Western Australia Minister for Disability Services Simon O’ Brien

Beach holiday house opens for people with disabilities

Victor P Taffa

Most Western Australians love a beach holiday and people with disabilities can now enjoy one at a dedicated house in Bunbury run by a charity organisation.

Western Australia Minister for Disability Services Simon O’Brien today opened the four-bedroom holiday house on behalf of the Premier.

“A Lotterywest grant of more than $27,000 was used to pay for furniture and fittings, chosen to suit people with disabilities,” Mr O’Brien said.

The Minister said the project was a great example of how the community could start putting the State Government’s new Disability Future Directions strategy into practice.

“Priorities of the new strategy include more accessible homes and full participation for people with disabilities, including recreation,” he said.

“People with disabilities using the house can bring their own support worker of the charity, Baptistcare, can engage one for them.”

Bunbury MLA John Castrilli welcomed the facility.

“This house will offer people with disabilities the chance to enjoy something close to the hearts of most Western Australians – a break with friends and family enjoying sun, sea and sand,” Mr Castrilli said.

Baptistcare spokesperson Rob Douglas said the organisation was keen to find ways to help people with disabilities receive the best possible service and a holiday house was an ideal way of meeting needs in the region.

“It provides an opportunity for people with disabilities in other parts of WA who may wish to have a holiday at the beach,” Mr Douglas said. 

John Castrilli Bunbury MLA

Western Australia Minister for Lands Brendon Grylls

State Government calls for developers to transform the Pilbara

Victor P Taffa

As a part of the State Government’s ‘Pilbara Cities’ initiative, major developers across Australia are being invited to participate in the revitalisation of South Hedland.

Western Australia Minister for Lands Brendon Grylls said the Government was seeking expressions of interest from across Australia from suitable developers for a 1.2ha site in the middle of the town.

“It was the first in a series of land releases under the $23 Million revitalisation project, funded through the State Government’s Royalties for Region’s program,” Mr Grylls said.

“This is a chance for major developers to gain a foothold in the Pilbara, express their individuality and stamp their own creative mark on the new South Hedland.”

The Minister said South Hedland did not have enough residential, retail, office and commercial space and the successful proponent would be asked to create a landmark development to provide a variety of modern options for local businesses, becoming a tangible focal point for the community.

The project was also expected to include up to 95 apartments, bringing a new style of living to South Hedland.

“A new generation is moving to the Pilbara and existing and future residents are demanding modern accommodation, and a mix of housing that is different to the traditional single residential home,” Mr Grylls said.

“They want townhouse and apartment-style living appropriate for the climate and boasting a high-quality lifestyle.

“This is a timely opportunity for a major developer to take up the challenge and recreate the Pilbara.”

Port Hedland Mayor Kelly Howlett said the revitalisation would bring enormous benefits for South Hedland.

“It will create a better lifestyle and sense of community for residents and businesses, and council is extremely supportive of the plans for more affordable housing in the area,” Ms Howlett said.

“It would be fantastic to see a major developer come on board to help Hedland become a destination of choice for its lifestyle, business, industry and tourism aspects.

“I expect the new South Hedland town centre will become a blueprint for the revitalisation of other regional towns.”

Offers to develop the 1.2ha site, located on the corner of Collier Drive, Colebatch Way and Murdoch Drive in the centre of South Hedland, close at 2pm WST on March 16.

Fact sheet

The State Government is investing hundreds of millions of dollars to bring the region into the modern era, updating infrastructure and stimulating the economy.

It has allocated $300 Million to the Pilbara Revitalisation Plan and was also seeking $471 Million in Infrastructure Australia funding for major items, such as airport upgrades, wastewater services, serviced land and some accommodation.

With funding from the State Government’s Royalties for Regions program, $23 Million was being spent on the South Hedland town centre revitalisation.

The project includes land for up to 600 dwellings, new commercial and retail spaces, enhanced streetscapes and a new town square to make South Hedland a more attractive, vibrant place to live and work.

The town square concept which was revealed at the launch of Pilbara Cities in late November will include a retail and café strip, shade structures, a grassed amphitheatre-style multi-use event space, a water-play area and public artworks.

