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Budget Delivers For Morwell Electorate

Cutting The Costs Of Living

The Baillieu/Ryan Coalition Government's inaugural budget has delivered on its election commitments to Victorian families and communities.

By Russell Northe - 4th May 2011 - Back to News

Nationals Member for Morwell Russell Northe said the budget not only delivered on many key commitments in the Morwell electorate but also delivered on significant local issues such as law and order and cost of living pressures.

"The Coalition Government’s 2011/2012 budget has received widespread support and commendation from organisations such as the Australian Industry Group, Victorian Farmers Federation and the Brotherhood of St Laurence.

"From a local perspective many of the Coalition pledges for the Morwell electorate prior to the 2010 election have been committed to and are expected to be delivered by the Victorian Government in the 2011/2012 financial year," said Mr Northe.

"For example funding for the completion of the Gippsland Plains Rail Trail to the tune of $800,000 and $60,000 to undertake a feasibility study for the construction of a Morwell to Traralgon bike path are projects that have been spoken about but not enacted upon for many years.

"These projects will be delivered through the Regional Growth Fund, which will be operational from 1 July 2011, and will assist in the delivery of not only these two projects but many more throughout regional Victoria.

"During the 2010 election campaign we committed to ensuring all communities within the Morwell electorate would be the beneficiary of projects and service enhancements.

"This 2011/2012 budget will provide funding for projects such as:

• Boolarra Men's Shed

• Yinnar skate park

• Cowwarr CFA shed fitout

• Morwell SES shed and,

• Tyers Soccer Clubrooms redevelopment.

"Our government has also committed to reintroducing a night rider bus service in 2011/2012 with $80,000 allocated for this important service. This is an integral part of community safety for those travelling between localities during the early hours of the morning.

"Community safety is a vitally important issue for our state, and the Coalition has recognised this through the budget with investment of $602 million to fund 1700 additional frontline police and 940 Victoria Police Protective Service Officers by November 2014."

Mr Northe said along with law and order, the cost of living was a big concern for regional families and the 2011/2012 budget provided initiatives to assist with such concerns.

"There is enormous pressure on Victorian families and this budget has provided a $1.2 billion package to help ease this financial burden.

russell.northe@parliament.vic.gov.au www.russellnorthe.com.au 66 George St, Morwell VIC 3840 ph 03 5133 9088 fax 03 5133 9388

"This includes half a billion dollars in stamp duty cuts for first homebuyers, pensioners and farmers, in successive stages from 1 July this year. By 2014, first homebuyers will benefit from a 50 per cent cut in stamp duty.

"Families will also get relief through a 50 per cent cut in ambulance membership fees.

"In addition $445 million has been provided for eligible households to benefit from a year-round electricity concession, and to enable water and sewerage concessions to keep pace with increasing costs. This will benefit an estimated 815,000 people across the State.

"The Government understands cost of living issues and is focused on easing the pressure not adding to it.

"The Morwell Electorate deserves its fair share, and this budget will help deliver for our region."

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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