2016 Improv Comedy Sports Program

2016 is about to become the year of spontaneous hilarity. The Comedy Emporium has just
launched it’s 2016 Improv Comedy Sports Program and they need players! On the 10th of Feb a
Youth and Adults troupe will be starting its training program running alongside the school terms.

Registrations are open now till the start of the season on the 10th of Feb.

Youth Improv Comedy Sports is an after school program designed to keep the kids out of your
house and out of your hair. Comedy Emporium Improv Coach Jody Quadrio will be taking
players through activities and training which builds skills in creativity, teamwork, humor and
performance.

“If you're an adult or student and you want to be more confident and act like a idiot to make
others laugh.. Then you really need to come down ” says The Comedy Emporium’s Ringleader
Julian Canny.

The program aims to develop local talent and entertainment, while building self esteem,
confidence, and problem solving abilities. Youth Improv workshops are open to everyone aged
between 13 and 18, they operate weekly on a Wednesday afternoon from 3:30 to 5:00pm. The
adults troupe practice once a fortnight 7:30pm 9pm beginning on the 10th of February.

“With three performance showdowns per six month season and roughly 10 adult and 19 youth
workshops per term, students have plenty of opportunity to showcase their talents to an
audience and build friendships within the troupe.” says Ringmistress Jody Quadrio who leads
The Comedy Emporium’s Improv Troupes.

Sessions begin with icebreakers and team building activities to get participants comfortable, and are followed by physical and vocal warm ups. Attendees are taught performance basics like voice projection and stage presence, and the basics of improvquick thinking, the art of
punchlines, and working with other players, through different improv games.

If the idea of getting involved with Improv Comedy appeals to you get in touch with the team.

For more information visit www.thecomedyemporium.com or contact Jody on 0498 230 487
or jody@thecomedyemporium.com

New shared pathway provides important north-south link

Users of the existing walk trail between the Chapman River footbridge and the Chapman Valley Road roundabout will soon be able to enjoy walking, cycling or skating on a paved pathway designed for all users. 

Starting next week, the City will be formalising the existing footpath that begins at the entrance to Spalding Park and leads to the footbridge on the south side of the river at the North West Coastal Highway with works to begin on Tuesday 29 March.  The shared pathway will continue on the north side of the bridge ending at the Chapman Valley Road Roundabout. 

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said the 850m long and 2.5m wide asphalt pathway will improve community safety, promote healthier lifestyles and provide a much needed connection to the existing path network. 

“A large number of school students use the footbridge over the Chapman River to get and from school every day and at the moment there is no formal pathway on either side of the footbridge for students to safely cycle, walk or ride scooters to school,” he said. 

“The shared footpath will complete an important link between Geraldton's suburbs on both sides of the Chapman River integrating the existing coastal and river path networks with the CBD and coastal paths to the southern suburbs. 

“Residents living in the areas of Waggrakine, Glenfield, Sunset Beach, Spalding Park and Bluff Point will be able to enjoy the health benefits a fully accessible pathway provides for cyclists, pedestrians, prams, walkers and wheelchairs alike.” 

During the construction period the footbridge over the Chapman River will be open, however, pedestrians are advised to exercise caution and obey all warning signs and direction from City personnel and contractors. The City strongly encourages the community to use the Chapman Road Bridge as an alternative river crossing. 

The $180,000 project, which was identified by the community during the Sunset Beach Precinct Planning workshops, is 50 percent funded by a Regional Bicycle Network grant from the Department of Transport with the City contributing the other half. 

Picture Caption: the Chapman River footbridge and the Chapman Valley Road roundabout will soon be able to enjoy walking, cycling or skating on a paved pathway designed for all users.

Calling all youth organisations!

It’s Geraldton’s biggest event and one local youth organisation has the opportunity to reap the benefits from triple j’s One Night Stand held in Geraldton on 9 April. 

