Minister for Water to visit Geraldton after smell complaints

Minister for Water, Mia Davies MLA, will visit Geraldton and witness first-hand complaints arising from the Waste Water Pumping Station in Utakarra.

The suburb has been experiencing what some have described as a "foul stench" lingering in the area due to the waste water pumping station. Some residents in Wonthella have also complained of the smell.

Minister Davies has indicated her intention to visit Geraldton and the Utakarra Pumping Station on Monday, August 25 to evaluate the issues affecting residents – most significantly the noxious odours emitted from the Pumping station - and the Water Corporation’s response to the matter.

Geraldton MLA Ian Blayney has welcomed the decision by the Minister and said he was pleased that the Minister is responding to his representation of his constituents concerns in relation to the issue.

$6.68 million to be spent on Midwest cancer centre

Geraldton MLA Ian Blayney has received correspondence from Deputy Premier and Minister for Health Kim Hames MLA confirming funding for vital health infrastructure developments in the city. Mr Blayney said he was delighted to receive confirmation that over $6.68 million would be spent on the initial stages of a Midwest Cancer Centre, plus crucial renal dialysis and associated support services including consultancy and office accommodation at the Geraldton Hospital.

“I’ve been pushing for funding through both State and Commonwealth allocations and am delighted we’ve received funding for such crucial health services in Geraldton,” Mr Blayney said.

“On the downside two funding applications for the redevelopment of the Geraldton Health Campus were unsuccessful but I’m heartened by the Deputy Premier’s lobbying on my behalf for this very important redevelopment, especially since we’ve received confirmation from the Federal Minister for Health that Geraldton Hospital is Dr Hames’ top priority for Federal Funding.

“The WA Country Health Service (WACHS) will also continue to pursue funding sources to progress the redevelopment of the Geraldton Health Campus.”

Mr Blayney said a Cancer Centre submission was successful in receiving $5.48 million through the Commonwealth Government Health and Hospital Fund (HHF) to construct a six chair, one bed chemotherapy unit and a seven double bedroom hostel, while planning is progressing for the Midwest Cancer Centre.

Mr Blayney said that under the Commonwealth’s Bringing Renal Dialysis and Support Services Closer to Home project, $45.8 million has been allocated Statewide to expand renal infrastructure and dialysis and support services.

Geraldton will share in the provision of 17 additional renal dialysis chairs and 46 patient accommodation units for up to 92 patients meaning for the first time many patients with kidney disease will be able to receive dialysis near or in their communities.

The Geraldton Hospital has also been successful in receiving an allocation of $1.2 million to provide additional consultancy and office accommodation that is scheduled for phase two of the project.

WA Department of Health Infrastructure Unit resources estimate the new on-site building at the hospital will commence mid-2015 with an estimated completion date mid-2016.

The estimated construction start date on the Cancer Centre and hostel will commence early next year with an anticipated completion date early in 2016.

Mr Blayney said the WACHS had made two funding applications under the HHF and National Partnership Agreement (NPA) for the redevelopment of the Geraldton Health Campus, while a separate funding application for the development of an Acute Psychiatric Unit was submitted to the HHF in 2011 and followed up by a revised version in January 2012.

Mr Blayney said he hoped these unsuccessful applications could provide the framework for a positive application given the Geraldton Hospital’s top priority for Federal funding. If you would like more information contact Ian Blayney:- (office) 08 99641640 or (mob) 0428 244 020

$10,000 available to employers who hire certain mature aged workers

MORE SUPPORT FOR MATURE AGE JOB SEEKERS

The Government last Friday officially launched the Restart programme.

Restart provides a $10,000 incentive to employers to hire and retain mature age job seekers aged 50 and over who have been in receipt of income support for six months or more.

According to the government, the ageing population means increasing workforce participation is critical to our future prosperity, and the Government says that mature-aged workers have a valuable contribution to make to the workplace.

The Restart programme – worth $524.8 million over four years.

Other programmes currently running include:

• the revised Work for the Dole programme, which will be phased in across 18 higher- unemployment areas across Australia;
• Relocation Assistance to Take up a Job, to provide financial support to job seekers to move to areas where work is available; and
• Job Commitment Bonus, which will provide $6500 to young, long-term unemployed people if they get a job, and stay in continuous work and off welfare for two years.

