FUNDING for State Government projects promised for Albany is expected to be confirmed during next week’s State Budget announcement.
But nothing new for the region is predict in the eighth Budget Treasurer Eric Ripper is scheduled to announce on May 8.
The 2006/07 Budget resulted in a record $2.3 billion surplus, up $39 million on the previous 12 months, and there could be a similar record this year.
Mr Ripper said it would not contain any wild pre-election spending.
He told State Parliament in early April that despite record revenue, the Government faced a number of constraints, including reduced GST revenue, wage pressures and the rising cost of building.
Albany MLA Peter Watson said the Government’s promises made at the last State election were finally coming to fruition.
He said the Budget should include a “wish-list” of priority funding he submitted to be considered by the Government six months ago.
He was unable to confirm it contained anything he had requested.
“We put in a wish list to the Economic Review Committee,” he said.
“Funding for all the major projects is already there and in the bank, and this Budget is confirming others.
“Funding for the waterfront is already confirmed.”
Mr Watson said money covering the blowout in construction costs for the Albany Entertainment Centre was expected to be included in the Budget.
Premier Alan Carpenter promised the AEC over-run would be covered last year.
Mr Watson said the first funds for the Albany Hospital redevelopment should also be announced, enabling it to proceed later this year.
“Design work is well under way and tenders are expected to be called in October,” he said.
Mr Watson expected the Budget to include funding for the second and third stages of the Albany Ring Road, the upgrade of Flinders Park Primary School oval and the Amity Heritage Precinct which contained the Welcome Wall.
“We haven’t had the overall funding for the next two stages of the ring road, for the road construction,” he said.
“But it should be included next week.
“Funding for the purchase of properties has already been provided.”
Mr Watson said funding submissions for other smaller projects had also been submitted, but he did not want to raise the community’s hopes in case they were not in the Budget.
“Hopefully, there will be other general surprises in the Budget,” he said.
Albany Mayor Milton Evans said he would like to see the State Budget include funding for health, education and transport in Albany.
“We need the hospital redevelopment to start promptly and we need a firm commitment to the next stages of the Albany Ring Road,” Mr Evans said.
“I would also like to see provision of more education opportunities in Albany through support for the expansion of the UWA Albany Centre, so more of our young people can undertake tertiary study without having to leave town.”
Stirling MLA Terry Redman said the Budget needed to include more money for the region’s major roads.
This would be followed by a boost to the regional investment fund and more Homeswest housing.
He said this is apart from some of the more iconic long-term issues like a gas pipeline from Bunbury to Albany and a regional solution to water planning and funding in forward estimates.
“Roads are still the number one issue that comes up when I talk to people,” Mr Redman said.
“Passing lanes on Albany, Hassell and South Coast Highways, upgrades to Muirs Highway and Chester Pass Road.
“There is work being done but these need to keep going.
“Then there are the more local safety issues of the main street upgrades at Denmark and Walpole.
Mr Redman said water security investment at Denmark, Walpole, Cranbrook and Frankland River needed to be a priority for the future.
“Then there is a boost to regional investment funds, especially the regional headworks program, in response to Western Power headworks charges. The infill sewage spending timeline needs to be brought forward for regional communities,” he said.