The City of Greater Geraldton is currently calling for expressions of interest from local youth organisations to gain the funds from the gold coin donation entry for the event. 

Mayor Shane Van Styn said that this event could attract in excess of 10,000 people which would be a huge injection of money into the chosen local organisation. 

“This is a huge opportunity for a local youth organisation to raise some serious funds,” he said. 

“We are encouraging all local youth organisations to fill out the EOI and be in the running. 

“This amount of money could do wonders for a not for profit organisation.” 

One Night Stand is an all ages, drug and alcohol free music festival which will be held at WA Country Builders Stadium (Wonthella Oval) on Saturday 9 April. 

Attracting concert goers from all over the state, acts include Boy & Bear, Alison Wonderland and Urthboy. 

There is a criteria which the organisation must meet to be in the running to receive the funds. 

This criteria and the EOI form can be found on the City’s website at http://ow.ly/ZAJ7p

Southgate Sand Dunes

Nationals WA Member of Parliament Paul Brown MP, has added his voice to that of representatives of the City of Greater Geraldton (CGG) and residents alarmed by the potential development of a housing estate at the iconic Southgate sand dunes.

The planned housing estate has recently been given conditional approval by the Ministers for Planning and Environment which has led to a large #SaveSouthgates social media campaign opposing the development. The dire financial implications of the development are also a concern for the ratepayers of the CGG.

Mr Brown said “I share the concerns that the community have about the potential destruction of the iconic Southgate sand dunes area. The dunes are the first landmark that greet people to Geraldton travelling north and have long been considered a part of the fabric of environmental wonders that make Geraldton the fantastic place it is today.”

“The environmental impact of removal of this sand dune system is not fully understood, with a number of environmental reports over the last decade highlighting the important role that the sand dunes play in replenishing the beaches to the north.”

The expansion and deepening of the Geraldton Port in 2004 has led to considerable erosion problems along the Beresford Foreshore area and cause large amounts of sand to be accumulated behind the Geraldton Port at Pages Beach. Approx. 11,000 metric tonnes of beach sand is physically removed and bypassed from Pages Beach to the Beresford Foreshore annually.

Mr Brown said “Geraldton is already suffering from the impacts of a number of poorly understood environmental outcomes from coastal development that has seen serious erosion along our City’s coastline.”

“Why would anyone think that it is appropriate for a housing development to go ahead on that section of our coast when everyone from the Environmental Protection Agency to coastal planning academics have warned of the potential environmental catastrophe if the Southgate sand dunes are partially or completely flattened?”

Mr Brown confirmed that he will take a community petition to Parliament so that the Environment and Public Affairs Committee in the Legislative Council can consider an enquiry into the implications of the development.

City named a finalist in state awards for Esplanade signage

The City of Greater Geraldton is proud to be named as one of the finalists in the 2016 Western Australian Heritage Awards. Minister for Environment and Heritage Hon Albert Jacob MLA announced the City’s Esplanade interpretive signage project as a finalist in the contribution by a public or private organisation category in the prestigious state awards.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said it was a significant achievement and great promotion of Geraldton’s rich heritage.

“We are delighted to be listed as finalists as it recognises the dedication and hard work of staff on this project,” he said.

“The signage has proved to be the perfect addition to the Esplanade, it enhances the area and provides visitors and residents with historical and contemporary information about the surroundings.”

The development of the Eastern Breakwater, which formed part of the West End Revitalisation Project, is a contemporary interpretation of the original Esplanade Jetty which was constructed in 1857 and demolished in 1944.  Renamed The Esplanade in December 2013 and officially opened by the Premier of WA in April 2014, the structure boasts a viewing tower, barbecue facilities, shaded areaand landscaping – returning to Geraldton a much loved community facility which had been lost for 70 years.

In partnership with Mid West Ports Authority, the City of Greater Geraldton embarked on the final stage of the Esplanade project - the installation of interpretive signage, telescopes and a sound unit which provides quality information about the area to the public. It also emphasises the significance of the Geraldton Port to the growing town and wider district and region since the 1850s.

