SWAN businesspeople and key stakeholders from across the region gathered on Tuesday to hear directly from Deputy Premier and Treasurer Rita Saffioti on the state budget.

The breakfast hosted by Ms Saffioti, Swan Hills MLA Michelle Maynard, Midland MLA Steve Catania, Midland-based MLC Klasey Hirst and MLC Parwinder Kaur brought together more than 200 representatives from businesses and organisations based in the West Swan, Swan Hills and Midland electorates and surrounding communities.

The attendants gathered to discuss how the state budget was delivering on the state government’s priorities and the economic conditions affecting the region and state.

Discussion focused on the importance of coordinated investment in housing, transport and major employment precincts to support business confidence, workforce participation and long-term economic growth.

The breakfast highlighted the role of increased housing density around activity centres, continued investment in transport infrastructure and connectivity, and major projects such as hospital and rail infrastructure to bring more people into local centres to work, visit and do business.

As reported in Midland cross-agency working group to address long-standing congestion, the state government has been working with the City of Swan and other departments to address longstanding traffic and road safety issues in Midland.

Housing plan a boost for North Ellenbrook reported the recently approved North Ellenbrook West district structure plan would facilitate the creation of 5000 homes or more in North Ellenbrook area over 20 years.

Including Ballajura, this forms part of the state government’s recorded $4.7 billion investment in housing in the 2026-27 state Budget, $522 million of which has been committed to deliver power and water infrastructure to open up thousands of residential lots in major growth corridors.

A further $375m will be invested for a new state-led build to sell program which will see the construction of up to 500 new homes exclusively for first home buyers, including in Ballajura, Stratton and Midland.

Ms Saffioti said the Swan region played an important role in diversifying the state’s economy as a go-to destination for some of the best hospitality and tourism experiences.

“It is also home to a growing population, which is why we’re investing in the critical housing and public transport infrastructure needed to support a great quality of life for local families,” she said.

“I’m so proud that our government has delivered the Metronet Ellenbrook line for this community as well as the new Midland station, and now we’re focused on building new homes at those Metronet stations.

“Our government is focused on keeping Western Australia’s economy strong so businesses across Swan can continue to provide quality jobs and drive the region’s growth.”

Part of the infrastructure improvements in Swan include $2m to be invested to planning and preconstruction activities to improve access to Swan Christian College on Great Northern Highway.

According to parents of students from Swan Christian College, safety of students crossing the highway and the congestion caused by bottlenecking as lanes decrease have been a driver of longstanding traffic and safety issues in the area.

Social enterprises such as Binar Community Hub in Bellevue, led by Binar Futures founder and executive director Adam Desmond, will also receive $6m to support at-risk youth, young people and families in the area.

As reported in Midland dad is nominated for sports father of the year award Mr Desmond is recognised as a leader of the Midland community who uses sport to help build leadership and promote health.

Mr Catania said Midland is increasingly a place people are travelling into, not just out of.

“That two-way movement is vital for local businesses,” he said.

“Investment in housing density, transport infrastructure, the old workshops and continued hospital development is about creating activity in our centre and supporting businesses through increased foot traffic, jobs and services.”

Ms Maynard agreed and said the Swan Hills region was home to a diverse and growing business community with strong connectivity being essential to support growth.

“This budget focuses on key areas for Swan Hills businesses including boosting tourism for our Swan Valley region and investing in infrastructure to support our growing area,” she said.

Ms Hirst said the event was a great opportunity for local businesses to hear directly from the Deputy Premier and Treasurer about the state budget and key investments supporting growth, jobs and infrastructure across the eastern corridor.

“From housing and transport infrastructure to health services, tourism and major employment precincts, these investments are already creating vibrant local centres that support businesses and ensure our communities continue to thrive.”