Budget win for region

The Federal Government released its Budget on Tuesday and while young professionals and households will benefit from subsidies and tax cuts, the South West also scored as part of the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure program.

The Government’s record $110 billion transport infrastructure program and $3.5 billion rolling water infrastructure fund is intended to support local jobs and businesses during the pandemic as part of the Economic Recovery Plan.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said they will continue to support job-creating, economy-boosting infrastructure, rebuilding the local economy to secure the future of the South West.

He said the Budget focused on providing water security for regional Australia, meeting the national freight challenge and getting Australians home sooner and safer.

“Funding is being delivered to critical transport infrastructure projects in every State and Territory,” he said.

Federal Member for Forrest Nola Marino said the Government would invest an additional $2 billion in a new road safety program, which will support upgrades. “Improving road safety in the South West is a core priority for the Government and that’s why this additional investment builds on the $500 million we are already delivering for targeted road safety works,” she said.

“Our community-led recovery plan empowers local governments nationwide to deliver roads and community infrastructure through an additional $1 billion for the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program.

“A further $4m will be spent to investigate options on the Perth to Bunbury Faster Rail Corridor as part of the Major Projects Business Case Fund.”

City of Busselton Mayor Grant Henley said he supported the federal government’s LRCIP and the investigation of continuing the feasibility study of a continuation of the Faster Rail Corridor project to Busselton.