Themes displayed on the signage include the Esplanade, a timeline from beach landing to Port City, the Port at work, Geraldton’s connection to the world, our sleepy sea lions, homeland of the Yamaji and scenes from a changing foreshore.

Award winners will be announced on Thursday 31 March 2016, at the former Hale House that is now the Office of the Premier and Cabinet Room.

Town Beach gets mobility beach access ramp

Regional Ambassador for of ‘Count Me In’ Chris Kerr on site where the mobility beach access ramp will be constructed at Town Beach.

Access to Town Beach is about to get a whole lot easier for people with mobility impairments as construction of the long awaited mobility beach access ramp begins on 29 March 2016. 

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said the wheelchair ramp not only provides additional amenity to the Foreshore it also links the ocean to the recently refurbished Town Beach toilet block. 

“The construction of the beach wheelchair ramp provides an important link between the Town Beach toilet block located in the Youth Precinct and the sea,” he said 

“The recently opened toilet block, which is the first Changing Places Facility in Western Australia, features a hoist, an adjustable adult change table and toilet and shower facilities. 

“Once construction of the mobility beach access ramp is complete everyone, regardless of their level of ability, will be able to enjoy the ocean.” 

The beach wheelchair ramp, which will be built on the western side of the Town Beach groyne across from the basketball half court, is specifically designed and engineered to counteract erosion from the sea. The path will feature stainless steel handrails for users down to the high water mark on the beach. 

The contract to build the ramp was awarded to Neo Infrastructure a leading civil construction services company highly experienced in building marine infrastructure and coastal facilities. 

A beach wheelchair currently stored at the Two Foreshore Café is available for use by contacting the City. 

The $285,000 project is partially funded by the Disability Services Commission, a grant funding program administered by the Western Australian Local Government Association contributing $50,000 (Inc GST).

List your Home for the triple j One Night Stand weekend

Who’s thinking of turning their property or home into an Airbnb for the triple j One Night Stand weekend?

Jump onto www.airbnb.com and list your home, property or garden (camping) as accommodation for 8,9 and 10 April 2016.

We appreciate the community’s support for this amazing event!

Triple J Unearthed NIDA Competition

triple j Unearthed and rage have teamed up with the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) for a unique initiative which pairs Australia’s most talented emerging artists with the creative brains of NIDA students.

A team of NIDA students will bring their skills, expertise and professional equipment into collaborations with six innovative Unearthed artists to make a music video, which will be aired on rage.

Now we’re on the hunt for rising stars to receive this opportunity. Are you in a band, a solo act, producer or MC? We want to hear from you!

TO ENTER:

1. Create a triple j Unearthed profile
2. Contact us with a link to your triple j Unearthed profile by Sunday 3 April

THE PRIZE:

• Team up with NIDA directing, design, and production students to conceive and execute a music video.
• NIDA will provide film equipment, locations for studio shooting, access to the supporting NIDA departments and a budget of $200.
• Music videos will be aired on rage on ABC1.

Last year NIDA students teamed up with Polish Club and Donatachi with some pretty amazing results. We can’t wait to see what the class of 2016 comes up with!

Life Saving Breast Screenings on Offer at GRAMS

Mid West woman are being urged to take the opportunity for potentially life-saving free breast cancer screenings at Geraldton Regional Aboriginal Medical Service (GRAMS) from March 14 to 24.

The BreastScreen WA (BSWA)10-metre van will be parked at the GRAMS Rifle Range Road clinic to encourage Aboriginal women aged over 40 years to attend for a free mammogram.
GRAMS CEO and Breast Cancer survivor Deborah Woods said “Having the highly visual van at the premises was a real coup in GRAMS’ ongoing bid to encourage preventative health care.

