Mark McGowan and Cabinet spruik healthcare, training, basketball and much more on Geraldton tour

WA’s most powerful politicians could be found in Geraldton as Premier Mark McGowan and his Cabinet went on tour to present their achievements, provide updates and speak with members of the community.

The agenda included updates on Geraldton Health Campus’ redevelopment and the port maximisation project, with 16 of the Cabinet’s 17 ministers making appearances city-wide.

Mr McGowan’s trip began with an appearance at Geraldton Basketball Stadium on Sunday along with Sport Minister David Templeman to reveal upgrades to the facility, including four new indoor courts, funded in part by $3.5 million from the State Government.

Mr McGowan said the investment provided Geraldton’s youth with a top-of-the-line stadium to chase their sporting dreams.

“That’s what this is about, keeping our community healthy and making sure people in Geraldton have the same opportunities as people elsewhere and the very best of facilities,” he said.

The Premier was then joined by his Cabinet for a community town hall meeting, speaking to a group of around 60 figures from Geraldton’s schools, businesses, non-profits and local government.

Minister for Energy and Corrective Services Bill Johnston was the sole minister not in attendance.

Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson discussed Geraldton Health Campus’s redevelopment after her announcement that three companies had expressed interest in taking on the project.

Ms Sanderson also announced that four new paramedics would be brought to the hospital by the end of March.

“I know it’s a busy region, you’ve had some challenging times, particularly over the past 12 months, and this Government has invested in ensuring that we’re increasing the number of paid, professional paramedics that can support you as a community,” she said.

The Health Minister acknowledged more mental health support for schools was needed to help young people and tackle social dysfunction in places such as Geraldton.

“We need to equip schools better, and the health and mental health system needs to work better with schools,” she said.

Education Minister Tony Buti and Training Minister Simone McGurk outlined the important role of vocational training in regional WA.

“We desperately need people to be skilled up for jobs that are out there, we want people to understand what is out there, and even if they are in work, that they can consider changing career,” Ms McGurk said.

Environment Minister Reece Whitby addressed a call for a recycling site in the Mid West to improve Geraldton’s sustainable waste management, stating there is interest in providing funding and encouraging investment in projects across the State

“There’s a huge commitment to it... there is money on the table in collaboration with the Federal Government,” he said.

Mr McGowan hit an optimistic tone on Geraldton’s future, remarking on the numbers of visitors from across Australia who visited during the pandemic and listing his Government’s contributions to the region’s economy.

“The new industries, whether it’s creatives, hydrogen, port expansion … those things mean there are ongoing economic opportunities here,” he said.

“In terms of a vision for Geraldton I would say its self-evident - strong, prosperous, vibrant, successful, strong government investment in a range of industries and services, attractive place to live with a wonderful climate, what more do you want?”

On Monday, the ministers met privately with a range of community leaders and groups.