By SONJA KOREMANS
THE Federal Budget delivered some broad benefits for Southern Downs residents but there were also a few promising government commitments in the fine print for locals.
There were the obvious wins for regional communities including the small business tax breaks for purchases up to $20,000, extra funds for childcare, and the dumping of the proposed changes to pension indexation.
But the budget documents also outline some location specific funding including greater spending on road blackspots, particularly in and around Warwick, and the potential for funds to flow to major dam projects.
That may result in more money being provided for the Emu Swamp Dam in Stanthorpe, an upgrade to the Eight Mile Intersection in Warwick, and the alignment of the Accommodation Creek section of the New England Highway. However, Southern Downs MPs pointed out that the Eight Mile intersection would require a commitment from State Labor before it could move beyond the design stage, where it sits currently with the Department of Main Roads.
Federal LNP Member for Maranoa Bruce Scott said the Southern Downs would see a doubling of its road grant money as of July under the new budget.
“That financial assistance for roads was confirmed in the budget and that will not only create transport infrastructure for the region but have a flow-on effect on job creation,” Mr Scott said.
“There was also a $3 million commitment for the new heavy vehicle project at Cunninghams Gap and $750,000 for some blackspots in Warwick including Dragon, Grafton and Guy streets and some areas of Yangan to commence from July this year.”
Local Member for Southern Downs Lawrence Springborg said the budget included a commitment to water infrastructure that might benefit the Southern Downs.
“We have heard over the last few weeks and again in the budget last night that there is going to be a significant Northern Dams allocation of funds for water infrastructure,“ Mr Springborg said.
“Whether that covers off for the Emu Swamp Dam we are not sure yet, but it is a positive for the funding around it to take shape.”
Southern Downs Regional Council Mayor Peter Blundell said the greatest areas of interest for the Southern Downs would be the lowering of the company tax rate for businesses and the ability to write off business related purchases for equipment worth up to $20,000.
“This is designed to stimulate small business activity, with the Treasurer saying emphatically, ‘now is the time to get out and have a go’,” Mr Blundell said.
“Primary producers will also be able to deduct spending on fencing, water infrastructure and fodder storage immediately. Let’s hope producers have enough resources to be able to take advantage of this measure.”