For more information on Restart, contact a Job Services Australia provider on 13 17 15 or visit www.jobsearch.gov.au/provider or https://employment.gov.au/restart 

5 reasons your rates just went up 4.3% - (3.6% for commercial)

1. Grants from State and Federal governments have been reduced by $3 Million, but the community still requires and expects the same level of service.

2. Costs incurred by the local council such as labour and materials typically go up at a rate higher than the consumer price index. For example, electricity and water costs are rising by up to 6%, and in the next year electricity cost for street lighting will go up by 36%.

3. Assets are wearing out quicker than we can afford to replace them.

4. As part of the City of Greater Geraldton's #changescgg program, more than 70 community members were chosen randomly to spend up to 8 hours every Saturday for 8 weeks reviewing the Council's services and capital works program. They provided council with what services they felt were important to keep, what should be cut, and what needs to be added. These recommendations are in part what formed the recommended rate increase to council.

Check out come of services the community members wanted added here on pages 13-17

5. The "CGG Ratepayers Demand Change" group (CGGRDC), who have been very vocally fighting any rate rises, only got 3 members elected at the last council election; Simon Keemink, Shane Van Styn and David Caudwell. Keemink and Caudwell voted against tonight's rise, Van Styn voted for it, but noted while he strongly opposed rate rises in principle at this point, he felt the city had committed to some very large projects such as Verita Rd and the renovation of the old Railway building, and pulling the pin on projects like that would have too strong of a negative effect on the town. (Laurie Graham, who is also a new councillor, winning at the last election, was the only other councillor to vote against the rise).

Our brief take on the new budget and rate rise:

Since the 27% rise two years ago, mentioning the word "rates" in Geraldton is like mentioning Hitler. It causes the dopamine levels in any rate-paying Geraldonite to drop to dangerously low levels, which unfortunately now makes the topic difficult to discuss rationally.

But considering when the local council so much as HINTS at shutting down a heated pool for a few months, or relocating a pony club so they can better utilise valuable land, or if the roadside collection takes 5 seconds longer than expected; there is public outrage, it remains rather clear that Geraldton residents still expect a certain level of services from their local government.

While exactly what services should be kept, culled or added is worth debating, it's still unclear what the CGGRDC would like to see cut to achieve their demands of a drastically reduced expenditure.

Based on what members of the public said they wanted during the community consultation period, the city actually put a 5.2% rate increase proposal to councillors to consider.

To get that even lower, down to 4.3% for residential premises, and 3.6% for non-residential, required more axing.

According to information provided the city, the increase in rates for an average residential property will be $1.27 per week.

Keep in mind as well, two years ago when there was the 27% increase, all the forward estimates required increases following that for the next decade of another 7.2% per annum.

Coupled with last year's modest increase of 2.9%, the City of Greater Geraldton has certainly reigned in its spending, though CEO Ken Diehm says he's going to continue looking at ways to improve efficiencies.

We've published our fair share of articles criticising certain local government decisions, but to be fair, they're damned if they rase rates and damned if they cut services ( or don't fix playground equipment etc etc). But services cost money.

Mayor Ian Carpenter pointed out tonight he wasn't impressed hearing state government MP's publicly opine that "local councils shouldn't raise rates" while at the same time they cut funding to local governments and raise electricity and water costs to them.

It's a good point too.

Robbing local government's pockets to make the state or federal budget look good doesn't help anyone, it just passes the problem down the line.

See our follow up article: Where is my rates money being spent?

Or read: 6 councillors could lose positions under proposed cuts

Nominations open for Premier’s Australia Day Active Citizenship Awards and Australian WA of the Year

Nominations are now open for both the local Premier’s Australia Day Active Citizenship Awards and Australian WA of the Year.

Each year the City of Greater Geraldton calls for nominations from the public for those who have contributed in some way to the betterment of the community. The awards foster, recognise and celebrate significant contributions to community life and active citizenship in all local government areas of WA.

Four Great Australians brought their inspirational stories to Geraldton last week launching the National Premier’s Australia Day Active Citizenship Awards 2015.

The four are WA’s Australian of the year 2014 recipients, and more than 100 people came out in the chill night air on Monday June 23, to listen to and meet them, at a free public forum at the Queen Elizabeth II Seniors and Community Centre, hosted by Australia Day Council of WA.

Reconciliation advocate and Senior Australian of the Year, Fred Chaney AO, who has a fierce commitment to social justice and equality talked about his work helping to empower indigenous people.

