Budget investment in the West will pay dividends for the nation
WQAC FEDERAL 2020-21 BUDGET STATEMENT
The Western Queensland Alliance of Councils has welcomed the Federal Government’s commitment to national economic recovery and investment in remote and regional communities through its 2020-21 Budget, and urged them to look to Western Queensland to deliver for the nation at this critical time.
Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said the Budget: “...includes a package of measures to create jobs and back regional Australia’s economic recovery.”
“Western Queensland stands ready to ensure our communities can play our part in budget restoration and continue to deliver and grow the $9.5 billion we inject into the economy each year - if you ‘invest in the West’ it pays dividends!”
Western Queensland stands ready to ensure our communities can play our part in budget restoration and continue to deliver and grow the $9.5 billion we inject into the economy each year - if you ‘invest in the West’ it pays dividends!
Our region has been fortunate to remain COVID-19 free, and our key industries have throughout this crisis continued to provide local jobs and meet demand for our vital agricultural and mineral product.
Led by the 21 Mayors of Western Queensland, we have developed a strategic plan ahead of the State Election and beyond to highlight the common issues across the region.
Our plan is not a list of problems, but a realistic framework ready for investment that recognises the critical role Western Queensland and its key industries can play in supporting the entire nation recover from the impacts of COVID-19.
We are pleased to note that the Budget includes investment that aligns with our region’s agreed key priority areas. A standout this year is long overdue investment in critical water infrastructure. This is a very welcome investment for truly the most important ingredient for our regions to thrive and generate wealth for the nation.
Items of note in the Budget that align with key priority areas for WQAC and its member organisation of councils in Queensland’s North West (NWQROC), Central West (RAPAD), and South West (SWLGA) include:
The investment $1 billion for local governments for the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program.
An additional $200 million in grants to extend the successful Building Better Regions Fund for a fifth round.
$2 billion in funding for projects through the National Water Infrastructure Development Fund.
A $50 million Regional Tourism Recovery initiative to assist businesses in regions heavily reliant on international tourism
An additional $30.3 million in funding for the Regional Connectivity Program to improve connectivity in regional and remote Australia.
$41.0 million for a Research and Development Program to continue the Government’s regional decentralisation agenda, by funding research and development activities that will benefit regional industries.
An additional $28.1 million to extend the Stronger Communities Programme, which provides grants of between $2,500 and $20,000 across the country to community organisations and local governments for small capital projects that deliver social benefits for local communities.
As leaders in our communities we will continue to advocate for measures that will support and grow sustainable populations and business in our region.
Further information on the Election Platform can be found at: www.wqac.com.au/2020StateElection.
Download the Election Platform at: https://wqac.com.au/s/WQAC-2020-State-Election-priorities.pdf
Media contact: Aleisha Domrow – 0423 116 865 | aleisha@ascribe.com.au
