Member for Albany, Scott Leary, says the Cook Labor Government’s latest State Budget delivers very little for Albany and the Great Southern, despite the region continuing to contribute strongly to the State’s economy.
“While it is good to finally see funding confirmed for the Albany Health Campus expansion, the reality is there is very little else in this Budget that genuinely addresses the growing needs of Albany and the wider Great Southern,” Mr Leary said.
“Albany continues to grow, our infrastructure is under pressure and regional communities are asking for practical investment, not piecemeal announcements and recycled commitments.”
Mr Leary said it was disappointing to see that there is still only half of the previously promised funding delivered for upgrades to South Coast Highway east of Albany, including the Kojaneerup section.
“This stretch of highway is a critical freight and tourism route and has long standing safety concerns,” he said.
“The Government has again failed to fully commit to a project regional communities were led to believe would be properly funded.”
Mr Leary said the most concerning aspect of the Budget was the lack of meaningful support for Albany residents and businesses impacted by the closure of the ATCO gas network.
“The Minister for Energy previously announced $10.8 million in funding related to the closure of the Albany Gas Distribution System, including $9 million for social housing upgrades and $1.8 million described as planning support for the broader community,” he said.
“However, the Budget papers now state that the Department will spend $1.8 million over 2025-26 to 2026-27 ‘to support customers impacted by the closure of the Albany Gas Distribution System to transition to alternative energy sources’.”
“That wording matters.”
“The earlier references to planning support for the broader community appear to have disappeared entirely and there is still no clarity around any direct compensation, reimbursement package or practical financial assistance for households and businesses facing significant conversion costs.”
Mr Leary said Albany residents deserved honesty and certainty about what support would actually be available.
“Families are being told they will need to transition away from gas, but there is still no detailed funding package to help ordinary residents cover the cost of replacing appliances, upgrading switchboards or modifying older homes,” he said.
“Businesses are also being left in limbo, particularly hospitality operators and commercial premises that rely heavily on gas infrastructure.”
“Regional communities should not be expected to absorb these costs alone while the Government continues to avoid providing clear answers.”
Mr Leary said Albany deserved better than being treated as an afterthought in successive State Budgets.
“Regional Western Australia generates enormous wealth for this State, yet Albany continues to miss out on the level of investment our growing community requires,” he said.