WA Australian of the Year, cancer researcher Professor Bruce Robinson AM, gave a larrikin take on how he came to the serious side of his work as a world leader in the study of asbestos related cancers and founding the Fathering Project that aims to connect children with father figures.

Young Australian of the Year, Dr John van Bockxmeer, “grew up wanting to give back” and founded Fair Game, a charity that assists thousands of people in migrant and indigenous communities with recycled sport equipment to capacity build sport, fitness and wellness programs through health education.

Australia’s Local Hero, Noongar Linguist Denise Smith‐Ali, has dedicated her life to reclaiming and reviving the language of the Noongar people of the South West of WA. Her early focus on educating and engaging young people has led to documenting creation and ancestral stories that relate to country.

The City of Greater Geraldton hosted the Great Australians at a lunch time networking session in the Civic Centre Function Room on Tuesday June 24, where councillors and community members were able to chat with them.

The City invites you to nominate an outstanding local hero or group for one of the Premier’s Australia Day Active Citizenship Awards to be presented in Geraldton on Australia Day, Monday, January 26 2015, or the Australian WA of the Year which will be presented in Canberra.

Award nomination forms are available at the Civic Centre or on the City website www.cgg.wa.gov.au

For more information contact Yvonne Lovedee 9965 6773 or email Yvonnel@cgg.wa.gov.au

Seniors and Pensioners won't be happy about this

WA Seniors Cost of Living Rebate to be halved; Country Age Pension Fuel Card value to increase It’s a bittersweet day for regional WA Seniors and Pensioners.

Premier Colin Barnett announced this morning (Tuesday 24 June) that from July 1 the WA Seniors Cost of Living Rebate will be reduced from $163.90 to $82 for singles and $245.90 to $123 for couples.

The change is a flow-on effect of a $25 million cut to concession funding by the Abbott Liberal government.

The Cost of Living Rebate is available to WA Seniors Card holders who work less than 25 hours per week. It is the largest payment cycle ever undertaken by the Western Australian government, with 288,000 applications processed for 2013.

The Cost of Living Rebate was introduced in 2009 and for many is considered a lifeline.

However it’s not all bad news for WA’s regional pensioners. It was also announced that from July 1, the Country Age Pension Fuel Card value will increase from $500 to $550.

The Country Age Pension Fuel Card is available to a person or couples in WA receiving a Centrelink Age Pension, Carer Payment, Disability Support Pension, Wife Pension or Widow B Pension or a Department of Veterans’ Affairs Service Pension, Social Security Age Pension or Income Support Supplement. It can be used in assisting to purchase fuel or taxi fares.

The Country Age Pension Fuel Card was also introduced in 2009. More than 45,000 pensioners have accessed the scheme each year.

Flashing 40km signs in CBD school precinct

Member for Geraldton Ian Blayney has welcomed the installation and switching on of flashing 40km/hr zone safety lights in the Geraldton CBD school precinct.

The Geraldton CBD region will have 12 lights installed encompassing Geraldton Senior College, Nagle Catholic College, Geraldton Primary School and St Francis Xavier Primary School.

Additionally, four flashing 40km/hr zone safety lights will be installed at Rangeway Primary School.

“The safety lights are now installed and flashing in the Geraldton CBD school district which will increase driver awareness that they had entered a school zone and should reduce their speed accordingly,” Mr Blayney said.

“There is no doubt that these flashing signs and those at Rangeway will remove any confusion for motorists that they are in a 40km/hr speed zone and must slow down and I know these lights will be welcomed by local parents.

“During the election campaign last year, the Liberal Party made a commitment to ensure all Western Australian schools with a school zone would be protected by flashing electronic 40km/h speed signs by 2017. These lights are testament that we are committed to that promise.

“I commend the Liberal-National Government for prioritising the safety of our children.”

In November the State Government announced it would install flashing electronic 40km/h speed signs at 66 schools this financial year.

In-demand trades added to the skilled occupation list

Federal Member for Durack Melissa Price today welcomed the Abbott Government decision to add chefs, bricklayers and wall and floor tilers to the Skilled Occupation List (SOL) from July 1 to help meet the skills needs of the Australian economy.

Ms Price said the addition of chefs to the SOL reflects that the occupation is in short supply, coupled with strong growth projected in the café and restaurant sector.

“The inclusion of chefs, as well as the further inclusion of building and construction occupations will ensure Australia can fill the workforce needs of the future,” Ms Price said.

“The Australian Workforce and Productivity Agency (AWPA) provide annual recommendations on the SOL to ensure it responds to Australia’s changing skill needs.

