SCARBOROUGH MLA, Liza Harvey said the 2011-12 State Budget handed down today included significant investment in community organisations and public infrastructure to support the local area.

Mrs Harvey said the budget offered unprecedented support to vulnerable and disadvantaged West Australians through the $1billion Social Services Package.

“This historic package includes initiatives to improve the quality of life and well-being of those most in need including $604million for the not-for-profit sector, which will assist hundreds of not‑for‑profit organisations to deliver services and specialist care,” Mrs Harvey said.

“The groups that will benefit from this funding boost include not-for profit organisations such as St Vincent de Paul, Anglicare and WANSLEA, who are currently delivering vital services to our local community and across Western Australia.”

“The ability of these organisations to continue and grow is now assured by this historic funding decision.”

Within the electorate of Scarborough, Mrs Harvey said ongoing support for the Stirling City Centre Alliance would be particularly well-received by residents and businesses who wish to see improvements to the Innaloo Traffic Bottleneck.

“The Stirling City Centre Alliance will receive $3.5million in 2011-12 to facilitate the development of Stirling into the second CBD.”

“The funding is a demonstration the Liberal-National Government is committed to working with the community and private sector to find solutions to fix the Innaloo Traffic Bottleneck,” Mrs Harvey said.

Mrs Harvey said that other initiatives in the budget such as the purchase of additional rail carriages and increased funding for more frequent bus services would also benefit the people of Scarborough.

“Increased funding for bus services and additional rail carriages will have a direct impact on local residents who use our public transport system,” Mrs Harvey said.

The State Budget also announced a $442million surplus for 2011-12.

“The Liberal-National Government has been able to deliver a $442million surplus for 2011-12 because of our disciplined financial management in delivering projects and better services throughout the State,” Mrs Harvey said.