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25.01.2022 BUSINESS CASE TO BE PREPARED FOR TIER 3 LINES Today I released an independent engineering assessment outlining the estimated cost of restoring sections of the ...Wheatbelt’s Tier 3 rail network. Every time I visit the Wheatbelt I hear from the community about how important the Tier 3 rail lines are. We are committed to investigating any initiatives that could increase safety by reducing the number of trucks on roads in regional WA - so earlier this year we commissioned an engineering report into the viability of re-opening the Tier 3 lines. While the engineering report confirms restoring the entire network would involve significant costs, there are arguably specific lines where the cost of investment could be offset by ongoing commercial and community benefits such as reduced truck volumes on local roads and cost savings to farmers. We’ll now work, in collaboration with CBH Group and Arc Infrastructure, on business cases to Infrastructure Australia examining the full costs and benefits of rail investment proposals on Tier 1, 2 and 3 lines. Submission of business cases to Infrastructure Australia could lay the groundwork for potential future funding partnerships with the Federal Government for rail freight investment. Significant funding contributions from the Federal Government - as per other major regional infrastructure projects - would be required for any potential Tier 3 restoration work in the future. A copy of the engineering report is available here: https://www.transport.wa.gov.au/Freight/freight-on-rail.asp
25.01.2022 McGowan Labor Government - putting people first!
21.01.2022 We're establishing a new COVID-19 Industry Support Fund that will provide further targeted assistance for industries that need it. As WA's economic recovery has... been faster and stronger than initially expected, take up of some of our initial support measures has been lower than we budgeted for. Some measures have also been in higher demand like our Building Bonus program. We rolled out $2.7 billion of immediate COVID-19 stimulus and relief measures earlier this year. Those measures provided an important safety net for countless WA workers and businesses. But thankfully, fewer Western Australians needed to make use of them than originally anticipated. Thanks to the efforts of all Western Australians, along with our hard border, we’ve been able to open up our economy more than any other State and we are now seeing strong signs that WA is recovering faster than expected. But while many of us have been fortunate, we know that some industries have been hit harder than others, and face longer term challenges as the pandemic continues around the world. For those funds which have not had the uptake originally anticipated and which are no longer required, we will repurpose the money through a new fund to provide further stimulus and relief where it is needed most. By monitoring sectors of our economy over the coming weeks and months we will be able to provide further targeted relief and stimulus that will create and support local jobs and continue our economic recovery. One stimulus measure which has seen strong take up has been the Building Bonus program - which offers grants of $20,000 to any homebuyer who wishes to build a new house or purchase a new property in a single-tier development (such as a townhouse) prior to completion of construction. Following the introduction of the grants, land sales increased significantly, peaking at around 500 sales per week in late June. This is up from the historical average of around 60 per week. The $30 million of additional funding for the Building Bonus announced today takes the total investment in the program to $147 million - a massive boost for our local construction industry. Western Australians have done so well to work through this challenging year together so far - and this new fund will help to ensure everyone local workers and industries aren't left behind as our economy recovers.
21.01.2022 Apply now for the Value Add Investment Grants Last month Premier Mark McGowan, Minister MacTiernan and Minister Tinley announced a $40 million package to grow W...A’s food industries as part of the WA Recovery Plan. Applications close 5.00pm (AWST) Friday, 9 October 2020 https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/VAIGrants Read full media statement here: https://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au//Food-industry-plan-
21.01.2022 It's here. Find your nearest refund point and more information about WA's container deposit scheme at www.containersforchange.com.au/wa
21.01.2022 Western Australia continues to drive the nation’s economic recovery from COVID-19. Thanks to all your efforts, your understanding and the success of our hard bo...rder, West Aussies are returning to work in their droves. Today’s official statistics for the first two weeks of August show WA had the strongest increase in jobs of any Australian State. All up 32,200 WA jobs were created during this period. WA has now recovered more than 71 per cent of jobs lost at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Employment data continues to evolve, but here in WA we know the signs are very positive. Our world-leading response to the pandemic has meant we were able to reopen our economy quicker and get more Western Australians back to work in a COVID safe way. But we also can’t afford to get complacent and we must continue to follow the health advice. That’s why we have rolled out a $5.5 billion Recovery Plan. This plan is driving WA’s economic and social recovery across different industries throughout the whole State, to ensure we can recover, stronger than ever.