“The AWPA analyses evidence such as the labour market, education and training, migration and general economic and demographic data to make sure we get the balance right.

“In this case, bricklayers and tilers have been added to the list because of an increase in demand predicted for these occupations as well as a decrease in apprenticeship completions.

Ms Price said the Abbott Government believes that where there is an Australian who is ready, willing and able to do the job, they should always be considered first.

“However, it would be simplistic to say that there is always an Australian willing and available to fill a particular position in various geographical locations within Australia, and it is the role of the skilled migration program to fill the gap where such shortages exist.”

“The addition of these three occupations to the SOL will be especially welcomed in Durack, with the ability to access skilled workers in the building and hospitality industry often more difficult in regional areas than in major cities.”

“It is important to remember that a business that is forced to close due to an inability to source vital skilled labour is a business that employs no-one.”

The SOL is used for people applying for the independent or family sponsored points tested visa or temporary graduate (subclass 485) graduate work stream. Before prospective migrants can apply for independent skilled migration, they must submit an expression of interest via SkillSelect.

No existing occupations are being removed from the SOL, which currently lists 188 occupations that Australia needs.

3-year law on dormant money

 

There has been a call to a change controversial money law which sees the Government seize money from bank accounts that have been inactive for three years.

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) withholds money from these inactive bank accounts which contain a balance of $500 or more and that have been inactive for three years or over.

The money then goes into the government's consolidated funds, but it can be reclaimed anytime by providing proof of identity to the bank, which then reclaims the money via ASIC.

In an article from the ABC, the Federal Government has claimed a record $360 million from this law.

"Figures from the corporate regulator show the Government took a record $360 million from 80,000 savings accounts this year as a change to unclaimed money laws took effect."

But there is speculation that the Treasury will now lengthen the threshold to five years.

Treasurer Joe Hockey has been reported saying that the Government will review its policy of seizing savings which are left idle for three years and over.

---

References:

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-06-10/banks-stake-claim-to-government-record-take-of-dormant-cash/5512888

http://www.smh.com.au/national/canberra-reaps-360m-from-inactive-bank-accounts-20140609-39t8p.html

More homes to get NBN

NBN Co’s has announced that around 1300 premises in Geraldton are a step closer to getting access to the National Broadband Network, with build preparation work now underway.

“In coming weeks, work will be visible in streets as pre-construction activity begins, such as the clearing of Telstra’s pits and ducts,” said Federal Member for Durack Melissa Price.

“Suburbs included in the build preparations sites released today include Spalding and Bluff Point.”

The NBN will update its online maps in coming months to inform residents when physical construction of the network has begun, and when the network will be ready for service.

The online maps are available at: www.nbnco.com.au/maps

Ms Price said it was an important milestone for the area, with greater certainty for homes and businesses as they prepare for superfast broadband services.

“The message for Spalding and Bluff Point residents is clear – superfast broadband is on its way,” Ms Price said.

“Since the election, the NBN has increased the reach of its fibre network by 73 per cent, now passing around 452,000 premises nationwide.”

Communications Minister Malcolm Turnbull said the release of new sites for build preparation was delivering on the Government’s promise to get the rollout back on track.

“When we came into Government, one of our chief priorities has been to get this rollout done sooner, cheaper for taxpayers and more affordably for consumers,” Mr Turnbull said.

National Indigenous Health Plan

The Abbott Government has announced that the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Plan would be developed by the end of the year.

The Health Plan is a 10-year evidence-based framework developed with significant input from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health leaders and service providers.

The Health Plan is designed to guide policy and programme development to improve Indigenous health and achieve health equality by 2031.

“The Durack electorate has the third highest proportion of Indigenous people, so the implementation of this health plan will be a key measure in improving the health and overall lifestyle of my Indigenous constituents,” Federal Member for Durack Melissa Price said.

“The implementation plan will outline the Commonwealth’s blueprint for coordinated efforts to improve Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health outcomes. We will work in partnership with service providers, including States and Territories and stakeholders.

“I am looking forward to the Abbott Government’s implementation plan being finalised, which will provide a useful framework for ensuring assistance is targeted strategically on the ground.”

Have your say on caravan and camping laws

The State Government hopes a consultation paper on proposed changes to caravan park and camping ground laws will spark debate about the future of the industry.

Speaking at a caravan park in Broome, Local Government Minister Tony Simpson said the existing 16-year-old laws were outdated, stifling operators’ ability to meet consumer needs.