“GRAMS had been working for the past several years to encourage women to take advantage of free screenings. Having been through this first-hand and knowing the absolute difference early detection makes, this really is a potentially lifesaving screening.”

Dedicated GRAMS chronic disease registered nurse Blaise Chapman stated that In 2010 the attendance for GRAMS patients at the BSWA van was 78 women. In 2012, GRAMS’s ran a health promotion clinic which resulted in 176 women having a mammogram and in 2014 they ran another clinic in which 209 women attended.

“Of this 209, two patients were diagnosed with breast cancer and five were recalled for a biopsy.

“With the BSWA van parked at GRAMS this year for the first time, we’re hoping to encourage even more women to attend.

“The more women who attend, the better the chance of detecting breast cancer while they are still treatable.” Ms Chapman said

Attendees should book at least 24 hours in advance of their visit by phoning the GRAMS clinic on 9956 6555

The van will be open from 8.30 to 4pm on Monday March 14, Tuesday March 15 and Thursday March 17. It will open from 10am to 6pm on Wednesday March 16 and 9am to 1pm on Saturday March 19.

The following week it will open from 10am to 6pm on Monday March 21 and 8.30am to 4pm from Tuesday March 22 to Thursday March 24.

Library power outage

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise the Geraldton Regional Library will be closed on Sunday 20 March due to a power outage by Western Power for routine maintenance.

Western Power has notified the City that work will be carried out between 6am and 5pm.

The City regrets any inconvenience and endeavours to keep disruptions to a minimum.

For all enquiries regarding the power outage contact Western Power on 13 13 51, for Library related enquiries phone 9956 6659 or email to library@cgg.wa.gov.au.

Extended trading hours for Easter Monday

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise of extended trading hours approved by Minster for Commerce, Hon Michael Mischin MLC, for Easter Monday 28 March, 2016.

General retail shops, other than motor vehicle businesses, are authorised to be open from 10am to 5pm. It is up to the discretion of the individual trader whether or not they choose to open their doors for these additional hours.

Please note that Easter Monday is the only public holiday which has been approved up until Saturday 10 December, 2016. Other holidays during this time (including Good Friday, ANZAC Day, Western Australia Day and the Queen’s Birthday) do not have authorisation and retail shops should remain closed.

The City will submit another application to the Department of Commerce in May 2016, for the extended trading hours during the period from 11 December 2016 to 3 January 2017. The outcome will be advertised in due course.

Total fire ban today

 The following alert has been issued by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES).

Time of issue: 9.25am

Date of issue: 10 March 2016 

Total Fire Ban for Midwest Gascoyne for today

A Total Fire Ban has been declared for Thursday 10 March 2016 for parts of the Midwest Gascoyne.

This includes the local government districts of:

• City of Greater Geraldton
• Shire of Chapman Valley
• Shire of Migenew
• Shire of Morawa
• Shire of Northampton

On Thursday 10 March 2016 any activity that could start a fire is banned. 

This means:

• You must not light or use any fires in the open air
• All open fires for the purpose of cooking or camping are not allowed 
• Hot work such as metal work, grinding, welding, soldering, gas cutting or similar is not allowed unless you have an exemption
• You must not undertake any other activities that may start a fire.

If a Harvest and Vehicle Movement Ban has not been implemented by your local government you are able to harvest or move vehicles across paddocks for agricultural purposes.

You could be fined up to $25,000 or jailed for 12 months or both if you ignore the Total Fire Ban.

For information on activities that can or cannot be carried out during a Total Fire Ban visit www.dfes.wa.gov.au/totalfirebans/Pages/TotalFireBanWhatCantIDo.aspx

If the information you want is not available from the website, telephone the Total Fire Ban Information Line 1800 709 355.

This information is also available by visiting www.dfes.wa.gov.au

Trees causing damage to carpark to be replaced

COMMUNITY SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT

Removal of trees on Carpark #3 - Anzac Terrace

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise it will be removing the trees in Carpark #3 on Anzac Terrace on 8 and 9 March 2016.

