'The safest place in Australia': Mark McGowan defends WA's hard border as road projects brought forward to boost jobs

  • 📰 abcnews
  • ⏱ Reading Time:
  • 53 sec. here
  • 2 min. at publisher
  • 📊 Quality Score:
  • News: 24%
  • Publisher: 83%

Australia Headlines News

Australia Latest News,Australia Headlines

The West Australian Premier says the state is possibly the 'safest place in the world' as a spate of road projects worth $223 million are brought forward in an attempt to boost jobs amid the pandemic.

West Australian Premier Mark McGowan has defended the state's hard border amid a spike in coronavirus cases in Victoria.The infrastructure package is expected to support more than 1,000 jobsHis comments came as the State Government embarked on a spate of jointly-funded road projects brought forward to support jobs.

The Federal Government will commit $176 million to the package — including $80 million for regional road upgrades — with the State Government contributing $47 million.Work to convert a 17-kilometre stretch of the Bussell Highway into a dual carriageway — from Capel Bypass to Busselton — will be brought forward, as well as upgrades to tourist roads near Exmouth.

"I think because we're isolated here in Western Australia, people don't really understand that our freedoms within our state, economically, are far greater than in any other state in Australia by miles," he said. However, at the same press conference Federal Finance Minister Mathias Cormann reiterated the Commonwealth's calls for WA to reopen its interstate border.

"We are the safest place, I think, in Australia — maybe even the safest place in the world — so clearly if there is a hub arrangement, we have to have the very best of quarantine in place, but we're happy to have a hub as long as the arrangements are secure."

 

Thank you for your comment. Your comment will be published after being reviewed.
Please try again later.

Safest? Just because there's no corona virus? 🤣

Glad to hear the Ellenbrook line is happening! Maybe, if we’re on our best behaviour, we might finally get some light-rail too...

Maybe it’s safe from COVID-19 but not so safe from the Chinese airstrips the clever Labour government has allowed. No wonder the Labour Party is quiet about China

Every time these labor premiers come out and brag something bad happens.

So is the NT

As a state who has been screwed over the years by the eastern states ,I am glad they are giving them finger finally.

Keep it closed

What's missing is what does it need to look like to open the borders e.g SA & NT doing better than WA, but he won't open those borders. There has to some science & reasonable risk management so businesses have a better chance of survival. The longer this goes on the more go bust

Perhaps all car drivers and passengers should wear helmets and the speed limit reduced to 50kms an hour to really make WA the safest state COVID19

WA leading the nation

We have summarized this news so that you can read it quickly. If you are interested in the news, you can read the full text here. Read more:

 /  🏆 5. in AU

Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines

Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.

'If the situation doesn't change, the borders are not opening': SA Health Minister reconsiders timelineSouth Australia's Health Minister says the state's remaining border restrictions will not lift on July 20 unless Victoria can bring its coronavirus case numbers under control. As he should 1984 No one holidays in SA. We don’t care. Boring AF, Freezing AF, Snooty AF
Source: abcnews - 🏆 5. / 83 Read more »

Big boost for South Australia as strict COVID measures easedSouth Australia&x27;s pubs, clubs and restaurants are set for a boost with a big jump in the number of patrons allowed inside. SA for the win! Well done. Why has that Premier closed it in the first place. God help us. Come on media, shine a spotlight on McGowan and his stubborn refusal to give a date. wafifoprisoner
Source: 9NewsAUS - 🏆 10. / 72 Read more »

NRL gives green light to clubs hosting home matches from early JulyFifteen NRL clubs will soon be able to enjoy home-ground advantage, but the Warriors will remain in Australia indefinitely because of New Zealand's border restrictions.
Source: abcnews - 🏆 5. / 83 Read more »

99-pack of beer coming to AustraliaAn American company is bringing its 99-pack of beer cans to Australia for a generous $250 — which means each can comes in at just $2.50. Its not cheap Pabst? America sending unwanted beer to Australia. finally
Source: newscomauHQ - 🏆 9. / 77 Read more »

SA opens its border to Queensland travellers | Sky News AustraliaSouth Australia is easing restrictions around travel and public gatherings from today, including opening its border to visitors from Queensland. \n\nImage: Getty Still using a picture of the wrong state. If you don't believe me do a map search for Loch Ard Gorge. Loch Ard Gorge Great Ocean Road Port, Campbell VIC Hmm, not NSW ? Where Gladys is doing such a great job.
Source: SkyNewsAust - 🏆 7. / 78 Read more »

South Australia mulls keeping Victoria borders closed after surge in coronavirus transmissionSouth Australia may keep its borders closed to Victoria to keep its residents safe but will monitor the interstate situation, the health minister says. MatthewPantelis
Source: SBSNews - 🏆 3. / 89 Read more »