“The proposed changes will provide a more flexible operating environment, creating choice for consumers and opportunities for operators,” Mr Simpson said.

The proposed changes include:

• giving park operators longer licences, lower compliance costs and greater flexibility to meet consumer demands
• giving users a greater choice and more affordable holiday options
• providing simpler and flexible laws to meet the needs of the locality and to allow tourism to evolve and flourish.

“Western Australia’s outdoor lifestyle means it has more caravan, camper-trailer and campervan registrations than any other State, with 30 for every 1,000 people,” Mr Simpson said.

“Whether you are a camper, caravan user, operator or long-stay tenant, your comments are important to us and it’s important your views are submitted now.  Comments close on September 1, 2014.”

The consultation paper comes as the State Government implements its $21.05million Parks for People initiative, which will provide more high-quality, low-cost holiday options for WA families and tourists. Under the initiative at least 450 new campsites will be created in 16 national parks.

“What I want to see is WA established as a top destination for caravanning and camping, attracting not only locals but people from all over the world,” Acting Tourism Minister John Day said.

For more information, visit http://dlg.wa.gov.au/ 

Additional disaster assistance for Durack communities

Federal Member for Durack Melissa Price has welcomed an announcement that southern Gascoyne communities impacted by severe flooding in late April would receive additional disaster assistance.

The assistance is being provided under the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA).

“Earlier this month, I announced disaster assistance for the communities of Exmouth, Yalgoo and the City of Greater Geraldton who were impacted by severe flooding on 26 and 27 April,” Ms Price said.

“Today, I am pleased that Federal Minister for Justice Michael Keenan and WA Premier Colin Barnett have worked together to announce this additional assistance for the Shires of Ashburton and Murchison.

“Each of these shires will receive assistance for the restoration and replacement of public assets, such as roads, homes, businesses and farms that were damaged during the storms.”

The range of assistance available, subject to eligibility, includes:

• Personal hardship and distress assistance for families and individuals
• Interest rate subsidies for small businesses and primary producers
• Freight subsidies for primary producers, and

• Financial assistance for local and state government authorities to assist with the restoration of damaged infrastructure and clean-up operations

Information about the range of assistance measures available can be found at www.dpc.wa.gov.au or on the Australian Government’s Disaster Assist website at www.disasterassist.gov.au 

Government moves forward on $100million Mobile Black Spot Programme

With nominations for the Abbott Government’s $100 million mobile coverage programme set to close at the end of June, Federal Member for Durack Melissa Price is encouraging all Durack stakeholders, who have not already done so, to make a submission.

“Inadequate mobile phone coverage remains a significant issue for Australians living, working and travelling in regional and remote areas of Australia,” Ms Price said.

“The Abbott government understands the importance of mobile coverage for people in regional Australia. That is why we have committed $100 million to improved mobile coverage in outer metropolitan, regional and remote Australia, through upgrading mobile phone network infrastructure including rolling out new base stations.

“Funding will be allocated through a competitive selection process designed to leverage a significant co-contribution from the mobile carriers.”

I recently welcomed Paul Fletcher, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Communications to Geraldton, to host a roundtable discussion of Durack’s mobile coverage issues with relevant stakeholders.

Mr Fletcher said the government had received extensive feedback from communities in Durack on the design and implementation of the programme and the priority locations that need improved coverage.”

“I welcome the input we have received in the many thoughtful submissions, which will be carefully considered as we proceed to finalise the design of the programme,” Mr Fletcher said.

The Government expects to commence a competitive selection process in the second half of 2014, with a view to announcing the locations which have been selected for funding in the first half of 2015.

The Government expects the first base stations funded under the Mobile Black Spot Programme will begin to roll out in the second half of 2015.

Submissions on the Mobile Black Spot Program are available to view at

www.communications.gov.au/mobile_services/mobile_coverage_programme

The Government is accepting nominations of mobile black spots until the end of June 2014. Anyone wishing to report a mobile black spot can email mobilecoverage@communications.gov.au 

Hi-tech licensing site smart solution for drivers

A new online tool is allowing Department of Transport (DoT) licensing customers to decide how, when and where they conduct their everyday transactions. Transport Minister Dean Nalder today announced that customers would have round-the-clock access to tasks that previously required someone to attend in person or by telephone.

