Premier Roger Cook in Geraldton, announcing extra $100 a year on to pension travel cards from July 1

The Cook Government has unveiled a $20.3 million boost for pensioners living across regional WA who hold travel cards. The pre-Budget announcement was made on Tuesday morning in Geraldton, and detailed an annual $100 increase for each card. Pensioner travel cards hold $575, but from July 1 will have a total allowance of $675, offering more affordable transport and support for eligible people in the regions. Know as the Country Age Pension Fuel Card, they help towards the cost of fuel and/or taxi travel from participating providers. Eligible users must receive a Centrelink age pension, carer payment, disability support pension, Department of Veterans Affairs service pension, social security pension or income support supplement and be living in an eligible regional location. “This means that people will be able to get assistance to travel, whether it’s travelling down to Perth to see grandkids, or taxi fares for important appointments,” Mr Cook said. Geraldton resident and cardholder Lina Mittoni said the increased allowance would help ease travel cost pressures. “It’s a fantastic announcement because the cost of fuel and the cost of living keeps going up,” she said. Mrs Mittoni said the cost of fuel had become a barrier in her travels to Perth, “especially when the card runs out”. Regional Development Minister Don Punch said there were “many cost of living pressures facing regional residents”, and the increased funding on the travel card would offer some relief.