The Nationals’ Federal Member for Riverina Michael McCormack has declared the 2017 Federal Budget as fair and balanced and indicated it is set to benefit the residents, small businesses and communities of the Riverina and Central West.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Mr McCormack said the Budget handed down by Treasurer Scott Morrison ensures Australia lives within its means while continuing to deliver increased funding for schools, infrastructure and regional communities.
“The Budget is fantastic for regional Australia and will have a significantly positive impact in the area I represent,” Mr McCormack said.
“I have no doubt local exporters, farmers and producers will be very pleased with the $8.4 billion investment in the inland rail project. This is nation-building infrastructure which will become a corridor of commerce, creating economic growth along the entirety of the route.
“Local councils, specifically the mayors I’ve already spoken to have welcomed the news the freeze on the indexation of Financial Assistance Grants has been lifted and 50% of next year’s funding will be made available this financial year, allowing councils access to much-needed funds to start work on key community developments.
“Additional funding of $18.6 billion nationally will be allocated to schools across the country over the next decade and this money will directly benefit the 128 schools of the Riverina electorate which will be better off with increased funding, delivered through a fair, transparent and needs-based model.”
More information on the 2017 Budget can be found at: www.budget.gov.au.