“The DoTDirect online tools provide access to features such as secure payment of vehicle and driver’s licence renewals; reminder alerts of vehicle and driver’s licence expiry dates; driver’s licence status or demerit point checks and contact detail updates,” Mr Nalder said.

“The DoTDirect site has also been optimised for mobile devices so it will display on smartphones as an easy-to-use ‘app’ for quick and convenient access.

The Minister said the new DOT Direct site was one of a suite of smarter services being developed to make dealing with transport matters in WA easier, including an online booking system for practical driver assessments that has reduced calls related to the service by more than 50 per cent.

“Since DoT launched its online live booking service for practical driving assessments a year ago, there’s been almost three million booking activities,” he said.

“DoT’s Driver and Vehicle Services business unit is one of the busiest in the State and undertakes about seven million financial customer transactions annually.

“This online portal will mean smarter, more convenient interactions for DoT customers as part of a major reform to improve choice with evolving technology.”

Additional functions for customers will become available through DoTDirect later this year.

Commitment to mobile phone coverage

Nationals Agricultural Region MLC Paul Brown has welcomed the commitment of an additional $45million of Royalties for Regions funding for a second stage of the Regional Mobile Communications Project (RMCP).

Announced during recent State Budget deliberations, Mr Brown said the decision would help build on the success of the current program and continue to improve mobile phone coverage throughout regional WA.

Stage one of RMCP has already delivered 89 of a committed 113 new phone towers in regional WA including Walkaway, Three Springs, Ajana and Binnu South.

On completion of Stage one, some 8,000 kilometres of WA roads will have near continuous mobile coverage and overall coverage across regional WA will be increased by 22 per cent.

“No matter where I go across my electorate mobile phone coverage is an issue which is raised with me regularly,” Mr Brown said.

“Mobile phone coverage is a key aspect of day to day life.

“Be it for emergencies, business, or connectivity the appetite for coverage is insatiable.”

Mr Brown said RMCP had dialled in on an area of great community demand and it was pleasing to see Royalties for Regions continuing to deliver fantastic outcomes.

RMCP has successfully leveraged significant investment from Telstra, which has ensured the sizeable scope of stage one and has been at the core of the program’s success.

Mr Brown called on members of the community who experience major mobile phone black spots to contact his office, so these communities can be considered during the planning of RMCP stage two.

“RMCP is one of my favourite Royalties-funded projects but I need your help to ensure the second stage delivers the best possible outcome for our communities. I encourage you all to contact my office with your concerns,” Mr Brown said.

Roving camera to nab fine defaulters

A new high-tech mobile numberplate recognition camera will soon be hitting the streets to target hard-core fine and infringement defaulters where they work and where they shop. Attorney General Michael Mischin said the State Government had called a tender for a mobile licence plate recognition camera, which would either be hand-held or mounted on a sheriff’s vehicle.

Mr Mischin said the camera would be the latest tool in a range of measures to target the State’s worst fine defaulters, who owe more than $279million to the Western Australian community.

“Vehicles are most commonly clamped when they are parked at someone’s home, however this can be quite limiting as people take their cars to work or go out during the day,” he said.

“Also, the addresses for some hard-core fine and infringement defaulters are not always current, and sometimes those defaulters deliberately don’t park their vehicles on their own property to avoid being clamped.

“The sheriff will use the camera in busy areas during the working day, such as shopping centres, train stations and the main streets of country towns where the wheel clamping laws are in force.

“From the sheer volume of cars scanned, we expect to catch fine and infringement defaulters who would otherwise avoid detection. This is about reclaiming millions of dollars which rightfully belongs to WA taxpayers, who have been footing the bill for this small group of hardcore fine dodgers for too long.”

In August last year, new laws came into force which allowed sheriff’s officers to wheel-clamp vehicles, seize licence plates and other property, and ‘name and shame’ fine defaulters.  Since then, 421 wheel clamps have been applied and 362 licence plates have been removed.  More than $70.8million has been recovered - a 12 per cent increase on the same period the previous year when $63.4million was paid.

Last month, the State Government expanded the program to the Peel and South-West regions. The Government has also launched an SMS trial in Ellenbrook and Albany, contacting fine and infringement defaulters via text message to warn them that they could face wheel clamping, licence plate removal or have property seized if they did not pay their debt.

Melissa Price says budget is a win for Durack

Federal Member for Durack Melissa Price has welcomed the Government’s Budget and says it will lay the foundations for a strong and prosperous economy with less debt.

