WA Government Faces Backlash Over Delayed Projects

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WA Government Faces Backlash Over Delayed Projects

Unfulfilled Promises and a New Vision

Western Australia's Premier, Roger Cook, visited Broome this week to present his government's "vision" for the Kimberley region. However, this vision was overshadowed by a litany of unfulfilled promises made to the region since 2019.

Family and domestic violence services in Broome: The government has not been able to locate these services within a consolidated hub environment due to cultural and model-of-care sensitivities.

The government has allocated $36 million for this project but is still working with funding partners and the Shire of Broome on the complex planning.

Despite recognizing the need for a modern facility, the $1.4 million allocated for desktop planning in 2019 has not resulted in any concrete progress.

A $20 million hostel for Aboriginal people visiting the East Kimberley town was announced in 2020, but no plans or location have been confirmed.

This project, first promised in 2016, has faced cost increases and delays due to asbestos contamination on the proposed site.

This facility, promised before the 2021 election, has been shelved.

The proposed location of this facility has changed, pushing back the initial rollout date of 2023.

The government has attributed these delays to various factors, including difficulties finding available land, cost blowouts, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the Fitzroy River flood. However, the lack of progress on these projects has left many in the Kimberley feeling frustrated and disillusioned.

With the state election approaching on March 8, it remains to be seen whether the government's new vision for the Kimberley will be enough to win back the trust of the region's residents.