21.01.2022 Today marks five months since the last time Western Australia recorded a case of community transmission of COVID-19. The last time we detected community spread ...of the virus was on 11 April. Since then, while WA has recorded cases of the virus, all have either involved known close contacts of other cases or returned travellers from overseas. Avoiding community spread of COVID-19 is the most important measure of our success in fighting the virus, so this milestone is very significant. This accomplishment shows that our vigilance has paid off - but it should also be a reminder that we need to keep up our efforts. So let's keep up our personal hygiene, keep getting tested and staying home when sick, and keep working together to keep our State safe and strong.
20.01.2022 As you now know, the community outbreak of COVID-19 in South Australia is extremely serious. As a result, yesterday, we acted swiftly to strengthen our controll...ed border regime with South Australia. Those were initial steps to protect all Western Australians, until we received further information on the South Australian outbreak. I can now outline some further measures to protect the health and safety of the WA community. Since our announcements yesterday, I am advised that the updated controlled border regime with South Australia has come into effect without major issues. I understand those changes have caused frustration and disappointment for some, but this is a deadly virus that we cannot take any chances on. Here in Western Australia, we will do whatever it takes to protect our citizens and our way of life. I always said that we would not hesitate to bring in tougher border controls if required. Unfortunately, the time for those tougher border controls came faster than anyone could have expected. And we don’t have time to waste. That’s why on, on further advice from our Chief Health Officer this morning, we have decided to take further steps to protect our State and reduce the risk of the virus entering WA. Given the size of the outbreak, our Chief Health Officer has now determined that South Australia has moved from a ‘very low risk’ category to the ‘medium risk’ category. This is the highest rating of any other state or territory and South Australia may move to the ‘high risk’ category very soon. As a result, effective from 6pm tonight, we will further restrict travel from South Australia or anyone that has been in South Australia in the previous 14 days. This means they will need to meet a strict exemption category for those travellers to enter WA. This exemption system mirrors the system we had in place for Victoria during the height of their second wave. The exemption list for South Australia is limited to: - certain senior Government Officials; - certain active military personnel; - a member of the Commonwealth Parliament; - a person carrying out functions under a law of the Commonwealth; - a person coming to WA at the request of the Chief Health Officer; - a person responsible for transport freight or logistics; and - anyone who is given approval by the State Emergency Coordinator or an authorised officer. That final category includes compassionate reasons and that could include those Western Australians that may have travelled to South Australia in the last few days. Tonight we have two flights from Adelaide scheduled to arrive for anyone on those flights, they will now need to be processed through the exemption system. Those passengers are being notified of the changes by the airlines and at the Adelaide airport, before they board. For those small number of arrivals, they will need to self-quarantine at a suitable premise for 14 days subject to use of the G2G Now app and/or police checks. If a suitable premise is not available, they will be put in hotel quarantine at their own expense. They will also need to be tested for COVID-19 on arrival at Perth Airport and on Day 11, prior to coming out of 14 days of quarantine. For anyone arriving by road, through the Eucla checkpoint, this system will begin 48 hours later - from 6pm Wednesday November 18. We are allowing for some additional time for this form of travel, as we understand many people may already be on their way to the checkpoint. However, these people will still need quarantine for 14 days and be tested within 48 hours of arrival and on Day 11. These border controls will be constantly reviewed and can be tightened, extended or relaxed depending on the latest health advice from South Australia. But I urge everyone to reconsider their travel into WA if they have been in South Australia. Please do not come to WA at this point, if you don’t have to. The situation is just too risky right now. These steps, while they might seem harsh, are being taken on the best health advice to protect everyone. Bringing back the hard border altogether - to all States and Territories - is under serious consideration. We are closely monitoring the situation and if we need to go further, we will. Thanks again for your patience and understanding as we work through this extraordinary situation.