“To do this, every Australian must contribute to savings in the Budget. It is a fair Budget because we have systematically looked at every portfolio and every funding measure, and no spending cuts were made lightly by this Government,” Ms Price said.

“I understand that there are people who won’t be happy with some of the steps we have taken, but they are necessary steps if we want to reduce the debt that was created by Labor and build a strong economy for future generations.

“The former Government has a legacy that can be summed up in one word – debt. If we took no action, debt would have hit $667 billion, despite this Government already paying $1 billion every month in interest costs on Labor’s debt – simply, this is not sustainable and it is not good government.”

Ms Price said governments, like households, must live within their means. Because of this Budget, Labor’s deficits have been reduced by $43 billion and debt is forecast to be about $275 billion lower in a decade.

“Although this has been a tough Budget, there have been key investment measures that will drive Australia’s future prosperity and in turn Durack’s prosperity,” Ms Price said.

“This includes nearly $850 million for local infrastructure projects, which will be funded as part of the Government’s Economic Action Strategy to invest a record $4.7 billion in productivity-enhancing infrastructure in Western Australia.

“A number of projects will receive funding including: • Great Northern Highway Upgrade, Muchea to Wubin: $307.8 million • Great Northern Highway Upgrade – Muchea to Wubin, Bindi Bindi to Lyons East Road Section: $24.8 million • North West Coastal Highway – Minilya to Barrahdale: $174 million • Portlink Inland Freight Corridor Concept Plan: $900,000 • Oakajee Port: $339 million

“In addition, the $1 billion National Stronger Regions Fund will help construct and improve infrastructure in regional communities, and a further $550 million is being committed to the Roads to Recovery and Black Spot programs largely benefiting road safety in rural and regional areas.

“In Geraldton, I am pleased to have delivered on my Election commitment of CCTV funding, with a $440,000 investment under the Government’s Safer Streets Programme, where proceeds of crime will be directed to fund local crime prevention projects including:

• $160,000 for closed circuit television cameras for Eastern Breakwater (The Esplanade) • $160,000 for closed circuit television cameras for the HMAS Sydney Memorial • $120,000 for closed circuit television cameras for Geraldton City's Car Park No. 5 - near Stirling Centre and Sanford Street

“I have also been fighting for funding to reduce the threat and spread of cane toads into the Kimberley, so I am pleased that my colleagues have heard my calls and announced $500,000 for the Kimberley Cane Toad Clean Up Programme in last night’s Budget.”

Ms Price said prior to the Budget, Durack residents had raised concerns about the future of the diesel fuel rebate, so I am pleased to confirm that it has been retained in last night’s Budget.

“Regional areas have also fared well from a health perspective, including an additional $6 million for the Royal Flying Doctor Service, and an additional $35.4 million over two years for the General Practice Rural Incentives Program, which provides incentives for doctors medical practitioners to work in underserviced rural, regional and remote areas.

“Another $13.4 million over three years will fund an additional 500 nursing and allied health scholarships; scholarships with a value of up to $30,000 each. These will target workforce shortages in rural and remote areas.

“In regards to education, Durack residents will benefit from record recurrent funding investment of $64.5 billion in schools over the next four years, and for the first time ever, the Government will provide direct financial assistance for all students studying diplomas, advanced diplomas and associate degree courses, as well as bachelor degrees.

“We are also supporting those learning a trade by providing concessional Trade Support Loans of up to $20,000 over a four-year apprenticeship.

“These are all key investment measures that will help drive growth and prosperity in Durack while ensuring that we rein in wasteful spending and deliver on our commitment to the Australian people to create a sustainable Australia.”

Interlock system to tackle repeat drink driving

The State Government has introduced legislation to install breath-testing immobilisers in the cars of some of the State's worst repeat drink driving offenders. Road Safety Minister Liza Harvey said after 10 years of talk about alcohol interlocks, the Liberal National Government was acting to target recidivist drink drivers.

The devices would be fitted to the vehicles of drivers once they have already served their drink driving penalty or successfully apply for an extraordinary drivers licence and would be in place for a minimum of six months.

Their vehicles would only start if the driver blows under 0.02 and would come at a cost of around $1,600 to the driver.

"Once a driver blows under 0.02 the vehicle will start, however it may require periodical re-tests during the journey,” Mrs Harvey said.

“The scheme will capture first time offenders convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol and repeat drink drivers who have been convicted of two or more drink driving offences within a five-year period.”

