Wednesday, 30 November 2016
 
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• ​Groundwater availability mapped through Albany hinterland
• 5-10 GL found that will help expand and secure opportunities in the region

New mapping of aquifers in the Albany hinterland has revealed medium to long-term water source options for agriculture, industry and also potentially the regional water supply scheme, Water Minister Mia Davies announced today.

"The results of this four-year water investigation reveal billions of litres of good quality groundwater that could form reliable water sources to meet regional development needs over the coming decades," Ms Davies said.

"The Department of Water has used a combination of aerial electromagnetic surveys and targeted drilling and sampling, to produce a detailed map that outlines prospective zones, depth, quality and potential quantity of water available for use.  This could potentially have huge benefits to local industry and investment opportunities in the region."

Investigations, funded through Royalties for Regions, found water stored in palaeochannel aquifers running through the hinterland, which has brought up to five gigalitres more of good quality water to the options table.

"There is also potentially another five gigalitres of lesser quality water that may be available for agriculture and other uses such as industrial processing," Ms Davies said.

"Currently most of the groundwater in Albany is fully allocated or committed to town water supply, and these new sources are a major contributor to regional water security."

Regional Development Minister Terry Redman said water demand in the Great Southern region was projected to increase by more than 20 gigalitres by 2043 under a medium growth scenario, with seven gigalitres a year of this projected for agriculture expansion.

"Water availability is a key interest to regional investors, particularly for new or expanded agriculture production," Mr Redman said.

"This important water information is now being made available to interested users of this water through the Department of Water, as well as the Great Southern Development Commission, ensuring the latest information is considered in investment planning."

In 2014, early results from these water investigations allowed the State Government to announce an initial 0.5 GL of additional groundwater, which deferred the need for a $250 million desalination plant for Albany's water supply.

Fact File

• Click here for a video: https://youtu.be/JBfpuRHIpJc
• Aerial surveys covering 8,810 line kilometres, more than 60 sample locations and 1,000 meters of exploratory drilling were conducted as part of the project
• Find out how Royalties for Regions is transforming your regional community at https://rfrmap.drd.wa.gov.au

Wednesday, 30 November 2016
 
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• ​51% public float of Western Power to create the Next Generation Account
• This will enable an unprecedented infrastructure expenditure in schools, TAFE facilities and transport, creating thousands of jobs for West Australians
• There will be no increase in the price of electricity as a result of the part sale

The Liberal National Government today announced it will progress a public float of 51 per cent of Western Power, with the proceeds used to create jobs and stimulate the economy by building the State's future infrastructure needs.

Premier Colin Barnett said the Next Generation Account would be created with $3 billion from the sale proceeds of Western Power, to fund investment in the initial priority areas of schools and TAFE facilities, transport infrastructure, and improving the reliability of electricity supplies in country areas.

"The part sale of Western Power will provide the funds needed to expand the State's capital works program to fix local schools, build new transport links, and stimulate the State's economy," the Premier said.

"These projects will create thousands of jobs - for builders, tradies, construction workers, engineers, technology providers, and their support staff - in communities throughout Western Australia.

"The sale proceeds will also be used to reduce State debt by about $8 billion."

Treasurer and Energy Minister Mike Nahan said there would be no increase in the cost of electricity for WA consumers or any reduction in the safety and reliability of the electricity network as a result of the proposed public float of Western Power.

"Under the 51 per cent public float proposal, the State Government will remain the largest shareholder (at 49 per cent), with indicative targets of 30 per cent of shares being sold to Australian superannuation funds and 20 per cent to mum and dad retail investors, including Western Power employees," Dr Nahan said.

"This model will address any national security concerns about foreign ownership.  Western Power will not be foreign owned or controlled.

"It will be business as usual for workers at Western Power as strict employee protections will be outlined as part of the float process.

"Western Power is a regulated monopoly, which means a number of independent regulators will continue to oversee the various parts of the business, including safety, reliability, prices and performance, regardless of who owns Western Power.  This will not change."

