Delivering local priorities in the Northern Wheatbelt

The Albanese Government continues to boost the liveability of communities across the Shire of Moora, with federal funding unlocking a pipeline of road and community infrastructure projects.

Federal Minister for Regional Development and Local Government, Kristy McBain MP joined Shire of Moora President, Tracy Lefroy today to inspect the progress of projects and to discuss the region’s priorities.

As part of the Government’s commitment to improving access to childcare in regional communities, Minister McBain today confirmed that $800,000 in federal funding is flowing to Moora’s new childhood education and health centre.

Delivered through Phase 4 of the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure program, the funding is kickstarting key works, including framing, electrical wiring, plumbing and hydraulic services, and air conditioning – along with upgrades to the access driveway and carpark facilities.

The 55 place centre – due for completion early next year – will offer early childhood education care, before and after school programs, and a range of early intervention services; including learning and developmental delay assessments, vision services, hearing and speech services.

The Albanese Government is also working with the Shire of Moora to improve the safety of local roads across the Northern Wheatbelt, with over $4.1 million in Roads to Recovery funding flowing to Council over the next five years, a boost of over $1.7 million.

This will pave the way for future priority projects, many of which will improve heavy vehicle access on the Shire’s rural roads, and build on projects already delivered and fully funded by the Albanese Government.

Two kilometres of Old Geraldton Road was sealed earlier this year thanks to $475,216 in federal funding, with $174,124 supporting widening and sealing works on Koojan West Road.

Nationally, the Albanese Government is delivering significant funding increases to support local councils to progress their priority projects. 

The Roads to Recovery program is progressively increasing from $500 million to $1 billion per year, the Road Black Spot Program is increasing to $150 million per year, and the new $200 million per year Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program opened on 1 July 2024.

Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Regional Development and Local Government, Kristy McBain MP:

“From improving access to early education services, to making rural roads safer for the heavy vehicles that underpin the Northern Wheatbelt’s major agricultural sector – funding increases from the Albanese Government are getting local priority projects off the ground in this region.

“By working with the Shire of Moora to improve the safety and accessibility of their local road networks for heavy vehicles, we’re ensuring that this region can unlock the economic opportunities that will come with our Future Made in Australia plan.

“It’s fantastic to be in town, to see local-led projects progressing, and to discuss the Shire of Moora’s forward priorities – because when we work together, we get the best outcomes for our regional communities.”  

Quotes attributable to Senator for Western Australia, Glenn Sterle:

“Communities in the Northern Wheatbelt and across regional parts of our state are growing, which is why we’re working with local councils to improve the safety of local roads, to upgrade community infrastructure, and to strengthen local industries – regardless of postcodes.

“The Albanese Government is delivering more money to local councils to ensure we continue to build a better future in regional WA – supporting local-led projects that create jobs at home, boost liveability, and stimulate local economies.”

Quotes attributable to Shire of Moora President, Tracy Lefroy: 

“It’s fantastic to welcome Minister McBain to the Shire of Moora to highlight the significant progress we’re making with jointly funded projects, and to discuss our future priorities.

“With the community calling on the Shire of Moora to provide more services than ever before, we’re strengthening our partnership with the Australian Government to ensure that we can continue to deliver the projects locals want to get off the ground.

“With so much of our region reliant on the safe passage of heavy vehicles, the Roads to Recovery funding increase will make a significant impact in how we continue to improve our local road network, and we thank the Australian Government for this.”