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PATRON Senator for Bendigo Michael Ronaldson said the region would receive $106.03 million for projects from the Federal Budget.
In a statement to the Bendigo Advertiser, Senator Ronaldson said the funding was part of the Government’s Economic Action Strategy to invest a record $7.6 billion in productivity-enhancing infrastructure in Victoria to create thousands of jobs, slash travel times and boost economic growth.
He said the funding would support much needed infrastructure projects in the region.
''They will bring job opportunities, boost our local economy and make our roads safer for motorists,'' he said.
Senator Ronaldson said six projects in the region would receive funding, including:
Calder Highway–Ravenswood Interchange: $45 million.
Regional Freight Roads Program: $60 million.
Kyneton Community Park Construction: $500,000.
Bendigo RSL Museum & Memorial Hall refurbishment planning: $180,000.
Woodend Youth Facility Upgrade: $50,000.
Mount Alexander Shire Accommodation and Respite Group - construction of new facility: $300,000.
“Projects like these will relieve pressure on existing infrastructure and unlock the economic capacity of Bendigo, making it an even better place to live and do business,” Senator Ronaldson said.
''The Abbott Government’s infrastructure package will drive growth and create jobs so that we can have a stronger, more prosperous economy in Bendigo.''
Senator Ronaldson said the Abbott Government’s first Budget set the foundations for a strong and prosperous economy with less debt.
“At the election, the Coalition made the solemn promise to get the Budget back under control, as well as scrap the Carbon Tax, end the waste, stop the boats and build the roads of the 21st century. This Budget keeps that pledge”, he said.
“The Budget is part of the Abbott Government’s Economic Action Strategy to build a strong, prosperous economy for a safe, secure Australia.
“The Government has made the difficult but necessary decisions to put the Budget on a more sustainable footing so that we can all share in prosperity in the future.
“We are all playing a part – because it’s in sharing the load that we lighten the load.
“Labor ran up five record deficits and left $123 billion in future deficits. If we took no action, debt would have hit $667 billion. Every month, the government is paying $1 billion in interest costs on Labor’s debt.
“Governments, like households, must live within their means.
“Because of this Budget, Labor’s deficits have been reduced by $43 billion and debt is forecast to be about $275 billion lower in a decade.
Senator Ronaldson said the Government was honouring its commitment to reduce the overall tax burden – so that families can plan their future and get ahead.
“Every year, the Carbon Tax is a $9 billion hit on the economy and it costs an average family $550. We will scrap the Carbon Tax.
“Fewer than 4 per cent of taxpayers will pay the new Temporary Budget Repair Levy on high income earners making over $180,000.
Senator Ronaldson said this was the largest roads Budget in Australia’s history and would help families across Australia spend less time in traffic.
“This record roads Budget will, in part, be funded by the change in fuel excise. The change will cost about 40 cents a week, depending how far you travel. The increase in fuel excise will be directed towards road funding.
Senator Ronaldson said medical research would benefit from the changes to the Medicare Co-payment. Prevention is always better than cure – and this will become a $20 billion fund in our future health.
“By making the Health system more sustainable and investing in medical research, we are ensuring that Australia remains the best and healthiest place in the world to raise a family and care for loved ones,” he said.
“The key goal of the Budget is to strengthen the economy – because when you strengthen the economy, small businesses succeed, families have less pressure on them and jobs are created.”