Labor unveil Pilbara funding package

Former Federal and State Labor politician Alannah MacTiernan has used a visit to the Pilbara today to announce a regional funding package, including millions towards sealing the Karratha-Tom Price Road and better health facilities in Tom Price and Newman, should Labor be elected in the coming State election.

Ms MacTiernan appeared with WA Labor candidate for the Pilbara Kevin Michel at a conference in Karratha where she announced a Labor Plan for the Pilbara focused on health, infrastructure, tourism and job creation.

$50 million funding for upgrading the Karratha-Tom Price Road, $2.5 million to improve the Royal Flying Doctor Service airstrip at Tom Price and $1.3 million to establish a renal dialysis service at Newman Hospital were the biggest commitments included in the plan.

It would also include funding towards the Port Hedland marina, security upgrades for the Hedland Well Women’s Centre, new music equipment for Roebourne District High School’s Boonderu Music Academy, construction of outdoor basketball courts in Newman and new shading and lighting facilities at Wickham Skate Park.

Ms MacTiernan said the plan would benefit Pilbara residents in a number of key industries.

“This is a real plan that will create jobs and opportunities for people in the Pilbara and improve essential services like health and education,” she said.

“WA Labor understands that tourism is a major economic driver and a job creator.”

“A McGowan Labor Government will allocate funding to upgrade the Karratha-Tom Price Road, which will encourage more visitors to the area and create more local jobs for the future.”

Ms MacTiernan also said WA Labor government supported the Royalties for Regions program and would continue it if elected.

WA Labor candidate for the Pilbara Kevin Michel said job creation and new infrastructure were focuses for the party.

“Like most parts of regional WA, the Pilbara is feeling the effects of the changing resources industry and the Liberal-National Government’s failure to plan for life beyond the boom,” he said.

“I’m determined to create a brighter future for people in the Pilbara and our plan will create jobs and opportunities, particularly in the tourism sector.”