The audits are being conducted through the Southern Inland Health Initiative, which is ushering in a new era in country health for people living in the southern inland area, with the assistance of the Department of Finance’s Building Management and Works team.

The Southern Inland Health Initiative (SIHI), funded under the State Government’s Royalties for Regions program, includes a $240 Million investment in the regional health workforce as well as $325 Million for capital works over the next five years.

Health Minister Kim Hames said the primary aim of the Southern Inland Health Initiative was improving access and upgrade services available to people living in regional and remote areas.

“There are major upgrades planned for district hospitals in Northam, Narrogin, Merredin, Katanning, Manjimup and Collie, as well new facilities or refurbishments of small hospitals and nursing posts across the Wheatbelt and Central Great Southern.” Dr. Hames said.

WA Minister for Regional Development Brendon Grylls

Regional Development Minister Brendon Grylls said the building condition audits would be conducted by teams of architects and building surveyors, as well as electrical and structural engineers.

“Size and scale of these audits is truly impressive, the logistics of thirty-seven building condition audits across such a large area is akin to a large scale military exercise.” Mr. Grylls said.

“Once these audits are completed, WA Country Health Service and Building Management and Works will review the findings and nominate and prioritise works required to support service delivery.”
 

Fact File

• The southern inland stretches from Kalbarri and Meekatharra in the north, to Laverton in the east and to Esperance in the south-east
• The Southern Inland Health Initiative has six activity streams to significantly boost health services to the region and provide contemporary health care services to match the needs of the respective communities
• Further information on the Southern Inland Health Initiative can be found at
• http://www.health.wa.gov.au/southerninland/home

Western Australia Minister for Education Elizabeth Constable

Work On Schedule To Air-Cool WA Public Schools

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• 44 schools to have air cooling by first day of school next Wednesday
• State Government committed $52 Million to air cool all public schools
• Program on track to finish by December 2012 – six months ahead of schedule

More and more Western Australian public schools are receiving air-cooling as the State Government works towards providing a more comfortable environment for school students and staff.

Education Minister Liz Constable said that of the 115 schools identified as priority schools for the air-cooling program, 44 already have or will have air-cooling installed by the first day of school next week.

Work is continuing at a further 71 schools. It is anticipated that 56 schools will be completed by March 1, 72 by April 1 and 102 by May 1.

“This Government has committed $52 Million over the next four years to air-cool every Western Australian school.” Dr. Constable said.

“After being allocated the funding to do so in the last State Budget, a huge amount of work has been done by the Department of Education, Building Management and Works and the contractors who have won tenders.”

“Every single school had to be thoroughly assessed to determine how many air-cooling units they required, along with other infrastructure works such as power upgrades to support new units, which was a massive process. Everything has been done as quickly as possible, with the tender process and work commencing straight away so that as many of our students and staff can enjoy more comfortable conditions as possible this year.”

The second phase of the air-cooling rollout is expected to be completed by December 2012, six months ahead of schedule.

“The target was to air-cool 115 schools in the hottest areas by June 2012 and we are well on track to achieving this.” the Minister said.

It is expected that 247 schools’ BER buildings will also be air-cooled by the start of school in 2012.

Fact File

• All new primary schools to open in 2012 have air-cooling installed