Editorial: South West residents should not be satisfied by budget

While Tuesday’s delivery of the Federal Budget did not have any surprises in terms of big announcements for the South West, it was generally well received by the region’s politicians.

The fact that Federal electorates in the South West are perpetually safe, has often created the perception that they are not priorities in terms of Commonwealth funding.

This time around – apart from the seemingly inevitable Federal money set aside for the Bunbury Outer Ring Road – there was not much to write home about even with an election announcement looming.

Forrest MHR Nola Marino was left without anything new locally to spruik other than some wide-reaching packages once the budget was delivered.

While we must reluctantly acknowledge the South West is not the centre of Australia’s economy, it has potential that could be better recognised at a Federal level as the home of the State’s second city.

State Government money has flowed into big projects in recent times in recognition of just how big a role the South West can play.

Despite the political inclination to downplay the importance of non-marginal seats such as Forrest and O’Connor, our representatives need to continue strongly advocating for the bigger role the region has to play.

Equally, the voting public should not be satisfied by what has been deemed by some as unprecedented spending in the region.

The pressure should not be taken off those representing us and we now turn our attention to what our State Government has to offer when it delivers its budget next month.