WA Liberals’ State Election cash promise for Broome boaties, Kimberley health, wildlife and recreation

The WA Liberals will spend $30 million on a Broome boat launching facility and pour $10m into Kimberley mental health services should they be voted into office at the March State Election Those were the headline promises contained in a $46 million Royalties for Regions commitment which would see cash splashed on recreation, health and wildlife rehabilitation across the region. SEE THE KEY PROMISES BELOW In releasing his party’s plan for the Kimberley on Friday, shadow regional development minister Dr Steve Thomas said the selected projects would “keep community spirit alive”. “The Liberal Party believes in the future of the region, and we want the Kimberley to be able to deliver the kind of services that people in the metropolitan region expect,” he said. “We need to keep our community spirit alive, which is why we are investing in improving health services and a wide range of facilities, including for sporting groups. “As screens become a bigger part of our lives, we need to keep our kids playing team sport and involved in local activities.” The Liberals’ Broome boating facility commitment is $5m short of Labor’s $35m pledge for such a facility at Entrance Point. That proposal would see four boat ramps, two finger jetties, an open space and parking for 160 boat trailers constructed at the site, as well as “activation” of the area’s dinosaur footprints. PLAN FOR THE KIMBERLEY Under the Liberals’ plan $12m would be split evenly on redeveloping Kununurra’s aquatic centre and building a mental health observation area at the hospital. Some $4m will be spent on a similar mental health service in Derby. Derby would also benefit from construction of a burnout slab at the speedway, upgrades for Derby Native Wildlife Inc, repairs to Mary Island Fishing Club’s clubrooms and $10,000 to the West Kimberley Turf Club for a ride-on mower and jockey room upgrades. WA Liberal Kimberley candidate Geoff Haerewa said he wanted to see investment in helping residents live a productive life. “We need to be able to attract new workers and their families across the entire Kimberley, and the Liberal investment in safety, services and sports will go a long way to making that happen,” he said. Broome’s Native Animal Rescue would receive $40,000 towards turtle rehabilitation gear. Kununurra would be in line for $15,000 towards ski club upgrades and $500 towards gear for the Kununurra Croc Swim Club. Fitzroy Crossing’s Wild Life West Inc would gain $10,000 to help rehabilitate wildlife. The Halls Creek Hawks would receive $5000 towards new equipment.