Grants are Punch’s top priority for Bunbury

Small community grants promised in the lead-up to Saturday’s State Election will be the first item on the agenda of new Bunbury MLA Don Punch.

Mr Punch told the South Western Times he would get advice from the newly-formed Government about how soon he could deliver the various grants.

These include $100,000 for Bunbury drug support group, Doors Wide Open, $300,000 towards the Dalyellup Surf Club and money for the Dalyellup Family Centre.

“I want to get those out because I know there are organisations waiting for them,” Mr Punch said.

The drug rehabilitation facility is also a main project on Mr Punch’s agenda and he hopes the plans and location for it will be decided by the end of the year.

“We are in urgent need for one and it will be a priority for us,” he said.

Mr Punch said the rehabilitation facility would be funded under the health portfolio and he expected work to start on it early in the Government’s reign.

Mr Punch highlighted stage three of Casuarina Harbour as well as the improvement of the Australind train service as big ticket items he wished to tick off his election promise list.

“We will put them into the budget process as soon as we are able to,” he said.

The first term member said he was confident the promised $9.1 million step up step down mental health facility would also be a priority.

He said the visit to Bunbury of Steve Dawson when he was Opposition health spokesman highlighted the project’s importance.

Mr Punch said the Government-elect would continue to fund Royalties for Regions, despite Nationals leader Brendon Grylls losing his seat of Pilbara in the election.

“We have always said we are committed to Royalties for Regions,” he said.“We can better target it to economic development and job creation.”

Mr Punch said the various commitments to improving sporting facilities in his electorate would be honoured and were part of the budget process. Member for Collie-Preston Mick Murray was yesterday revealed to be part of the government’s cabinet, with positions to be announced today.