A STRONG BUDGET FOR NORTHERN AUSTRALIA AND YOU

March 29, 2022

STRENGTHENING OUR REGION THROUGH CONTINUED INVESTMENT

Significant funding commitments in the 2022-23 Budget will drive the growth of towns and communities across Northern Australia, creating jobs and driving our economic growth into the future.

Senator for Queensland and Special Envoy for Northern Australia, Susan McDonald, said the Coalition Government is continuing to deliver the projects and infrastructure that make regional towns and cities better places to live, work and visit.

“Our continued investment in the regions is a hallmark of this government and we’ve already seen billions of dollars committed to Northern Australia to assist miners, primary producers, tourism operators, and small business,” she said.

“If there is a change of government, I fear all the good work we’ve done will be set back decades. It’s more important than ever that we continue implementing the Northern Australia agenda we’ve made so much progress on.”

Senator McDonald said that through the 2022-23 Budget, regional roads, health, water projects and communications featured heavily.

“Programs like the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program and the Stronger Communities Programme make a significant difference in our region,” she said.

“We’ve just announced a $223 million roads package for North and North West Queensland and $5.4 billion for Hells Gates Dam.

“We’re also pumping $1.3 billion into improving mobile phone coverage along regional and remote freight routes which will boost productivity, make it easier to do business and increase safety for travellers.

“There’s also special consideration being given to establishing renewable energy microgrids around the regions.

“The Coalition believes in regional Australia, which is why we are continuing to fund the services and creating the opportunities that people in capital cities take for granted.

“No Government has invested more in our regions than this Coalition – our investments will create local jobs and new economic opportunities for locals, lifting their standard of living and making regional areas more liveable.

“No matter if you live in Townsville, Cairns, Darwin, Mt Isa or Doomadgee, this Budget delivers for Northern Australia.”

This year’s Budget includes significant new funding for existing programs that drive the growth and success of regional towns and communities.

LOCAL ROADS AND COMMUNITY INFRASTRUCTURE PROGRAM

We are investing an additional $500 million in the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) Program, a major boost to communities across the country.

This funding will support more community infrastructure projects, boosting local jobs and driving the economic growth to make our nation as strong as possible as quickly as possible.

Our additional funding brings the total Commonwealth Government commitment to the LRCI Program to $3 billion.

STRONGER COMMUNITIES PROGRAMME

A further $22.7 million has been committed for an additional round of the Stronger Communities Program (SCP), delivering more funding for small capital projects in federal electorates.

Projects funded under the SCP aim to improve local community participation and contribute to vibrant viable communities.

This latest funding injection takes the Government’s total investment under the SCP to $167.8 million.

Media contact:
Julian Tomlinson 0421 059 187