Western Australia Minister for Culture and the Arts John Day

Literary review strengthens Western Australian Premier’s Book Awards

Victor P Taffa

The Western Australian Premier’s Book Awards will receive an additional $80,000 a year in State Government funding, following a comprehensive external review of two literary awards.

Western Australia Minister for Culture and the Arts John Day said he made the decision to strengthen the successful and popular WA Premier’s Book Awards (PBA), while the Australia-Asia Literary Award (AALA) would be discontinued.

Mr Day said although the Government fully supported the original intent of the AALA to draw international recognition to WA and its community of writers, there was no capacity for it to continue as there was no funding allocated beyond 2012.

“Given the economic pressures, the AALA does not represent the most prudent use of funds and is unsustainable,” he said.

“The Premier’s Book Awards have a long and proud history and, with some additional support, can maintain the outward looking vision of the AALA.

“The AALA will be discontinued immediately so we can free up some of those funds for an improved Premier’s Book Awards.

“These funds will allow for an increased prize pool, specialist judging expertise and improved promotion, with an emphasis on attracting sponsorships and partnerships.”

The Minister said the PBA would be broadened to allow all Australian writers to enter, widening the award’s prestige and bringing PBA in line with other significant interstate awards.

Entries were now open for Australian works published in 2008 and 2009 with increases to the top prize (Premier’s Prize) and the following categories:

• Fiction;
• Non-Fiction;
• Young Adult;
• Children’s;
• WA History;
• Poetry;
• Script.

The ‘Premier’s Prize’ would be increased to $25,000 and when combined with one of the sub-categories, this top prize value would be worth up to $40,000.

The two years would be judged separately, have access to separate prizes and would be recognised at a single event in August 2010. Category winners would be shortlisted for the two Premier’s Prizes for 2008 and 2009 which would be awarded at the event.

Further changes to award categories would be introduced in 2011 and be announced at the August event. One of the new categories would include a People’s Choice Award, designed to create greater interest in Western Australian writing through a public voting process.

In addition to changes to the Premier’s Book Awards, the Government would support Writing WA in 2010 with $30,000 towards the costs of a WA Writer’s Showcase to be programmed within the Visiting Industry Program for the 2010 Perth Writers’ Festival which starts this month.

The showcase would be attended by artistic directors of leading international literature festivals and would promote the work of local writers to international markets.

The executive summary of the Report of the Review of the Western Australian Premier’s and Australia-Asia Literary Award Schemes is available on the Department of Culture and the Arts website:

http://www.dca.wa.gov.au

or phone 9224 7300.

Western Australia Minister for Training and Workforce Development Peter Collier

More students to study at publicly-funded training colleges this year

Victor P Taffa

An increasing number of students are opting to study at publicly-funded training colleges this year, with a 17 % rise in the number of offers to students.

Western Australia Minister for Training and Workforce Development Peter Collier said 12,903 students received first-round offers to study in semester one, compared with 10,985 last year and 9,870 in 2008.

 “This steady increase during the past three years shows that more Western Australians realise the importance of a vocational education and training qualification,” Mr Collier said.

 “The State Government introduced a number of initiatives last year to boost training in WA, including course fee exemptions for unemployed people wanting to learn in publicly- subsidised training.

 “This program has been successfully implemented with 1,400 students receiving course fee exemptions as at the end of October 2009.”

 Of the15, 411 applications received by the Department of Training and Workforce Development’s TAFE admissions for semester one:

•  84 % received an offer of a place in a training course,
• 92 % of these were offered their first choice,
• 40 % or more were lodged by school leavers,
• 82 % of total applications were lodged electronically in 2010,
• 7 % of total applications were lodged electronically in 2004.

The most popular courses include:

•  Mining and Engineering;
• Building and Construction;
• Business and Management;
• Computing and Information Technology;
• Community Services;
• Health and Education;
• Arts and Entertainment.

The Minister said it was important that WA had a skilled workforce to meet the growing employment opportunities that were unfolding in the State.

“As WA enters an exciting new era in training and workforce development, the Government will maintain its commitment to developing, attracting and retaining a skilled workforce for the longer term,” he said.

