INFRASTRUCTURE AND JOBS BUDGET TO BENEFIT ALL THROUGHOUT RIVERINA AND CENTRAL WEST

Tax cuts, big infrastructure spending and support for all sectors to create more jobs are the cornerstones of the 2020 Budget.

Riverina MP, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said this Budget was the most important in a generation.

“This is a vital Budget for regional Australia, make no mistake,” Mr McCormack said.

“The Riverina and Central West will benefit from the Liberal and Nationals Government’s focus on infrastructure and creating jobs to build our way out of the economic slump caused by the COVID-19 pandemic – and Regional Australia will play a significant role in our road to recovery.

“From nation-building projects to tax cuts for hard-working regional people to creating more jobs through various initiatives, this Government is making a commitment to Australians that we will bounce back bigger and better and – together – we will build an even better Australia as a result.

“We are bringing forward and increasing funding to develop the Newell Highway, the main artery in which our produce is transported from paddock to plate, which snakes right through the centre of the Riverina electorate, including $149.7 million towards the Parkes Bypass.

“This is part of a $110 billion 10-year infrastructure investment which will drive our economic recovery for years to come.

“The further investment into the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program, to the tune of an additional $1 billion, will stimulate local economies and create more local jobs.

“Some $27 million has been delivered to the 12 Local Government Areas in the Riverina electorate over both rounds of the program.

“The transformational Inland Rail continues to roll out with additional enhancements across the original program which is creating – and will continue to create – thousands of jobs right along its route through the Riverina and Central West.

Mr McCormack said Wyangala Dam would receive $325 million towards raising its wall by 10 metres.

“I intend to be known as the Nationals’ Leader who builds dams and we are getting on with the job of doing just that by raising the Wyangala Dam wall,” Mr McCormack said.

“This will play such a vital role in our Government’s $3.5 billion National Water Infrastructure Development Fund commitment to building a National Water Grid to ensure our nation’s future water security.”

Mr McCormack said a fifth round of the popular Building Better Regions Fund (BBRF) had been included in this year’s Budget.

“The ever-popular BBRF will provide another $200 million into regional and rural areas,” Mr McCormack said.

Riverina and Central West residents who have lost their jobs or lost income will continue to be assisted.

“We are continuing support for workers and businesses alike with the extension of the temporary JobKeeper and JobSeeker packages,” Mr McCormack said.

“The new $4 billion JobMaker Hiring Credit will assist regional businesses in jobs for around 450,000 younger Australians. 

“These are but a few of the many initiatives which will support Australians to be our best selves as we navigate through the COVID-19 crisis.

“We are fighting back – we are all in this together and we will remain united as we build to recover the economy without slugging taxpayers.”

Shane Manning