20.01.2022 Honoured to attend the National Police Remembrance Day at South Hedland Police Station. Since 1989, National Police Remembrance Day has been held on or near Sep...tember 29th of each year. This being the Feast Day of St. Michael, the patron saint of all Police Officers. It is a day we honour and remember fallen colleagues from State, Territory and Federal Police Services who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. See more
20.01.2022 Premier Mark McGowan and Josie Farrer - Member for Kimberley will be holding a Town Hall meeting in the Kimberley this afternoon, which will be streamed here vi...a Facebook Live. I will share it on my page too. This is a great opportunity to tune in, hear from the Premier and even ask questions of State Government Ministers. It’s fantastic to have the Premier and Ministers here in the Kimberley over the weekend to hear directly from local people and see first-hand some of the exciting things that are happening in our community! I wish everyone in the electorate could attend - but Facebook Live is the next best thing, so please tune in!
19.01.2022 Today’s official unemployment data is incredibly encouraging. More jobs created, a lower unemployment rate and WA leading the nation’s recovery. It’s why we’re keeping WA safe and strong.
19.01.2022 Please give if you can.
15.01.2022 Major news for classic car owners in WA! Starting early next year, West Aussies with a classic vehicle will receive a 75% discount on their annual licensing fee...s. Our ‘Concessions for Classics’ scheme will slash red tape for car and motorcycle enthusiasts with a street rod or a vehicle manufactured before 1990 and who are a member of a Department of Transport approved club. The scheme will ensure even more vintage car lovers can hit the road with their street rod for 90 days of the year. The Concessions for Classics scheme is the result of months of consultation with the motoring community, and our Government will continue to work alongside them to implement to scheme.
15.01.2022 One death on WA roads is one death too many. During National Road Safety Week this week, I encourage Western Australians to take a moment to reflect on the ways... we can make our roads safer for everyone. Our Government has invested billions of dollars in projects that lead to greater safety on our roads, including upgrading roads, fixing notorious black spots, expanding principal shared pathways for cyclists and upgrades along the notorious Indian Ocean Drive. Through our Regional Road Safety Program, we’ve been able to target and upgrade some of the most dangerous sections of road right across our State. But our investment goes further than infrastructure projects. In 2017, we introduced minimum safe passing laws on WA roads, ensuring the safe sharing of roads by drivers and cyclists along small and major roads and delivering a major election commitment. Similarly, our tough new penalties for mobile phone use while driving came into effect earlier this year, creating a new aggravated offence for drivers caught texting or emailing, using social media, watching videos or accessing the internet. Our Government is continuing to deliver on road safety commitments across WA, and ensuring drivers, cyclists and pedestrians alike can come home safe every day.
15.01.2022 The West Gascoyne is one of the few parts of the pastoral estate still running sheep - but wild dog predation is hurting the industry. We’re investing almost $...1 million into the Carnarvon Rangelands Barrier Fence, which will encompass six pastoral stations in the region - allowing sheep to return and industry to grow. Out at Wahroonga Station today, where the first 50km of the 362km fence has been constructed along the northern edge of the property - and station owners Teresa and Cameron Tubby are already seeing a reduction in dogs, which normally come into the station from the north. Bringing the sheep industry back to full strength in the Gascoyne means more local jobs and more natural wool fibre in our economy - a win all round.
14.01.2022 Anyone here in WA has known it for a while now, but it's good to see the rest of the country acknowledging the strong position that our State is in. Make no mis...take - the economic results that our State is seeing are thanks to the hard work and vigilance of every Western Australian and the confidence that we've built behind our hard border. Our approach has kept WA safe and strong, and that's paying off for the entire country. Let's keep it up.
