Mayor tackles Duncan over Royalties for Regions
City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder Mayor Ron Yuryevich used yesterday's Q and A session with Nationals MLA Wendy Duncan to point out the Goldfields-Esperance region is still yet to receive a fair slice of Royalties for Regions funding.
"I remember many years ago when you and Brendon (Grylls) came and sat in my office and you gave us the vision and I wished you luck and you didn't help after that," Mr Yuryevich said.
"I know your graph shows us in the middle of (RFR spending) - I would refute that."
But nothing riles a Nationals member more than disputing the fairness of RFR distribution, and Ms Duncan was quick to respond yesterday.
"I don't accept your argument," she said.
"I hope I'm wrong, but I don't actually think RFR is here forever.
"I saw people living in containers in Karratha and the hospital, which was in such a bad state that nobody would have their child there, battling to find staff because rents were through the roof - and I actually think we've made a real difference.
"And I think we need to identify our highest priorities and get them dealt with."
The response did little to pacify Mr Yuryevich, who changed tack to inquire about high-level jobs being shifted from the Goldfields to other regions.
"What really irks me is the (Department of Parks and Wildlife) jobs moving to Bunbury, I know you said it was great for jobs for the regions," he said.
"But when is it going to be our turn to get some jobs back here."