Although the City is always reluctant to remove trees as they add to the liveability of our community, the trees located along Durlacher Street have caused considerable damage to the carpark. They will be replaced with trees more suitable to this type of urban environment.

The tree removal is part of the carpark renewal works being undertaken in Carpark #3.  Although the City will endeavour to keep the carpark open, it may be closed for short periods of time.

Motorists and pedestrians are requested to exercise caution and obey all warning signs and directions from authorised City personnel and contractors.

The City apologises for any inconvenience these works may cause.

If you have any queries regarding the renewal works please contact Graham Smith Reserves Supervisor on 08 9956 6600 or email council@cgg.wa.gov.au.

The Batavia Story needs to be told - Russell Crowe may be the man that will do it

Attendees at the CEDA Conference held in Geraldton last week were treated to an account of the gruesome true story of shipwreck, sex, slavery and mass murder that is the ‘Batavia’ by the man who wrote the book – columnist for the Sydney Morning Herald and Sun-Herald - Peter Fitzsimons.

Brought to Geraldton by the Mid West Development Commission as Keynote Speaker for the conference, Mr Fitzsimons highlighted that the Mid West could put itself on the global stage through the telling of Australia’s best story. He also alluded to the fact that he was in the process of negotiating the rights of his book on the ‘Batavia’ to become a film to non-other than Academy Award winning Australian actor Russell Crowe.

On the subject of opening up of the Abrolhos Islands for tourism, Mr Fitzsimons said that it was a great opportunity for the region and that it was important to ensure that its existing charm be maintained.

The eco and sustainable development of the Abrolhos Islands is one of six key tourism opportunities that was identified as having the potential to accelerate the Mid West economy in the Mid West Tourism Development Strategy. The strategy was a direct result of the Mid West Regional Blueprint. The first of the six opportunities identified in the strategy is already well underway with the construction of the Kalbarri Skywalks due for completion by June 2017.

Department of Regional Development Director General Ralph Addis, Mid West Development Commission Chair Murray Criddle, Peter Fitzsimons and Commission Chief Executive Officer Gavin Treasure.

Regional Capitals Recognised in National Infrastructure Plan

Infrastructure Australia has recently released its first long-term Australian Infrastructure Plan which means for the first time, a clear role for Australia’s regional capital cities was identified. 

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor and Deputy Chair of Regional Capitals Australia Shane Van Styn said the new plan being released was not surprising. 

“Australia’s regional capital cities jointly generate $225 billion every year – that is more than 15 per cent of national economic activity,” he said. 

“Additionally, nearly eight million people – or one-third of Australians - reside in or access the services and infrastructure located in a regional capital. 

“I agree with Infrastructure Australia that regional capitals, like Greater Geraldton should be considered national economic assets.  

“Equally, I agree with the report’s recommendation that growing regional capital cities should be efficient, liveable and productive centres that are a priority for the Australian Government,” he added. 

To enable this growth to occur Infrastructure Australia also recommended that long-term infrastructure plans should be created for regional Australia. 

Regional Capitals Australia (RCA), an alliance of 30 regional councils – which the City of Greater Geraldton is an active member, has been making this case for some time. 

“We know that for any regional infrastructure plan to be successful, a key component will be identifying the infrastructure needs of regional capital cities,” Mayor Van Styn said. 

“Investing in better productivity infrastructure in these cities will continue to add billions of dollars to the country’s bottom line. 

“Together with my RCA colleagues, we are calling for the Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development to build a list of national strategic projects in regional capitals that boosts the productivity and increases the liveability of cities. 

“Once this is done, we recommend that a Regional Capitals Productivity Fund be created to ensure these projects are funded.” 

With national benefits to this action, Infrastructure Australia recommends that part of the solution to turning the tide on Australia’s $53 billion congestion bill is fostering long-term population growth in Australia’s smaller cities in a bid to ease the squeeze on infrastructure in the five metropolitan cities. 

