Major projects and strategic economic opportunities identified as priorities under the new Regional Investment Blueprints will benefit from up to $292million over five years, as outlined in the State Budget today.

 Each of the nine regional development commissions across the State has been tasked with putting together a Regional Investment Blueprint based on their development aspirations and forecast population growth.

 Treasurer Mike Nahan said the blueprints were designed to be forward-looking strategy documents, outlining regional growth opportunities and investment required to unlock growth.

 “All future investment in regional areas will be guided by the priorities outlined in the blueprints,” Dr Nahan said.

 “The $292million allocated in the State Budget is not intended to fund everything in the blueprints.  It is designed to get the ball rolling on a number of key projects with the aim of attracting further investment from State, Commonwealth and private sources.”

 Regional Development Minister Terry Redman said the blueprints were being developed with extensive input from local communities.

 “Local decision-making is one of the fundamental principles of Royalties for Regions and the blueprints are an excellent example,” Mr Redman said.

 “Draft blueprints will be released for public comment in coming months, so residents in every regional community across Western Australia have an opportunity to be part of this exciting initiative and put forward ideas for major projects in their region.”