Liberal Party leader and Vasse MLA Libby Mettam has taken a swing at the State Government for yet again failing to fund two key projects in the Capes.
A recent sitting of the WA Budget estimates committee revealed there was no money coming through for the long-awaited terminal expansion at Busselton Airport nor any funding to start the even-more overdue revamp of Margaret River Hospital.
The Busselton-based MP said it was crucial money was brought into the Budget due to the time it took to plan and execute projects she’d already identified as vital to the growth of the region.
“It’s disappointing that yet again, the region has been ignored by the WA Labor Government and that these vital upgrades remains unfunded,” she said.
The strength of direct flights into the region from Melbourne demanded passengers had an adequate arrival facility, Ms Mettam said.
“There is no doubt that future growth into routes such as the Busselton-Sydney flights will also be impeded if this project is not given the priority it deserves,” she said.
“Minister (Don) Punch’s refusal to fight for this critical infrastructure upgrade is particularly disappointing given his history with the South West Development Commission.”
While Mr Punch did not respond to media inquiries, a spokesperson for Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson spoke highly of the masterplan for the Margaret River medical campus without making any commitments.
“The Margaret River Hospital redevelopment remains a priority with any redevelopment subject to relevant funding approvals,” the spokesperson said.
The Minister’s office also pointed to record Labor investment in health Statewide and noted “the Margaret River region benefit significantly from this increased support”.
While local doctors remained in the dark about any plans to expand the busy hospital, they noted added resources and workers had stemmed the worst of the immediate challenges.
However, one senior medico who asked not to be named said money had to be allocated for the project because of the lengthy planning and construction period already seen in a major revamp of Bunbury Hospital.
City of Busselton chief executive Tony Nottle said the latest discussions with the Minister, noted in Parliamentary Hansard, were geared towards development of a new business case for the airport terminal.
“Officers have been working with SWDC to access funding to develop the business case which would then be submitted for consideration,” he said.
“As part of this, the City is preparing a new Busselton-Margaret River Airport master plan and will review the current terminal design as a result of significant construction cost escalation.”
Local government pundits also told the Times recent rapid increases in project costs had bean counters worried, making it difficult to plan accurately for major builds.