13.01.2022 Liberal Liza Harvey doesn’t support your $600 power credit. What do you think?
13.01.2022 WA GROWERS GIVEN ACCESS TO FOREIGN WORKERS WA's Agriculture Minister has announced the state's horticulture industry will be able to access some foreign wor...kers through the seasonal workers program, including about 3,000 Vanuatu workers already in the Northern Territory. It comes amid a looming shortage of farm workers in WA. Alannah MacTiernan said the initial focus will be on workers who have already quarantined in Australia. "When they are finished doing their tasks in the Northern Territory, mainly picking mangoes, we will welcome them to come into Western Australia," she said. The State Government will also look to bring in a couple of hundred workers from Timor-Leste but they will need to quarantine.
12.01.2022 I’d like to wish all West Aussies a safe and relaxing public holiday today. And to those at work, keeping our State running: thank you.
12.01.2022 We all know just how hard 2020 has been. Here in WA, our State is in the best possible position as we continue our strong recovery from COVID-19. But times are... still tough for many Western Australians, and there is always more work to do. At the start of the pandemic, to give everyone certainty, we rolled out a freeze on all household fees and charges. Today, as a result of our strong budget management over the last three years, we can now go one step further. Every household in Western Australia will receive a historic, one-off $600 Household Electricity Credit. The WA Household Electricity Credit will be automatically applied to every Synergy or Horizon Power residential account as of today. You will see it on your own bill in November and December. It'll mean WA families have a bit of extra money available in the lead up to Christmas. The $600 credit is fully funded through the recent Bell Group settlement, for the losses incurred in the Bell Group collapse in the early 1990s. It made sense that these funds go straight back to Western Australians. Especially in times like these, when people may need that bit of extra financial relief because of COVID-19. But I have a request: If this credit means you can spend some extra money, use it to support our local WA businesses. By spending local, you'll be helping to support WA jobs, support your fellow West Aussies, and keep WA safe and strong.
11.01.2022 Wait, what?! WA Nationals members casually throwing Nazi salutes for the Premier? So they think Mark McGowan is a fascist because of the Government’s response to COVID-19? Interesting they don’t support the measures that have made WA the safest place in the country. Meanwhile, crickets from the local Nats candidates. ... Would hate to think this view is endorsed in the WA National Party, but you never know.
11.01.2022 WA Police will be out in force again this summer: we're funding Operation Heat Shield for a second summer in a row, to help keep us all safe and strong. Summer ...is a great time to get out and about - but historically we also see rises in anti-social behaviour, as well as increased burglaries, retail theft and family violence. Under the $5 million Operation Heat Shield, over 55,000 hours of additional policing has been funded, to put more cops on patrol in hotspots like the CBD, but also across our suburbs and throughout regional WA. I hope they're not needed, but in the event that someone needs help, this boost will mean that WA Police aren't far away. Last year, it was a significant success - resulting in 2,499 arrests and 5,882 charges.
10.01.2022 Minister MacTiernan and I visited Wahroonga Station last Friday hosted by the lovely Teresa and Cameron Tubby. We also were taken for an inspection of some of t...he cell fencing - Carnarvon Rangelands Barrier Fence - which crosses Wahroonga Station. Thank you Teresa and Cameron for hosting the Minister & I at your beautiful homestead. See more
10.01.2022 JUST IN: WA continues to lead Australia's economic recovery with another month of strong local job growth in October. The latest job stats from the Australian B...ureau of Statistics show that WA has now created 89,300 jobs since May - an absolutely incredible result. WA now has the second-lowest unemployment rate and the lowest under-employment rate of any State in the country. There's always more to do, and more WA jobs to create, but these are very positive signs as we keep WA safe and strong.