Nationals (WA) Leader Brendon Grylls said funds from the Next Generation Account would be used to improve electricity reliability at the edge of the grid in country areas.

"For West Australians living at the end of long feeder lines, this additional investment in edge-of-grid electricity solutions, including microgrids, will make a huge difference in their lives, while also ensuring we remain at the forefront of technological advances," Mr Grylls said.

Fact File

• Using its network of poles and wires, Western Power is responsible for bringing electricity from power stations to homes and businesses in the South-West of WA
• The Liberal National Government is proposing a 51% public float of Western Power
• This includes indicative targets of 20 per cent to Australian retail investors including 'mums and dads' and Western Power employees, and 30 per cent to Australian superannuation funds
• For more information, visit https://www.news.wa.gov.au

Wednesday, 30 November 2016
 
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• Transformation of Bunbury waterfront a step closer
• Design of eye-catching new pedestrian bridge unveiled
• Made possible by Liberal National Government's Royalties for Regions program 

Another centrepiece in Bunbury's waterfront transformation has been unveiled, with the public today getting their first look at the striking design for the new Koombana Bay pedestrian bridge.

Regional Development Minister Terry Redman said the bridge formed part of stage one of the Transforming Bunbury's Waterfront project and would replace the former railway and current pedestrian bridge.

"Along with the redeveloped Dolphin Discovery Centre, the bridge will help to create an iconic entrance into Bunbury," Mr Redman said.

"The new bridge will provide visitors with an enticing link between the city centre, Koombana Bay beach and foreshore, and the Dolphin Discovery Centre; as well as enhance the experience for locals who walk, run and cycle around Leschenault Inlet."

Artist impressions show the structure has been shaped to evoke the image of a ship's hull, paying tribute to the shipwrecks that are buried under the shores of Koombana Bay.

Creative lighting will be used to illuminate the bridge at night, creating an attractive and safe passageway for locals and visitors to use as they make their way between the city and waterfront.

"The overall Transforming Bunbury's Waterfront project is an important investment for Royalties for Regions that will help Bunbury reach its potential, producing long-term community and economic benefits," the Minister said.

Mr Redman thanked the Transforming Bunbury's Waterfront committee and the City of Bunbury for its work on the footbridge component of the project.

Fact File

• The new bridge will stretch across the Plug at Leschenault Inlet, adjacent to the traffic bridge
• The Transforming Bunbury's Waterfront project is overseen by a committee co-ordinated by the South West Development Commission
• The Koombana Bay foreshore revitalisation, along with the Dolphin Discovery Centre redevelopment, forms Stage One of the Transforming Bunbury's Waterfront project
• $24.9 million from the Royalties for Regions Growing Our South fund has been invested in Stage One and $20.73 million in Stage Two
• For more information, visit http://www.transformingbunburyswaterfront.com 

Wednesday, 30 November 2016
 
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• Project to address shortfall of appropriate housing for seniors
• Made possible by Liberal National Government's Royalties for Regions program 

The Liberal National Government has completed the first stage of the procurement process for a partner in its Manjimup Seniors Living Project.

Housing Minister Brendon Grylls said a single proponent had been shortlisted and would work directly with the Housing Authority to develop a proposal addressing the shortfall in purpose-built seniors' accommodation in the region.

"The Manjimup Seniors Living Project was launched in March 2016 to address a key focus area in the Government's Affordable Housing Strategy - stimulating housing supply for seniors, including a range of affordable and appropriate rental, long-term lease and ownership options," Mr Grylls said.

"Housing will work collaboratively with the proponent to further develop their proposal and ensure it meets the project's vision and objectives, and the needs of the Manjimup community. The Government expects to announce the successful development partner in early 2017."

Regional Development Minister Terry Redman said the State Government and the Shire of Manjimup recognised the need for age-friendly housing and related services for people in Manjimup over the age of 55.

