Premier’s budget lunch explores what the 2021 budget means for Peel
A sold-out crowd of over 140 guests attended the Premier’s Budget Luncheon event on Friday, 10 September at David Grays Arena to look at what the 2021 State Budget means for Peel. Hosted by the Peel Development Commission, the budget event discussion was delivered by Premier Mark McGowan in his capacity as the State’s Treasurer. It was an important opportunity for the Peel business community to come together to understand the budget implications from a regional perspective and how it will continue to ensure Western Australia’s economy stays on track to recover from the pandemic stronger than ever before.
The release of the WA Government’s 2021-22 State budget demonstrates a focus on keeping WA safe and strong, while investing in projects and initiatives that will set up Western Australia’s long-term future. The McGowan Government’s strong management of the pandemic has meant WA’s economic recovery continues to outperform many other jurisdictions in the country and around the world.
The State Government’s multi-billion dollar WA Recovery and Jobs Plan has laid the foundation for this growth, by investing in major infrastructure to create jobs and drive investment.
The Premier’s primary message was that WA is the strongest state in the nation so we need to use this time to fund projects for the future. The State’s WA Jobs Plan will create a pipeline of jobs across the Peel region with infrastructure and service delivery commitments including key project investments in health and education. This investment creates industry diversification opportunities and jobs for the people of Peel. There are more Western Australians employed now than ever before, with 107,000 jobs created since March 2017.
The Budget includes a record $9.1 billion investment in regional infrastructure, $4.2 billion for Royalties for Regions and $627 million to deliver regional election commitments and other new regional initiatives.
For Peel, this includes the allocation of further support for jobs, TAFE, health, schools, regional roads, tourism and community facilities such as;
• Delivering the new $16.87 million Hospitality Training Centre and hair and beauty training facilities at Mandurah TAFE
• Delivering the $152 million major redevelopment of Peel Health Campus and bringing it back into public hands;
• $8.6 million to expand the Peel region’s community alcohol and other drug integrated services.
• $10 million to establish a Food Technology Facility at Peel Business Park;
• $100 million Investment Attraction and New Industries Fund;
• $1.5 million investment in Pinjarra Senior High School, $1.5 million for Halls Head College and $1.5 million to Coodanup College to deliver new STEM classrooms;
• $110 million to build a second Mandurah Estuary Bridge;
• $28.1 million for the Mandurah Common Ground facility to assist people experiencing or at risk of homelessness with accommodation and support services
Following the Premier’s presentation, attendees participated in a Q&A session where the Premier answered questions from the audience about how the budget will affect specific issues and challenges particularly with regards to the economic and social uncertainty people are feeling regarding the on-going COVID-19 pandemic and keeping the region safe and strong.
Minister David Templeman MLA attended the event and said “Thanks to the hard work and efforts of all West Australians over recent times, our economy remains in a strong position to deliver better opportunities for our community. This Budget reaffirms the McGowan Government’s commitment to creating jobs, building quality infrastructure and investing in health and education. The McGowan Government’s responsible financial management has allowed for this huge investment in our Region and our State.”
The Peel Development Commission Chair, David Doepel, said “It was a great event and the Treasurer’s presentation did a terrific job of explaining the positive impact this budget will have on the region. It was heartening to see so many members of the Peel business community in attendance. I was also encouraged with their strong engagement in the Q&A forum that reflects the passion, determination and resilience that characterises our region.”
View the Photo Gallery below.
See the original event listing here.
Premier’s budget lunch images
