$100m boost expected from win

The election win of Labor leader Mark McGowan as WA Premier-elect should unlock more than $100 million for the Kimberley.

The convincing victory on Saturday was made even sweeter, with Josie Farrer cruising to victory and being re-elected as the ALP member for Kimberley.

It will be the first time since 2008 Labor has ruled the Government and the electorate in unison and is expected to give Ms Farrer increased leverage regionally and in State Parliament. Speaking to the Broome Advertiser on Monday, Ms Farrer, an Aboriginal woman who lives in Halls Creek, said she intended to work hard for all members of the community, no matter what race or creed.

She said the Kimberley had been forgotten under the Barnett Government and several contracts needed to be reinstated to create jobs. “A lot of work has gone outside of WA and the Kimberley, which needs to come back to the region and its communities to help local economies,” she said.

Ms Farrer said Mr McGowan was passionate about Broome and the Kimberley, having escorted him on a tour to remote communities and towns last year.

“He has been willing to come out and have a look for himself over a prolonged period with a view to improving economical outlooks for everyone,” she said.

“He has looked at Broome, he has looked at the business side of Broome, he has looked at the Dampier Peninsula and he has looked at issues within indigenous communities and businesses that could or should have been established within those communities.”

Ms Farrer said her priories were to lobby on behalf of her constituents on key issues such as jobs, health, education, tourism, housing and youth justice. Before starting his election campaign, Mr McGowan said his government would pump $13.6 million into boating facilities and access at Entrance Point, Town Beach and Gantheaume Point. WA Labor unveiled last month a $104 million election package for the Kimberley as part of its regional plan. It includes $20 million for upgrades at Broome Senior High School.

Labor said $500,000 would be earmarked for a feasibility study into a marina for Broome and a $1 million trial for Perth-Derby flights.