“For population growth to occur in regional capitals, the Government must invest accordingly,” said Mayor Van Styn.

“Investing in the right infrastructure in regional capitals will contribute directly to Greater Geraldton’s economy, providing jobs, increasing value-add spending in our service sector and the availability of skills in the region.”

The new Minister assisting the Prime Minister on Cities, the Hon Angus Taylor, has made positive comments that regional capitals are “absolutely squarely” in focus for the government’s thinking about cities. 

“We are calling on the government to ensure there is also strong consideration to plan for infrastructure that will continue to make all our regional capital cities, liveable, competitive and productive for the benefit of our residents and for all Australians.”

New school guide offers hundreds of programmes for young innovators

School students in Durack will have unprecedented access to more than 250 entrepreneurial, science, digital technology, engineering and mathematics programmes with the release of a new guide.

SPI (STEM Programme Index) 2016 is effectively a one-stop catalogue of innovative initiatives provided by business, universities, government and non-government agencies.

The workshops, competitions and a range of other activities – delivered in-class, online, after school or during holidays – cater to today’s evolving student schedules and learning practices.
“Many of the jobs of the future do not yet exist,” Ms Price said.

“While on the one hand that may sound a little scary, it’s also a time of tremendous excitement and opportunity.

“We owe it to our young people, the future drivers of prosperity, to embed the skills they need not just to survive but to thrive in our transitioning economy.

“That means a cultural shift to embracing innovation and entrepreneurialism from early childhood to high school and positioning our classrooms at the cutting edge of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths).”

Ms Price said SPI 2016 was compiled by the Australian Industry Group and the Office of the Chief Scientist, as part of the STEM Skills Partnerships programme.

Ms Price said copies of the guide would soon be distributed to local schools.

“It’s an invaluable kick-starter, bringing together hundreds of inventive programmes from agencies and organisations with a flair and passion for innovation,” Ms Price said.

“I urge all local principals and school leaders to get involved in these great opportunities as we prepare, encourage and motivate our students of today to be the innovators of tomorrow.”
SPI 2016 can be downloaded at chiefscientist.gov.au

Great news for Kalbarri: First steps to Western Australia's biggest Micro Grid

Minster for Energy, Hon Mike Nahan has today announced a $300,000 contribution by Western Power into a feasibility study which will investigate how it can develop what could be Australia’s biggest edge of grid energy project, in Kalbarri.

Mid West Development Commission Chairman Murray Criddle, said “the Kalbarri community has often experienced more than its fair share of power outages” and he welcomed the announcement by the minister.

Being at the end of a very long power line, Kalbarri would be an excellent location to develop a micro grid and if successful, would contribute to substantial improvements in the reliability of power supplies in the town and would help enhance the long term sustainability of the community.

The inclusion of further renewable energy sources in addition to the existing Kalbarri wind farm would help build the profile of Kalbarri as an eco-tourism destination and enhance the $20M investment already being made in the region by the state through Royalties for Regions under the Development Commission’s Mid West Investment Plan, with the development of the Kalbarri National Park Skywalk project.

Following on from our work with Western Power and community over recent months, this is a very positive step forward and we look forward to continuing to work all the parties to help bring this project to life.

Paul Brown nominates for Seat of Geraldton

Paul Brown with wife Rebecca, son Jack and daughter Jaymee.

Nationals WA MP Paul Brown has today confirmed his intentions to contest the Seat of Geraldton in the 2017 State election.

Mr Brown said he had officially nominated for the position this week after much discussion with family, friends and colleagues around the move.

“There are many reasons why I’ve decided to contest the seat of Geraldton, but ultimately, it comes down to ensuring the people of Geraldton have a strong voice to stand up and fight for their best interests in State Parliament,” Mr Brown said.