"I am pleased to see Royalties for Regions invest in such community-based initiatives to support a better quality of life for regional residents, and enable seniors to continue living in their home town as their needs change with age," Mr Redman said.

"This investment in purpose-built accommodation will also help facilitate economic growth in the region through construction-related employment and activate an important site in the Manjimup town centre."

The new accommodation will be built on the site of the former Manjimup Primary School. The project is made possible by a $2 million investment from the State Government's Royalties for Regions program and the Housing Authority.

Fact File

• Formerly the Manjimup Primary School site, Lot 319 Moore Street is situated less than one kilometre from the town centre and is near existing and planned facilities
• The project seeks to deliver at least 30 independent living units on the 25,174sqm site to address the unmet demand for independent living units in Manjimup and surrounding districts
• There are big things happening in regional WA.  Find out how Royalties for Regions is transforming your community at https://rfrmap.drd.wa.gov.au 

Wednesday, 30 November 2016
 
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• WA's first private sector Changing Place opens at BP's The Lakes
• Changing Places network set to expand to 25 locations 

Disability Services Minister Donna Faragher today announced the opening of Western Australia's first privately funded Changing Place.

The facility at BP's The Lakes service station in Chidlow will complement the network of 25 Changing Places across WA.

Changing Places are secure, clean facilities for people with disability who need space and assistance to use the bathroom when out and about in the community.  They are different to standard accessible toilets and have an adult-sized change table, hoist and enough space for two people to help.

The Liberal National Government has allocated $2 million to fund and support local governments to develop a Changing Places network throughout regional WA and the Perth metropolitan area.

The network is designed to improve access and inclusion for people with disability so they can fully participate in community life, travel and visit as many places in Western Australia as they would like.  BP Australia is the first private business in WA to self-fund and complete a Changing Places facility.

Across WA, the facilities have been developed in tourist and coastal areas, shopping precincts and regional hubs.

"I'm delighted that BP is now leading the way in the private sector by being the first company in WA to build a Changing Place and join the network," Mrs Faragher said.

"This helps address the need for specialised bathroom facilities around the State, to support people with disability to travel more freely around the community.

"This Changing Place at The Lakes provides an opportunity for people to visit the beautiful parks and reserves in the area, or travel further afield, with the knowledge that they have access to appropriate bathroom facilities."

Fact File

• For more information, visit http://www.disability.wa.gov.au
• The WA Government is the first in Australia to commit to developing and funding a network of Changing Places 

Tuesday, 29 November 2016
 
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• WA Police launch Strike Force Vulcan for the 2016-17 fire season
• Public information plays a critical role in fighting arson 

With summer just days away, the Liberal National Government has launched its police strike force dedicated to preventing and investigating bushfires lit by arsonists.

Deputy Premier and Police Minister Liza Harvey said in the 2015-16 bushfire season Strike Force Vulcan officers attended on average more than one fire a day across Perth.

"West Australians have recently seen the devastation and tragedy caused by out-of-control fires and the last thing authorities need to be dealing with is deliberately lit blazes," Ms Harvey said.

The Deputy Premier said Strike Force Vulcan would fight arsonists by:

• using covert cameras to conduct surveillance on identified bushfire arson hot spots
• targeted patrolling of identified hot spots
• a community awareness campaign
• targeting known arsonists using overt and covert means in collaboration with local policing teams. 

"Police will be conducting a lot of work targeting arson but we also want members of the community to be vigilant and immediately report suspicious behaviour," she said.

Emergency Services Minister Joe Francis said firefighters put their lives on the line to protect the community from deliberately lit fires.

"These men and women pledge to protect the community from bushfires that ravage this State, and that job is challenging enough without throwing arson into the mix," Mr Francis said.

The Minister said parents with children fascinated by fire should consider the Government's extremely successful Juvenile and Family Fire Awareness Program.

Strike Force Vulcan, established in 2010, has resulted in numerous arrests and charges as well as identifying hot spots for arson and preventing fires through intelligence, education and rapid response.

