Western Australia Minister for Health Kim Hames

New Ambulance For Rottnest

Victor P Taffa

• $180,000 ambulance delivered to island’s nursing post
• Replaces troop carrier in use since 2003
• Greater reliability of service for visitors and residents

The Rottnest Island Nursing Post has become even better equipped to deal with medical emergencies after a new ambulance was delivered to the island.

Health Minister Kim Hames said the $180,000 ambulance was a modern all-wheel-drive van that would replace a troop carrier that had been in use since 2003.

“The ‘troopy’ has served the nursing post well but due to the harsh environmental conditions at Rottnest, it needed to be replaced to ensure the post could continue to provide the highest quality of care to island visitors and residents.” Dr. Hames said.

The Minister said the ambulance, which was delivered before the busy summer period, had a brand new fit-out and would allow nursing post staff to provide a high level of patient care when responding to medical emergencies on the island.

“The new ambulance will provide greater reliability and safety for staff and patients.” Dr. Hames said.

“It is a lot more spacious, which will allow the staff to deliver better, immediate emergency care in transit when required.”

Dr. Hames said nursing post staff were excited to take delivery of the van and were looking forward to getting it on the road.

Fact File

• Photos of the ambulance are available on request
• Rottnest Island Nursing Post treats about 4,000 patients a year
• There are four permanent staff members based at the nursing post, which is open daily from 8.30am to 5pm, plus an on-call service after-hours
• Emergency physicians from Fremantle Hospital’s ED provide a service at the nursing post during the summer season and school holidays

Acting Western Australia Minister for Tourism Helen Morton

Hopman Cup Serves Up 24 Years Of World-Class Tennis

Victor P Taffa

• Set to be most televised single-week sporting event in the nation
• Five top 10 ranked players competing

Some of the world’s best sports stars will serve up another year of international-quality tennis at the Hyundai Hopman Cup XXIV.

Acting Tourism Minister Helen Morton said the tournament, now in its 24th year, was set to follow last year’s success of record breaking crowds and television viewers.

“Last year’s average session attendance broke the 7,000 mark for the first time, plus 3.6 Million Australians tuned into the TV coverage – that’s about One Million more viewers than the previous summer.” Mrs. Morton said.

“With 52 hours of national television coverage on ONE, this year’s Hyundai Hopman Cup is set to be the most televised single-week sporting event in Australia.”

The Minister said Caroline Wozniacki would be a significant drawcard, becoming the cup’s 24th world No. 1 player since the event launched in 1988.

“Caroline Wozniacki has won 18 Women’s Tennis Association events and joins two more of the world’s top five ranked women players at this year’s cup – the Czech Republic’s Petra Kvitova (No. 2) and China’s Li Na (No. 5).” Mrs. Morton said.

“Also part of this year’s action is two of the world’s top 10 male tennis players – Tomas Berdych from the Czech Republic and Mardy Fish from USA.”

“Former Grand Slam winner Lleyton Hewitt – and some of the game’s rising stars, including 11 new players – will also be part of the tournament’s best field ever assembled.”

The State Government, through Eventscorp, is proud to sponsor the Hopman Cup with a new four-year sponsorship agreement until 2014. This summer is the last for the tournament at the Burswood Dome, before moving to the new Perth Arena next year.

Fact File

• For the full line-up, visit http://www.hopmancup.com
• The event will be held from December 31, 2011 to January 7, 2012 at the Burswood Dome

Western Australia Minister for Local Government John Castrilli

Further Cuts To Local Government Red Tape

Victor P Taffa

• Administration burden of compliance audit process to be minimised
• Local government sector to operate more efficiently

Local Government Minister John Castrilli has greatly reduced the reporting burden and reduced unnecessary red tape for local governments, by simplifying the compliance audit returns.

Last December, Mr Castrilli announced a reduction of 20 % to the size of the compliance audit return. This latest 70 % reduction means local governments will deal with eight, not 27 pages.

“The change decreases the size of the return by removing questions on areas of compliance that are already audited by the Department of Local Government.” Mr. Castrilli said.

“Greater responsibility is given to each council’s audit committee to ensure the council complies with its statutory obligations.”
The remaining questions relate to areas of compliance considered high risk, such as:

• Financial interest disclosures
• Procurement and tendering
• Delegation and use of delegated power
• The recruitment and appointment of the chief executive officer.