“As part of that new era, TAFE colleges have been given the opportunity to increase their autonomy to be more competitive in Australia and overseas.

“It will also allow them to be more responsive to a rapidly growing and changing population and workforce.”

Western Australia Minister for Lands Brendon Grylls

Agreement signed for $42 Million Newman project

Victor P Taffa

A 10 hectare site in Newman would be developed as residential and short-term tourism accommodation following the signing of a State Government agreement in Newman today.

Western Australia Minister for Lands Brendon Grylls said the agreement between the Government and Grandtown Pty Ltd would enable the go ahead of a $42 Million development that would significantly benefit the Newman community.

The developer is a consortium comprising the Karlka Nyiyaparli Aboriginal Corporation, representing native title claimants for the Newman town site, and Grandtown Sun Village Pty Ltd, an experienced land developer.

Mr Grylls said the Department of Regional Development and Lands had worked closely with local stakeholders and the native title claimants, to develop the agreement for the site North of Kalgan Drive.

“Today’s signing of the deed of option is another step forward in bringing significant benefits to the native title claimants in this area through this project,” he said.

“The development will consist of 200 self-contained, eco-friendly units for mining use and 10 self-contained three bedroom units for tourism use.

“It will also include a hotel with a 120 person conference room, restaurant, bar, swimming pool and souvenir outlet.”

The Minister said indigenous contractors would be employed on the construction of the development, including major earthworks.

“This as an exciting opportunity for the private sector and the native title claimants to work together on a project which will provide lasting benefits to the Newman community,” he said.

Key points

• The Department of Regional Development and Lands has been working with various stakeholders to release urgently needed development land in the Pilbara.

• The signing of the deed of option will have benefits for the whole of Newman as well as native title claimants.

• The land is a 10 hectare site on the North side of Kalgan Drive for development for residential and short-term tourism accommodation.

• The $42 Million development includes 200 self-contained eco-friendly units for mining use, 10 self-contained three bedroom units for tourism use and a hotel including a conference room, restaurant, bar and swimming pool.

Western Australia Premier Colin Barnett

Western Australia Minister for Mental Health Graham Jacobs

Mental health services revolutionised with Australian-first initiative

Victor P Taffa

The Liberal-National Government has continued to revolutionise the management and service of mental health by today delivering on an election commitment to establish Australia’s first Mental Health Commission.

The Mental Health Commission would be established from March 2010 with a focus on people living with a mental illness and their ability to recover. The commission would assume and expand upon the current functions of the Department of Health’s Mental Health Division.

Western Australia Premier Colin Barnett said the new commission would have its own management and budget after a phase in period. Over coming years, mental health would be separated from the Health portfolio. The commission would be responsible for operating all aspects of mental health services throughout the State, with final responsibility resting with the Mental Health Minister. The commission would have powers broadly consistent with the successful Disability Services Commission.

Services would continue to be delivered by a range of providers including:

• Area Health Services;
• Community and Non-Profit Organisations;
• The Private Sector.

“This focus on mental health will enable the State Government to have dedicated and tailored services to provide the best possible services and planning for people with mental illness,” Mr Barnett said.

“This change is an important social policy in the Government’s step towards a modern and effective mental health system.

“Too often governments place the issue of mental health in the ‘too hard’ basket. The Liberal- National Government is facing the issues head on and is implementing nation-leading reform as it is clear from the statistics that a different approach is needed to what has gone before.

“For a long time mental health issues were a taboo subject but for this Government, silence is not acceptable. One of this Government’s first actions was to appoint Australia’s first Mental Health Minister and the new Mental Health Commissioner will help implement the much-needed reforms to better help people with mental illness.

“The Mental Health Commission is a key step in implementing the State Government’s reform agenda outlined in the Economic Audit Committee Report and places Western Australia with the international leaders in mental health service delivery such as Canada, Scotland and New Zealand.

“The consequences of mental illness can be tragic with suicide, violence, homelessness and self harm. Mental illness issues are often exacerbated by illicit drugs and that is why this Government is also attacking the issue on that front with tough new cannabis laws.”

Western Australia Minister for Mental Health Graham Jacobs said statistics on mental health supported the Liberal-National Government’s push for reform.

