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The Shire of Wyndham-East Kimberley has hit out at the State Government over its tardiness in progressing Ord Stage II.
Hire President Michele Pucci said the State Government's recent announcement of a $93 million prison for Derby and a $335 million stadium to be built in Perth were yet further examples of the Ord Scheme being 'out of sight - of mind' for the State Government.
Cr Pucci said: "It is disappointing and frustrating to people in the region and to potential investors that in times of record budget surpluses, when things like prisons and stadiums can be afforded, that the State continues to overlook expansion of the Ord Irrigation Scheme.
"The lack of decisiveness by the State Government on the scheme is misguided and risks robbing this region of a much-needed expansion to the region's economy, to provide increased opportunity to the growing young population here.
"A couple of hundred millions of dollars would see Stage II done, and the flow-on benefit of that to the East Kimberley region would be enormous.
"Clearly the State Government can afford it, if it can afford prisons and stadiums," Cr Pucci said.
"The recent State Government budget announcements on infrastructure indicated the East Kimberley region and the future of people here was not high on the Government's priority.
"That needs to change, and it needs to change in a hurry.
"Treasurer Eric Ripper personally drove through the Ord Final Agreement on Native Title, paving the way for sustainable development in the region, but seems to have lost his way on Ord Stage II."
Cr Pucci said the East Kimberley region was not interested in the 'blame game' being played out by the State and Federal Governments regarding the Ord Scheme, which should be national building project.
"Council is calling on the state to reassure the region including potential investors that Ord II will not be overlooked," she said. |
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