The Minister said the cut to local government red tape was another step in the reform process, giving local governments more time and resources to benefit other community activities.

The need to review the local government compliance audit return process was identified in the Red Tape Reduction Group Report released in 2010 and the Local Government Reform Steering Committee Report, 2010.

The requirement for local governments to comply with relevant legislation will not change.

Mr. Castrilli said the Department of Local Government’s Compliance Framework was aimed at building good governance by promoting and enforcing compliance, and by encouraging all local governments to move beyond minimum compliance through continuous improvement.

“This is another significant improvement the State Government has been able to introduce for local governments and their communities.” Mr. Castrilli said.

Fact File

• The Local Government (Audit) Regulations are under the Local Government Act 1995

Western Australia Premier Colin Barnett

Western Australia Minister for State Development Colin Barnett

Changes To Oakajee State Agreement

Victor P Taffa

• Exclusivity arrangements in Oakajee State Development Agreement end from January 1, 2012
• Government will talk to all parties interested in developing the Oakajee port and rail access
• Government will continue to work with OPR partners, including about revising project and Chinese involvement

The Western Australian Government will continue to work with the Oakajee Port and Rail (OPR) partners, despite the exclusive arrangement expiring on December 31, 2011.

Premier and State Development Minister Colin Barnett said that from January 1, 2012, OPR would no longer have exclusive rights over the project, opening the way for the Government to work with industry to attract new partners to deliver the Oakajee project.

Mr. Barnett said the State Government and the OPR partners had agreed to remove the exclusive arrangement in the Oakajee State Development Agreement.

The Premier said the change would create new opportunities for:

• Attracting Chinese involvement in the project
• Reducing the capital cost of the project, including consideration of staging its development
• Separating infrastructure development and mining interests.

“Oakajee will be built Western Australia needs a deepwater port in the Mid-West to unlock the region’s potential.” Mr. Barnett said.

“The State Government will continue to work with OPR as a proponent, but we will also be considering a broader range of options.”

“Mitsubishi’s plan to purchase Murchison’s interest in the project and to seek another partner is a very positive development.”

“The Government will continue to encourage Chinese participation.”

“This is vital to the project because Chinese companies have major interests in Mid-West iron projects and China is likely to be the biggest customer for the region’s iron ore.”

“We are also very interested in considering proposals for reducing the cost of the project.”

“Our aim is to find a solution that suits all the players in the region – this will ensure the success of the project.”

The Premier said that the State Government and the Oakajee parties had also agreed that neither party would seek compensation, nor pursue issues of intellectual property in relation to the changes.

Fact File

• Mid-West magnetite iron ore reserves are estimated at more than 13 Billion tonnes
• Magnetite iron ore is preferred by Chinese steel makers
• Currently there are at least 14 Mid-West iron ore projects under way, committed or planned. At least eight have significant Chinese interest

Western Australia Minister for Culture and the Arts John Day

New Face In The Frame On Art Gallery Board

Victor P Taffa

• Trish Ridsdale appointed and Hamish Beck reappointed to board
• Dedication and contribution of Kellie Benda acknowledged
• Time of transformation for the Art Gallery of WA

Culture and the Arts Minister John Day have announced the three-year appointment of Trish Ridsdale to the Art Gallery of Western Australia board.

Mr. Day said Ms. Ridsdale joins the gallery board at a very exciting time.

“The three-year partnership with The Museum of Modern Art, New York is set to transform the gallery in 2012 and Ms. Ridsdale’s extensive knowledge of the tourism industry will bring fresh perspective and critical insights essential for developing the gallery’s cultural tourism market.” Mr. Day said.

Ms. Ridsdale has been a Tourism Western Australia commissioner since 2007. She is also chair of Traveller’s Choice, a leading Australian retail travel company and managing director of Board Business, a Perth based consultancy firm.

The Minister also announced the reappointment for two years of Hamish Beck.

“I’m pleased to announce Mr. Beck’s reappointment. As chair of the Art Gallery of Western Australia Foundation, he has been instrumental in helping the gallery to move forward during recent years.”