“Each year one in five Western Australians experience a mental illness. In 2007, a population health study found at least half of all Australians with a mental health disorder have an issue with alcohol or drugs,” Dr Jacobs said.

“A quarter of people with anxiety disorders, affective disorders and substance use disorders also have another mental disorder, 64 % of psychiatric in-patients may have a current or previous drug use problem, 75 % of people with alcohol and substance use problems may have a mental illness and 90 % of males with schizophrenia may have a substance use problem.

“The urgent priority in WA is to improve the way in which individual care is provided and co-ordinated for people with mental health problems.

“Too many Western Australians with a mental illness end up in our hospitals. Too many relapse and have to return to hospital because there is no alternative.

“This new approach will ensure that mental health consumers and carers can have more input into the planning and delivery of mental health services.

“We are recognising that many of the influences of good mental health, and of mental illness, are determined by factors outside the health system.

“The announcement today will ensure there is more scope to work with the community sector. Their commitment and capacity to work with people means the non-government sector has the flexibility to be innovative and respond to emerging public needs.”

Steps are under way to recruit a commissioner who will be a senior public sector chief executive empowered to lead a broad and rigorous reform agenda.

The State Government is committed to the establishment of an advisory council representing both government and non-government groups and a peak group to act as a consumer voice. These roles would enhance but not duplicate the good work that was already done by consumer advocates.

The Government-commissioned Economic Audit Committee report identified mental health as an area where there was considerable scope to do things differently to get better outcomes for the people of Western Australia.

The Economic Audit Report estimated that 15.7 % of the total cost of government services in the 10 largest human services agencies was paid to non-government organisations to deliver those services. In disability services it was almost 70 %.

WA Minister for Mental Health

Western Australia Minister for Fisheries Norman Moore

Fisheries-Woodside education partnership puts students in the swim

Victor P Taffa

The first joint-partnership between the Department of Fisheries and leading oil and gas giant Woodside would give Western Australian students and teachers better tools to study our marine environment.

Western Australia Minister for Fisheries Norman Moore said the social investment program would facilitate incorporation of the marine education manual and teachers’ kit into schools as an important teaching tool, and was a classic example of State Government-corporate sector co-operation

“This collaboration will provide access to teaching tools developed specifically to improve marine education in WA,” he said.

The Minister said in light of the State’s vast coastline, it was important students understood WA’s marine environment in order to make informed decisions about its sustainable management in the future.

“Woodside’s $300,000 support over two years means the marine education manual and teachers’ kit will be provided free-of-charge to every school in WA,” he said.

“This will allow consistency and quality of education in this specialist and important subject. Education is fundamental to understanding the issues facing our fisheries today and in future.”

Executive vice president Kevin Gallagher said, as a marine operator, Woodside and its workers understood and valued the diversity, complexity and beauty of the marine environment.

“For most Australians the marine environment, filled with all manner of life and energy, is an unknown world,” Mr Gallagher said. “Our support and involvement with Marine Discovery West is a great fit.”

He said Woodside had a comprehensive history of contributing to knowledge of the marine environment, including long-lasting relationships with more than 10 State and national bodies focused on marine research, education and conservation.

“This program is significant for Woodside as we have a responsibility to understand the marine environment,” Mr Gallagher said. “By educating our young people we can help secure its future.”

Marine Discovery West, the education arm of the Department of Fisheries, carries out programs for the approximately 385,000 students in more than 1,100 State Government and independent schools in WA’s Metropolitan and Regional areas.

Part 1 of the marine education manual (for primary schools) will be implemented in 2011. Part 2 (for secondary schools) is expected to come on stream in 2012.

For more information about the Naturaliste Marine Discovery Centre and Marine Discovery West, visit:

http://www.nmdc.com.au or phone 9203 0339 and for more information about the department visit:

http://www.fish.wa.gov.au or call 9482 7333.

Western Australia Minister for Lands Brendon Grylls

Another chance for locals in Kununurra land sale

Victor P Taffa

The State Government has offered locals who missed out on the recent release of lots at Kununurra’s Lakeside Park estate another opportunity to purchase land this month.

Western Australia Minister for Lands Brendon Grylls said 18 lots were being made available for sale as house and land packages and a further five lots would be offered for sale by registration of interest.