Alcohol is a factor in about one quarter of fatal crashes and one in 10 serious injury crashes on Western Australian roads.

The financial cost of those injuries is estimated to be about $460million a year.

Call for national elite-standard lighting at Wonthella Oval

Geraldton MLA Ian Blayney has thrown his support behind the call for national elite-standard lighting at Wonthella Oval.

Mr Blayney has written to the Minister for Sport and Recreation Hon Terry Waldron MLA calling on his support for funding to allow for the installation of 500-lux lighting at Wonthella Oval.

To add weight to the 500-lux lighting submission Mr Blayney has circulated a petition that he will present to State Parliament’s Legislative Assembly in a bid to gain support for the necessary funding.

The petition states, “Lighting at Geraldton’s Wonthella Oval should be installed to a minimum of 500 lux, with a variable capacity. This will enable Geraldton to host AFL games and other major sporting codes of State and National level, provide flexibility in fixturing, and host other key events and expos.

“Now we ask the Legislative Assembly to call on the Minister for Sport and Recreation to help secure funding to obtain this important infrastructure for Geraldton and the Midwest Region.”

Mr Blayney urged Geraldton residents to sign the petition and back the call for lighting that will allow Geraldton to keep pace with other WA regional centres such as Albany, Bunbury, Broome and Port Hedland that all have grounds equipped with 500-lux or higher lighting making them front-runners in attracting professional sport events or industry-backed expos.

“I ask everyone who supports this project to sign the petition which will have copies available at all local football clubs, other sporting codes and around the city,” Mr Blayney said.

“There will also be one in my office at 5 Chapman Road – lights of such standard will be a great thing for Geraldton and the Mid West region.”

To date the City of Greater-Geraldton (COGG) and the Mid West Development Commission have said they will support 500-lux lighting if a suitable business case can be presented to support their installation.

The GNFL has also been able to gain a $100,000 commitment from the AFL but they will not back anything less than 500-lux capacity which could cost in the vicinity of $1.5 million.

GNFL president Colin Cox said he is concerned that Geraldton is in danger of falling behind other regional WA cities if action is not taken to upgrade the lighting at Wonthella Park – now rated the city’s premier oval in the Eighth Street sport precinct – to national standards.

Mr Cox said he has attended meetings at the COGG on the city’s future directions and the constant theme is for sporting and recreation bodies to “look to the future”.

He believes the case for future planning at Wonthella Oval centres around the lighting to enable events to be held year round regardless of the season. In summer months 500-lux lighting would allow national standard sport to be played in the evening.

“I think it is vitally important looking to the future growth of Geraldton and the Mid West region,” Mr Cox said.

“Of course we’re aiming to be able to attract AFL pre-season games but other major sports and events would also be major drawcards.

“Apart from football there is rugby, soccer and cricket that would be major beneficiaries. We’ve already got letters of support from soccer and rugby indicating they’d hold pre-season games in Geraldton all of which is important for the future growth of sport in the city.

“Because of the timing of the AFL pre-season we can’t bid for a NAB Cup AFL game to be staged in Geraldton unless it is under lights of a national standard which is 500-lux.

“The boat show that has just been on would have been spectacular under lights at night. Expos and shows like dog shows – anything that is too hot to be held during the day in summer would benefit from such quality lighting.

“It is so important to look to the future – this is what was said to us when we originally started our lobby for 500-lux lights in 2008 but when we got down to the nitty-gritty the proposal changed to 250-lux - that’s not planning for the future.

“We want to plan for the future which means looking ahead to 10-15 years’ time. And the cost continues to grow….whatever the cost is now it could be three-times that in five or ten years’ time – it’s all about planning for the future.”

Sports that could be attracted to Geraldton to play under 500 lux lighting facilities at Wonthella Oval are AFL pre-season NAB Cup games, WAFL fixtures, State rugby (Western Force), State soccer (Perth Glory), 50-over or T20 cricket (Western Warriors or Perth Scorchers).

WA Football Commission senior officer Paul Lekias said anything less than 500-lux lighting would restrict the growth of sport in Geraldton and effectively negate any chance of attracting national standard sporting events to play at Wonthella Park.

Mr Lekias stressed the important strategy and argument for 500 lux lighting was to enable “flexibility in fixturing” and to meet required standards for professional non-televised sport.

Mr Cox said that sport would not be the sole beneficiary of 500-lux lighting. The lighting would make Wonthella Oval an attractive venue for entertainment, concerts, gala events, expos and other attractions.