Premier Roger Cook delivers Vision for Albany plan containing more than $514m of pledges to benefit seat

Less than two months since his last drop-in, Premier Roger Cook returned to Albany this week to summarise a slew of election promises for Albany, unveiling Labor’s plan for the battleground seat.

Mr Cook was joined on Friday by his Deputy Premier Rita Saffioti at the near-complete Albany Surf Life Saving Club to present his “Vision for Albany” which details $147.12 million allocated to Albany-specific projects.

Previously announced hefty sums such as the $50m for South Coast Highway upgrades were joined by new pledges, including $25m for Spencer Park housing, $22m for a new classroom block at North Albany Senior High School, $12m to redevelop the Spencer Park Education Support Centre and $10.8m for a business case to upgrade berth 1 and 2 at the Port of Albany.

Albany will also benefit from more than $367.8m of pledges to the wider regions, including $250m to expand the regional road safety program to local government roads, $34m to increase and expand the Patient Assisted Travel Scheme and $25m to establish a regional housing support fund.

“From additional housing to record investment in cost of living relief and quality healthcare, our Government has a proven track record of delivering for Albany locals,” Mr Cook said.

“Our vision sets up the region to meet its full potential, ensuring the Great Southern continues to be a great place to live, work and visit for generations to come.”

Albany MLA Rebecca Stephens said the plan focused on “investing in the future of our community”.

The Premier said he was not concerned about the first term MP losing the Albany seat, which she won with a 51 per cent majority in 2021, denying there had been any particular focus on the region.

“Yes, Albany’s had a few visits from Ministers,” he said.

“Every other part of Western Australia has had visits as well.

“We are everywhere. We are working every day of the week to make sure that people understand WA Labor has a plan and a policy for the State to keep it strong.”

Mr Cook said he treated every electorate as a “battleground seat” and would not “take anything for granted in this election”.

The pair’s visit represented the eighth and ninth Ministerial visit to Albany since the start of 2025.