Local funding secured in Budget

FEDERAL Member for Riverina Michael McCormack has welcomed the confirmation of funding for Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras within the Wagga Wagga central business district as part of the Abbott-Truss Government’s first Budget.

“The $500,000 commitment from the Coalition was a key promise of mine in the lead-up to the 2013 election,” Mr McCormack said.

“I am delighted this has been delivered in our first Budget as part of the Coalition’s Plan for Safer Streets.”

Mr McCormack also welcomed the provision of $1 billion in funding for regional infrastructure projects as part of the National Building Stronger Regions Fund to begin on 1 July 2015.

“The Nationals have a very strong voice within the Federal Government and we are determined to deliver for people outside of the city,” Mr McCormack said.

“The National Building Stronger Regions Fund, $2.5 billion for Roads to Recovery projects, $100 million for the Coalition’s mobile phone blackspot program, $100 million for rural research and development, in addition to ensuring the diesel fuel rebate remains intact, is good news for farmers and country communities.”

Mr McCormack said while this year’s Federal Budget introduces a series of tough measures, the Coalition was elected to get the Budget back on track.

“If we all contribute now – households, businesses and the public sector – we can build a strong, prosperous economy for the future that delivers for all of us,” Mr McCormack said.

“If we didn’t make the tough decisions now, the Budget would be in a much worse state, requiring much more stringent measures, in the future.

“Doing nothing is not an option.”

Cristy Houghton