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Shire of Victoria Plains
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Country Age Pension Fuel Card to continue
Regional pensioners will continue to benefit from the Country Age Pension Fuel Card
thanks to a further investment of $140.1 million over the next four years through the
State Government’s Royalties for Regions program.
Member for Moore Shane Love MLA, said the investment, announced in the 2016-17
State budget last week, will help regional pensioners to remain mobile and independent
by supporting access to different transport options.
“The Country Age Pension Fuel Card plays an important role in assisting regional
pensioners, including age pensioners and people with disabilities, to remain independent
through the purchase of fuel and taxi services,” Mr Love said.
“The regional community does not have access to the same level of public transport as
metropolitan areas and the fuel card enables recipients to travel to medical
appointments, get along to community events and recreational activities, and visit family
and friends more easily.
“Many regional residents have long distances to travel to access medical and health
services and I’m proud that Royalties for Regions is assisting pensioners with these
travel costs.”
Existing cardholders will automatically be issued a new card in July, provided they
continue to meet the eligibility criteria.
To be eligible for a fuel card, applicants must live in an eligible regional location in WA
and receive a Centrelink Age Pension, Carer Payment, Disability Support Pension, Wife
Pension or Widow B Pension, or a Department of Veterans’ Affairs Service Pension,
Social Security Age pension or Income Support Supplement.
Since 2008, the State Government through the Royalties for Regions program has
invested a total of $158 million to fund the Country Age Pension Fuel Card Scheme.
The value loaded onto the Country Age Pension Fuel Card will increase from $565 to
$575 from 1 July 2016.
The State Government will invest $3.78 billion over the next four years to build vibrant
regions with strong economies through Royalties for Regions initiatives in health,
community services, education, arts, Aboriginal development initiatives, agriculture,
tourism and economic development.
For further details, call the Fuel Card Information Line on 1300 666 609