Fact File

• In 2015-16, Strike Force Vulcan officers attended 164 fire over four months
• In 2015-16, 539 Perth bushfires out of a total of 631 were suspicious (85%) 

Tuesday, 29 November 2016
 
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• Three-year deal to support Margaret River Readers and Writers Festival
• Supported by the Liberal National Government through Tourism WA and Royalties for Regions 

The Liberal National Government has signed a three-year deal to sponsor Western Australia's biggest regional literature event - the Margaret River Readers and Writers Festival.

Premier and Tourism Minister Colin Barnett said the three-day event would attract poets, authors, playwrights, journalists, comedians, illustrators, magazine editors, screen writers and radio hosts.

"The event will not only promote literature but also the extraordinary Margaret River region, helping to raise its profile as a destination for the arts," Mr Barnett said.

"Since its inception in 2009, the event has grown from 600 attendees to now attracting about 5,000 people.

"The funding will help the festival secure high profile internationally renowned authors and increase its marketing to attract an even greater attendance over the next three years."

The festival features ticketed and free activities including solo and panel author discussions, debates, readings, lectures, workshops, question and answer sessions, music performances and poetry demonstrations.

The Margaret River Readers and Writers Festival will be sponsored until 2019 through Tourism WA's Regional Events Program, made possible by Royalties for Regions.

Regional Development Minister Terry Redman said the investment of $80 million from Royalties for Regions through the Regional Events Program was bringing significant economic, social and cultural benefits to regional communities.

"Supporting events and tourism will help to grow regional areas into thriving and sustainable communities," Mr Redman said.

"Events such as the Margaret River Readers and Writers Festival, enhance the vibrancy in regional areas, making them exciting places to visit as well as great places to live."

The Premier said tourism was a vital industry for regional Western Australia.

"In 2015-16, visitors spent $9.6 billion in the State, including $4.5 billion in regional WA," he said.

"We have a strategy to increase the value of tourism to $12 billion by 2020 and supporting regional events such as the Margaret River Readers and Writers Festival will help us achieve this."

Fact File

• Margaret River Readers and Writers Festival 2017 will run from June 2-5, 2017
• For more information, visit https://www.artsmargaretriver.com/literature 

Monday, 28 November 2016
 
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• Comedy night at State Theatre Centre of WA raises more than $9,000 to increase community awareness of mental health issues
• Second year of a successful partnership between Perth Theatre Trust and WA Association of Mental Health 

A sell-out performance at the State Theatre Centre of WA has seen more than $9,000 raised for community awareness of mental health issues.

Featuring local and national comedians, Stand Up! For Comedy attracted an audience of more than 500 people and was the closing event for Mental Health Week 2016.

Mental Health Minister Andrea Mitchell said the aim of Mental Health Week was to reduce stigma and promote mentally healthy communities.

"The success of this performance ensures a real boost to mental health promotion, not only through the money raised, but also by the number of people who attended," Ms Mitchell said.


Hosted by Paul 'Werzel' Montague, Stand Up! For Comedy featured Ben Darsow, Matt Dyktynski, Damien Callinan, Suns of Fred, Cameron McLaren, Sian Choyce and Hayden Stevens.

Culture and the Arts Minister John Day said the event marked the second time, the Perth Theatre Trust had partnered with the Western Australian Association for Mental Health.

"I am pleased that two such different organisations have come together to promote an issue that affects us all," Mr Day said.

"The fact that it has sold out for the second year in a row demonstrates that this is a powerful partnership."

Mental Health Week 2016 had a special focus on suicide prevention, promoting the Act Belong Commit message and suicide prevention theme, 'Together we can save lives'.

Mental health consumers and carers were allocated tickets to the comedy night.