Mr. Day also acknowledged the hard work and dedication of Kellie Benda whose term expires on December 31, 2011.

“During Ms Benda’s time as board member, much has been achieved.” Mr. Day said.

“This included the appointment of Stefano Carboni as director; the development of the Western Australian Indigenous Art Awards into a nationally recognised event; and the launch of the Great Collections of the World series.”

Fact File

• For more information, visit: http://www.artgallery.wa.gov.au/about_us/
• Hamish Beck joined the Art Gallery of WA board in January 2006

Western Australia Minister for Planning John Day

New Redevelopment Authority To Transform Perth

Victor P Taffa

• MRA to commence on January 1, 2012
• Track record of East Perth, Subiaco, Midland and Armadale to be built on

The commencement of the Metropolitan Redevelopment Authority (MRA) on January 1, 2012 marks a new era of Perth’s urban renewal and revitalisation.

Planning Minister John Day said that by building on the successes of the four existing redevelopment authorities, the MRA would oversee delivery of some of the State Government’s most important projects.

“The MRA has been established with a very clear vision for the further redevelopment of Perth.” Mr. Day said.

“In partnership with Government, industry and the people of Perth, the MRA will continue to redefine our city through projects such as Perth Waterfront, Perth City Link, Perth Cultural Centre and Riverside.”

“In addition, the new MRA will take responsibility for completing key revitalisation projects across the metropolitan area, including the award-winning redevelopment of Subiaco, Midland and Armadale.”

The Minister said that, in preparing for commencement of the MRA, each of the four existing authorities had achieved significant milestones in delivery of their redevelopment projects.

“This includes the transfer of Champion Lakes Regatta Centre in Armadale to VenuesWest, and returning planning authority for parts of the New Northbridge and Claisebrook Village project areas, and part of Midland’s Woodbridge precinct, to the respective local governments.” Mr. Day said.

“The redevelopment authority model has strengthened the State’s planning system since 1991, facilitating the successful redevelopment of inner city land and other key strategic centres.”

“The MRA will increase project flexibility, continue to attract millions of dollars in private sector investment and create places where people want to live, work and visit.” Mr. Day said.

Fact File

• MRA will replace the existing redevelopment authorities in Armadale, East Perth, Midland and Subiaco
• Tony Morgan, current CEO of EPRA and the Subiaco Redevelopment Authority, has been appointed acting CEO of the MRA
• A website for the new authority will be available from January 1, 2012 – http://www.mra.wa.gov.au

Western Australia Minister for Sport and Recreation Terry Waldron

Documentary Highlights Social Value Of Sport

Victor P Taffa

• Special guests attend screening of RAW
• Film at Outcare Youth Services camp promotes self esteem

The ability of sport to help drive major social justice outcomes is highlighted in a documentary released this week in Perth.

Sport and Recreation Minister Terry Waldron and special guests attended a screening of RAW: A Reason to Change at the Department of Sport and Recreation offices in Leederville.

“The documentary is about a six-day camp driven by Outcare Youth Services and funded by the State Government to deal with escalating anti-social and offending behaviour of identified young people in the Midland district.” Mr. Waldron said.

“Sport and recreation was a key in breaking down barriers, building trust, teaching team building and leadership and providing the necessary self-esteem for these young men to make a commitment to change.”

“Of the 13 young, mostly Aboriginal men who attended the camp, I am proud to report that nine have achieved their Certificate II in Building and Construction and six have so far gone on to gain employment.”

“Others have continued their studies.” Mr. Waldron said.

The Minister said sport and recreation had the power to change lives for the better and the ability to drive initiatives to make a positive difference in communities. Results from the camp highlighted this.

Other department social justice initiatives include the Northbridge Youth Engagement Program, to address the number of young people being detained in Northbridge on Friday and Saturday nights.

Through engagement in sport and recreation activities such as Midnight Basketball in the cities of Armadale and Swan, the program has contributed to a continuing drop in the number of youth being detained in 2011.

