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Build Bridges With Gst Windfall: HallThe State Government should be using the windfall from the increase in fuel-generated GST funds to support much needed local infrastructure, according to Gippsland MP Peter Hall. By Peter Hall - 16th September 2005 - Back to News In Parliament this week, The Nationals MP called on the government plough some of the extra funding it is receiving from the increase in fuel prices back into bridge structures around the State.
He used a case in East Gippsland as an example, where the Shire of East Gippsland was recently forced to make a decision to close the Calulu bridge. It will cost about $1.6 million to repair, but that is money the Shire does not have.
Mr Hall believes that now, however, that the money raised from the GST on petrol – all of which goes to the State Government – should be used to upgrade such infrastructure.
"The Nationals claim this government has a capacity to provide more funding, particularly if you look at the windfall gains it is getting from the GST on petrol prices - for every 10 cents a litre the price of petrol rises, this government gets a $35 million windfall.
"It is well within the financial capacity of the Bracks government to provide more money for local government for the maintenance of this community infrastructure."
Mr Hall said the Calulu bridge, which crosses the Mitchell River about 15 kilometres upstream from Bairnsdale, was a classic example.
"It provides an important link between a number of small communities, particularly the Wy Yung community north of Bairnsdale and the Lindenow township.
"It is particularly important for the vegetable growing industry as on 2003-04 figures the Mitchell Valley produced vegetables with a farm gate value of $31.2 million.
"This bridge is also an important social link for taking children to school and kindergarten and enabling people to access services. The bridge is required to be replaced at a cost of something like $1.6 million and the council does not immediately have the funds to do the job."
Mr Hall urged the Minister for Transport, Peter Batchelor, to go into bat for rural councils in Victoria and ensure they have a fund to replace bridges.
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: news@gippsland.com
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