10.01.2022 Today at National Cabinet, we discussed border controls at length. It was a productive discussion, but I made it clear that Western Australia will not be agreei...ng to a hotspot model or a hotspot definition which replaces our successful border controls. WA has always avoided setting an arbitrary deadline on borders. A date WILL be set, when our health advice recommends it, but that might be some time away. We went through this before, and then Victoria's outbreak happened. Opening and closing just causes more confusion and isn’t a good outcome for our local economy. The Prime Minister and other States respect and understand that decision given the unique factors for WA and the positive direction our economy is heading. Unlike the rest of the country, WA is not currently in a recession. We are the engine room of the national economy. So we won’t prematurely re-open borders. If we went too soon, it could be deadly and there would be economic devastation. That would result in the reintroduction of restrictions, and possibly mean reintroducing the hard border. WA does not have border communities so we don’t face the associated social disruption seen on the east coast. In WA we have positive economic activity, business confidence is buzzing and retail trade is increasing and businesses are hiring. Our retail growth figures out today are outstanding. By almost any measure, Western Australia is in an enviable position in the new COVID-world. We've worked so hard to achieve this - and we must do everything we can to maintain it. WA’s border restrictions are working. And for that reason, at this stage, the hard border will stand until the health advice says otherwise. Unfortunately, the success of the hard border also comes with some consequences - particularly for families who haven’t seen each other for a long period. I feel for those people, I also cannot see my mum and dad in NSW. But I want to thank so many people, for their understanding and commitment to doing the right thing, as we monitor the situation over east. Australia’s National Cabinet has worked very well. It’s world-leading and has meant that as a country we have done better than nearly anywhere else in the world. But that doesn’t mean we all have to agree on everything. Geographic and economic differences can be reflected in decision making - and that is what has happened today.
10.01.2022 If you're interested in building a new home and would like to help support local jobs (and get a $20,000 grant) please visit: https://www.wa.gov.au//g/apply-new-home-construction-grant
10.01.2022 This weekend, hundreds of thousands of Western Australians will be gathering with their friends and family. It might be for a party, to watch the footy or just ...to hang out. Here in WA, since all the way back in July, we've had no hard limit on how many Western Australians can gather together - as long as the venue has 2 square metres per person. Every State is following the health advice that they're getting, relevant to their own situation. WA is no different. Because of the safety and confidence offered by our hard border, we were able to lift the vast majority of restrictions three months ago. As a result, we’ve got back to living in a COVID-safe environment faster than other States, and as a result Western Australians were able to get back to work. Other States, in line with their own health advice, still have strict restrictions on the size of gatherings. In New South Wales, that limit remains at just 20 people, with the 4sqm capacity rule still in place. Yesterday, it was announced that up to 60 people will be allowed to gather at homes in Queensland from the start of December. These are positive steps other States are making and we look forward to seeing them continue to reduce restrictions further, in line with their health advice. The freedoms Western Australians are able to enjoy across our State have only been possible because of our hard border, and that continues to be the advice from our Chief Health Officer. The border won't remain in place forever, and the recent improvement of the situations in the eastern states has been very reassuring. But we also have to remember just how devastating an outbreak would be for Western Australians' lives and their livelihoods. We can only imagine what it has been like for our friends in Victoria over the last few months, and we can't afford to see that happen here. That's why it's so crucial that we continue to follow our expert health advice and be extra cautious, as we continue to make the most of the freedoms and safety in WA.
09.01.2022 We've been through this a few times now during this pandemic. Some people want our hard border arrangements to be changed prematurely, against health advice. I ...just can't do that. My position has not changed, and I'll be clear again: the hard border will stay in place for as long as the health advice recommends it. The past two weeks have given us timely reminders about just how effective our hard border has been. Last week, the Federal Court ruled unambiguously that the hard border is the most effective measure to protect the health of Western Australians. And this week, economic statistics released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics showed clearly that those States which put up hard borders to fight the pandemic also protected their economies from the worst of the damage. Amid extremely difficult circumstances, never seen before in our history, our economy is holding up well. Consumer confidence. Business confidence. Retail spending. Hospitality. Construction. By almost any measure, Western Australia is in an enviable position in the new COVID-world. Western Australians can go about their lives with a level of safety and confidence that is rare anywhere in the world. The strength of our economy is remarkable, and is supporting the rest of the country. We've worked so hard to achieve this - and we must do everything we can to maintain it. A 'hotspot' model of travel restrictions is simply not as effective as the hard border. It relies on factors outside of our control, and it significantly increases the risk of an outbreak. And for that reason, at this stage, the hard border must stand. But let me also make this clear: the hard border will not last forever. If it was safe to do so, we'd remove it today. We all wish we could be reunited with our fellow Australians. I’d love to see my mum and dad at Christmas, but I’m not prepared to bring down the borders so that we can meet a deadline that could well be catastrophic. Until the health advice is clear, it would be reckless to place a timeframe on when that will occur. When the time is right, we will outline our plan to reopen WA with the rest of the country.
