Now that the state election is over and the dust has begun to settle, the gloves are starting to come off to address some of the issues facing our local electorates.
It may be sour grapes, however unsuccessful Independent candidate for the seat of Thornlie Kevin McDonald said there are big issues which need to be addressed by newly elected Member for Thornlie Colleen Egan, to ensure the community was receiving ‘a fair go’.
“During pre-polling and on election day I received a lot of community feedback about the lack of critical infrastructure investment in our electorate,” he said.
“Our electorate missing out completely for grade separation on our rail crossings while all the rail crossings either side of Maddington and Gosnells received it – locals are very angry about this.
“An unwillingness to adequately support a new swimming and leisure facility to replace the ageing Thornlie swimming centre (built in 1967). The $2 million offered by Labor for the SPLASH project was a pittance and will ensure the project will never see the light of day.
“The five million dollars promised for Thornlie Senior High School that came as an election promise is better than nothing, but still well short of the funding needed and sought through a comprehensive business case submission by the schools P&C.”
Mr McDonald said the campaign served one positive purpose by highlighting how the Thornlie was overlooked for critical infrastructure because it was a long-held, ultra-safe Labor seat and there was no motivation for Labor to spend any money where they believed they already had the votes.
“Feedback was that we all pay the same taxes, and infrastructure investment should be equitably applied,” he said.
Member for Thornlie-elect Colleen Egan said planning and design of a new $5 million redevelopment at Thornlie Senior High School was set to begin following the return of the Cook Labor Government at the State Election.
The Member for Thornlie, Colleen Egan, said there would be a full redevelopment of the student services and administration building including improved disability access and modern, fully-equipped student wellbeing facilities.
The Education Minister’s office has informed Ms Egan that work will begin on planning for the delivery of this major commitment.
Ms Egan said schools in the Thornlie electorate were a high priority for her as the new local member.
“My mother taught at a primary school in Thornlie for 22 years so I am passionate about providing the best environment for children and teenagers to get the best learning outcomes,” she said.
“I’m very pleased that I was able to secure this commitment and am excited about working with the school on its delivery.
“This school was built in the early 1970s and while it has served our community well, there is a need to upgrade its facilities so it can continue to provide the modern curriculum and care for our students’ wellbeing.”
Ms Egan said she would keep advocating for further upgrades at the high school and several primary schools, which have ageing infrastructure.
“I will be working with school principals and engaging with the Education Minister regarding access to the new $286 million School Infrastructure Fund,” she said.
Ms Egan said she would also be seeking meetings at a ministerial level regarding the level crossings that remain as part of the Armadale train line.
“I have been assured that the long-term plan is to remove all level crossings on the network, and I will be advocating strongly to make sure this section of the Armadale Line is next on the list,” she said.
“With the addition of the Thornlie Cockburn Link, there will be a significant increase in the number of trains running between Beckenham and the city, so it meant there was a pressing need for those level crossings to be removed.
“During the closure, there has also been a major rail revitalisation program, which will improve the reliability of train services on the Armadale line.
“Through the rail revitalisation program, we’ve effectively rebuilt 15 kilometres of track with new overhead lines, communications and signalling facilities. We’re also upgrading 25 pedestrian crossings and 10 level crossings, and installing new drainage systems.
“I understand the frustration relating to the remaining level crossings and will keep advocating for the issue to be resolved.”