“Living and working in Geraldton, I hear feedback that the people of Geraldton want to see change. Geraldton is a major regional centre and a key player in regional WA and I want to help see it reach its full potential.”

Mr Brown said Geraldton residents felt like they had missed out on opportunities in recent years.

“Projects like the Oakajee Port, the Geraldton Hospital, and economic revitalisation of the town have slipped by the wayside because there simply hasn’t been that drive in State Parliament to make these projects happen.

“The Nationals WA have a strong track record of delivering for regional Western Australia, and I want to see Geraldton get its fair share.”

Mr Brown said The Nationals WA had a history of challenging the status quo – with Brendon Grylls, Wendy Duncan and Mia Davies all vacating safe seats in 2013 to safeguard the future of Royalties for Regions.

“Leaving the Agricultural Region to contest the Seat of Geraldton might be a risk, but the greater risk would be not to do it and leave Geraldton’s future to city-based decision makers.”

Mr Brown said the 2017 State Election was particularly important for voters outside the metropolitan region – with changing electoral boundaries abolishing the electorate of Eyre to create a new electorate in Perth.

“Less country seats and more city seats means regional voters need to make sure they have a strong regional voice in the Parliament that will represent their interests and have the capacity to deliver,” he said.

“The people who choose to live and work in great regional communities like Geraldton deserve better than having their voice lost in a party room dominated by Perth politicians.”

The Nationals WA will pre-select for the Seat of Geraldton on April 30.

Clean Up Australia Day on March 6 is a chance to give back to the environment

Geraldton MLA Ian Blayney is backing the Minister for Environment’s call to clean up and encouraging Geraldton residents to get involved in Clean Up Australia Day on Sunday, March 6.

Environment Minister Albert Jacob said volunteers had already registered at more than 350 sites in Perth and across WA - from the Abrolhos Islands off the coast near Geraldton to Yallingup in the South-West - so there were plenty of opportunities to join in.

"Historically, WA does not perform well on littering compared with other States," Mr Jacob said.

"The 2014-15 Keep Australia Beautiful National Litter Index showed WA's littering performance was improving, but we still recorded the largest litter volume in Australia.

"This is still not good enough - it's up to all of us to make an effort to keep our State beautiful. Not only is littering damaging to the environment, it can also choke, entangle and kill wildlife and it's a fire hazard."

On Clean Up Australia Day, the Minister will be targeting litter with local volunteers in the area of the QuinnsMindarie Surf Life Saving Club.

The community can register for Clean Up Australia Day at http://www.cleanupaustraliaday.org.au

WA Labor to roll out new science labs in local primary schools

WA Labor will use Royalties for Regions funding to roll out new science labs and equipment at primary schools in Geraldton and the Mid-West.

This week WA Labor Leader Mark McGowan announced the ‘Science in Schools’ policy, to ignite a passion for science among kids in regional WA, starting at an early age. The policy is part of WA Labor’s vision to broaden WA’s economy and create jobs.

In most of the primary schools in the region, science is taught in general classrooms not fit for purpose built science labs. We need to create a more hands-on learning environment to get kids engaged in science.

Under WA Labor’s state-wide Science in Schools policy, we will:

• Allocate $12million to convert existing classrooms into science labs; and
• Allocate a further $5million for grants of $25,000 to enable schools to buy resources to equip labs.

The rollout of the program to our primary schools will be funded through Royalties for Regions.

Comments from Member for Agriculture Region, Darren West:

“Under a WA Labor Government, Science in Schools will be a priority for Royalties for Regions. It’s great news for kids in the Mid-West.

“We want our kids to be given the tools they need to aspire to a career in science and it’s important to immerse them in science at an early age.

“It’s all part of our plan to broaden WA’s economy and create jobs in a broad range of industries.

“Many parents are worried about their future and their kids’ future. It’s time to get serious about preparing students for jobs outside of the resources industry and create new employment opportunities.

“This policy is good for kids and good for the economy.”