09.01.2022 WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY Mental Health Week is a national week celebrated each year in October kicking off with World Mental Health Day on October 10. This yea...r's Mental Health Week theme is "Strengthening Our Community - Live, Learn, Work, Play" and working together to increase mental wellbeing in all WA communities. To build supportive communities, we must take a holistic look at mental health, sharing ideas, and learning from each other through every day activities. In 2020, we all should continue to aim to boost mental wellbeing in WA communities by: Encouraging each of us to support and look out for one another Promoting mental health literacy and self-care tips Raising awareness of mental health issues and reducing stigma associated with seeking support. Mental Health Week is coordinated in WA by Western Australian Association for Mental Health, supported by Western Australian Mental Health Commission and Lotterywest. With the current uncertainty in the world that is changing daily, it's even more important than ever that we take care of mental health and celebrate recovery within our community. Practice self care, take a break, and look out for each other as we are all in this together. #WorldMentalHealthDay
09.01.2022 Get behind our Kimberley candidate for 2021, Davina D'Anna! Please visit her page & like & if you can help with the campaign, reach out to us!
06.01.2022 Whichever way you look at it, WA is leading the nation. Thanks Mark McGowan
06.01.2022 We're assessing further options regarding the COVID-19 outbreak in South Australia. I strongly urge anyone about to leave Adelaide for Perth to reconsider their travel. More to come.
06.01.2022 Last week's State Budget delivered a record level of funding for WA mental health services - with an additional $306 million commitment bringing our total spend... on mental health services above $1 billion per year for the first time. We see all too many reminders of why this is important - and the simple fact is that mental health services save lives. I know how important those services are - especially this year - so I'm proud we've been able to provide this crucial boost.
06.01.2022 For many, this year has been extremely hard. In living memory, there hasn’t been one like it. And in hard times, it’s important that we all make an effort to r...each out to one another and check in. From the early days of the pandemic we’ve been separated from friends and family. Many worried where the next pay check was coming from. There was uncertainty for business owners concerned not just about their own livelihood but also the livelihoods of the people they employ. More recently, we’ve thought about the safety of our family and friends over east. We have had to deal with the anxiety of what will happen if we have an outbreak in WA, and what that will mean for our loved ones here at home, who are at high risk from the virus. And while COVID-19 has been on our mind life didn’t stop. It all takes a toll. It can be a lot. That’s why it’s so important - more important than ever - to check in on your mates. If you think they might be struggling, be sure to check in and ask if they are ok. Let them know you’re here for them. Let them know you care. Let them know it will not always be like this. Let them know there’s hope. This isn’t just a message for one day, or one week. It’s something we can do every day. Look after yourself, take care of your friends, and remember, we’re in this together.
05.01.2022 The regions are doing brilliantly in our Budget. In Albany this morning talking to local business about how WA’s strong economy is delivering for the region - a...nd how our multi-million Great Southern Recovery Plan is driving economic and social recovery in the region to ensure it can recover stronger than ever. This year’s Budget includes the largest ever investment in the regions an infrastructure spend of more than $7.5 billion. We’re also continuing to deliver Royalties for Regions, with $4.2 billion from the fund to be invested into the regions over the next four years.
01.01.2022 Fancy a seachange? Businesses in regional WA are looking for workers. It's a great chance to see our State and experience something new. Find out more at www.workandwander.wa.gov.au
01.01.2022 Anyone in Broome this weekend - please consider supporting the Kimberley fundraiser