“Given the high demand for residential land shown recently in Kununurra, the State Government is re-introducing preferences to ensure local owner-occupiers and business owners are given the first chance to buy in this release,” Mr Grylls said.

“In addition, we’re selling the land via a registration of interest system to ensure fair access to these five lots.”

The online registration of interest would offer four lots from Stage 4 and one from Stage 5 of the development, with first preference given to local owner-occupiers and business owners.

The Minister said he anticipated the sale of the blocks, combined with the upcoming house and land package release at the end of the month, would satisfy local short-term demand.

The lots were priced from $137,000 and ranged from 537 to 621 sqm.

Potential purchasers would be required to register their details online at: http://www.landcorp.com.au/lakesidepark from 9 am this Friday to 2 pm on February 11.

Registrations would be entered into a draw to be held on February 16.

Another 18 house and land packages will be released at Lakeside Park from 9 am on February 26.

Western Australia Minister for Planning John Day

Appointments announced for new Kimberley Regional Planning Committee

Victor P Taffa

Western Australia Minister for Planning John Day has approved the appointment of members to the new Kimberley Regional Planning Committee one of four new regional planning committees being established in the State’s North.

Mr Day, who visited Broome today to attend the initial part of the committee’s two-day inaugural meeting, said the committee would play a vital role in developing regional priorities and policy settings for the region.

“Western Australian Planning Commission (WAPC) Chairman Gary Prattley will chair the new committee,” he said.

“Derby/West Kimberley Councillor Jack Burton will be the community affairs representative.

“Broome Shire president Graeme Campbell and Wyndham-East Kimberley Shire President Fred Mills will represent the interests of local government.

“Aboriginal interests will be represented by Kimberley Land Council Chief Executive Officer Wayne Bergmann and Woodside Corporate Affairs Vice President Niegel Grazia is the Chamber of Minerals and Energy’s nominee.

“The appointment of these valued community and stakeholder representatives will ensure that balanced outcomes of the committee are achieved.”

The following government agency appointments have also been made:

•  Philip Woodward – Department of Planning
• Gail McGowan – Department of State Development
• Peter Stubbs – Department of Regional Development and Lands
• Daryl Moncrieff – Department of Environment and Conservation
• Dr Ivor Roberts – Department of Mines and Petroleum
• Jeff Gooding – Kimberley Development Commission

The new committee has been established under the Planning and Development Act 2005 and will undertake a range of statutory planning functions for the region as delegated to it by the WAPC. All appointments are for a two-year term.

Western Australia Minister for Lands Brendon Grylls

Work starts on Onslow complex

Victor P Taffa

Construction of the new $10.9 Million Onslow Sporting and Multi Purpose Complex and Precinct started today with the turning of the first sod by Regional Development and Lands Minister Brendon Grylls.

The project, one of the major developments in Onslow as part of the Pilbara Revitalisation Plan, included $7 Million in funds from the State Government’s Royalties for Regions program.

Mr Grylls said the development was an important part of the Government’s plan to revitalise the Pilbara. The new multi-purpose complex would include a full size sports gymnasium as well as a community emergency evacuation centre for use during extreme weather conditions such as cyclones.

“This is a priority for this area and I am pleased to see the plans for the complex are becoming a reality,” he said.

The Minister said existing sporting facilities were also being upgraded as part of the project.

“The work will include shade structures over the basketball courts, lighting, landscaping, new footpaths and a water playground, creating a sporting and activity precinct,” Mr Grylls said.

“Onslow residents endure temperatures above 35 ° for 150 days a year and, for 30 of those days, the temperature is above 40°.

“The community will be able to enjoy the new facilities in all temperatures.”

Shire of Ashburton President Greg Musgrave said Onslow residents would finally have an all-year sporting facility, enabling all age groups to participate in a wide range of recreational and community activities.

 Mr Musgrave said Pindan and Peter Hunt Architects had been awarded the contract to design and build the multi-purpose complex, which was expected to be completed by November.

Tenders for the rest of the precinct upgrade would be advertised this month (February) and construction of the precinct tennis courts, water playground and oval redevelopment was expected to start in April.