Fact File

• To view RAW: A Reason to Change go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UNA_r3ShvnI
• Governor Malcolm McCusker, Mrs Tonya McCusker, Perth Children’s Court President Judge Denis Reynolds and representatives from WA Police, Department of Indigenous Affairs and Centrelink attended

Western Australia Minister for Transport Troy Buswell

Path To Provide Vital Link On Reid Highway

Victor P Taffa

• $5.5 Million for new 3km Principal Shared Path on Reid Highway
• Will connect Mirrabooka Ave with Camboon Road

Cyclists and pedestrians will benefit from a new $5.5 Million State Government-funded Principal Shared Path on Reid Highway.

Transport Minister Troy Buswell said the project would be undertaken by Abigroup Contractors, which had this year completed the traffic interchanges at Alexander Drive and Mirrabooka Avenue on Reid Highway.

“The new path will cater for cyclists and pedestrians and connect Mirrabooka Avenue with Camboon Road, Noranda, via the existing bridge over Reid Highway at Northwood Avenue.” Mr. Buswell said.

“Covering more than three kilometres, it will provide a vital link between existing east-west and north-south cycle routes which are part of the Department of Transport’s Perth Bicycle Network.

“It will also provide an alternative route for the community to access surrounding local facilities such as shops, schools and recreation centres.”

The Minister said preparation work for the new path had already started. Major works will begin in the New Year and the new path, along with associated landscaping, will be completed by June 2012.

In the interests of safety and security, the path will be fenced with wire rope barriers where it is being built adjacent to Reid Highway between Northwood and Alexander drives and illuminated to current Australian standards.

Fact File

• Construction will commence after January 9, 2012 and all work will be undertaken during daylight hours
• The northern side of Reid Highway is a protected ‘Bush Forever’ site. Clearing for the path is only being undertaken in the dedicated road reserve and will not affect this environmentally sensitive area

Western Australia Minister for Transport Troy Buswell

Upgrade For Nicholls Curve On Brookton Hwy

Victor P Taffa

• $3.4M upgrade to improve road section with crash history
• Funding from State Safer Roads program

The State Government will spend $3.4 Million to upgrade the Nicholls Curve section of Brookton Highway, east of Hyden, in the southern Wheatbelt.

Transport Minister Troy Buswell said works, funded by the State Safer Roads program, would begin in early January and be completed by May 2012.

“The works will greatly improve road safety by eliminating a series of substandard curves that have a crash history and are a constant source of concern for the local community.” Mr. Buswell said.

“The shires of Kondinin and Kulin will combine resources under the leadership of the Shire of Kondinin to deliver the project and Main Roads Wheatbelt South Region will oversee the project delivery and provide engineering and material testing support.”

“This is yet another example of combining State and local government agency resources to deliver a very good value for money project to benefit Western Australian road users.”

The Minister said the project will also help create local employment opportunities.

Fact File

• Shire of Kondinin previously completed Main Roads works at Mundays Tree on Brookton Highway

Western Australia Minister for Transport Troy Buswell

More Work At Eelup Roundabout In 2012

Victor P Taffa

• Work on traffic signals at Eelup roundabout to start in early 2012
• Construction of a third lane in the roundabout

The $16 Million upgrade of Bunbury’s Eelup traffic roundabout will recommence in the New Year with remaining works to signalise the intersection.

Transport Minister Troy Buswell said Fulton Hogan Pty Ltd was awarded a $5.9 Million contract to undertake the full signalisation and construct a third lane within the roundabout to increase vehicle capacity.

“This work follows the completion of the free left slip lane in October 2011, ahead of the CHOGM weekend.” Mr. Buswell said.

“Traffic volumes are increasing at the roundabout, which has the highest number of crashes in Western Australia, so it is fantastic that the slip lane enables southbound traffic to avoid the roundabout all together.”

“The upgrade works will reduce crashes at the Eelup roundabout as well as increase its capacity to cope with the projected future traffic growth at the intersection.”

The roundabout will have traffic signals on all four approaches which will be co-ordinated to maximise efficient traffic flow.

The signalisation option fits well with the ultimate future upgrade of the site which will incorporate a flyover.

Fulton Hogan declared during the contract tendering process it would source regional goods and services to the value of $3.8 Million.

“This will provide a boost to South-West suppliers and reflects the value of the State Government’s ‘buy local’ policy.” the Minister said.

Fact File

• Works will be carried out from January 2012 to June 2012
• The roundabout carries 40,000 vehicles per day
• In the past five years, there have been 650 crashes costing the community an estimated $11Million