Fact File

• Stand Up! For Comedy was held on October 15, 2016, during Mental Health Week
• Proceeds will go to local charity, the WA Association for Mental Health
• The event is supported by Perth Theatre Trust and WA Association for Mental Health 

Monday, 28 November 2016
 
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• Two new Percent for Art pieces commissioned for Warren Health Service
• Artists Adam Cruickshank and George Domahidy in partnership
• New $39.3 million Warren Health Service made possible by Royalties for Regions 

West Australian artists Adam Cruickshank and George Domahidy will work together to create two freestanding artworks commissioned under the State Government's Percent for Art Scheme, for the new Warren Health Service in Manjimup.

Health Minister John Day said the two focal artworks would resonate with locals and visitors.

"Manjimup has a rich history and natural heritage, and the artworks will honour and reflect that," Mr Day said.

"The entrance sculpture will feature giant leaf-like structures that represent a symbol of nature, hope and new life, while the tall strands will simulate the experience of approaching a karri forest.

"A second sculpture, a water feature, will be built in a rear courtyard and features a two-leafed Karri sapling with a suspended giant water droplet.  Four rammed earth spheres will be used to provide informal seating around the water feature, creating a serene and healthful natural environment."

Regional Development Minister Terry Redman said art and artists had an important role in improving the quality of public infrastructure.

"Investment in building health infrastructure and services is vital to create vibrant regions with strong economies," Mr Redman said.

"This state-of-the-art health facility will be further enhanced by the integration of these welcoming and inspirational art statements."

Cruickshank is an award-winning West Australian designer whose diverse portfolio includes exterior wall facade artwork, furniture, lighting, jewellery, and hotel and cafe interiors. Domahidy started his career painting street art and has since undertaken numerous public art projects and large-scale commissions, including a three-storey facade artwork.

Fact File

• The State Government's Percent for Art Scheme employs scores of WA artists each year to deliver works for a wide range of public projects
• For more information, visit http://www.dca.wa.gov.au/percentforart
• The Southern Inland Health Initiative's $300 million capital works program is the largest undertaken by the WA Country Health Service, with new builds and upgrades to 37 hospitals and health services in the Wheatbelt, South-West, Great Southern and Mid-West.  For more information, visit http://www.health.wa.gov.au/southerninland 
• There are big things happening in regional WA. Find out how Royalties for Regions is transforming your community at https://rfrmap.drd.wa.gov.au 

Monday, 28 November 2016
 
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• Liberal National Government to deliver workers' compensation for WA Police
• The workers' compensation scheme will be established without the removal of current entitlements 

The Liberal National Government has cemented its role in protecting WA Police officers by ensuring officers will be protected under the Government workers' compensation package.

Deputy Premier and Police Minister Liza Harvey said the package of support, which included workers' compensation legislation, was established without removing current sick leave and medical reimbursement entitlements.

Ms Harvey said workers' compensation would allow officers requiring extended leave or retirement, through a work related injury, to access funding, including potential for lump sums to pay for medical and rehabilitation services.

"The scheme is part of a support package which also removes the medically retired process from the Loss of Confidence procedure, which affected officers found humiliating.  It also removes the automatic sacking of officers declared bankrupt without any personal wrongdoing," she said.

"No other Government has done more to support and protect our police officers, and it is a significant achievement to add workers' compensation to that list, particularly as officers have been campaigning for nearly three decades for the scheme.

"Western Australia's police officers have one of the most challenging jobs in the name of keeping our communities safe, and they deserve to be protected."

WA Police have always had significant protections including 168 days of sick leave and medical costs covered, even if they were injured while off duty.  Medically retired officers also had access to ongoing medical and rehabilitation funding.

The Deputy Premier said since 2008, WA Police officers had been protected by:

• mandatory sentencing for assaults on police
• a compensation scheme for medically retired officers
• laws protecting officers in high speed pursuits
• mandatory blood testing of offenders who bite and spit at officers. 

Fact File

• The workers' compensation scheme will not be retrospective
• Medically retired officers will no longer be part of the Loss of Confidence process
• Currently WA Police have access to 168 days sick leave and medical costs covered even if injured off duty.  Medically retired officers have access to payments for ongoing medical and rehabilitation costs