Rural Councils Victoria has expressed disappointment at the lack of new or specific rural Victorian projects in the Federal Government’s 2022 Budget.
Rural Councils Victoria Chair Cr Mary-Ann Brown said:
“The budget is disappointing for rural Victorians.’
“Budget documents named specific rural or regional roads infrastructure projects for NSW, Queensland, WA, SA and NT.” (See page 19: Budget 2021-22 – Building a more secure and resilient Australia)
“The only ‘rural’ or ‘regional’ projects mentioned for Victoria are actually in western Melbourne, a long way from most of rural Victoria.”
“Unfortunately, the Budget has done nothing new of significance for rural Victoria.”
“It is appropriate that we welcome the continuation of Financial Assistance Grants funding and programs, such as the Roads to Recovery, Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Bridge Renewal programs.”
“We also welcome support for families and the cut in fuel excise.”
“However, rural Victorians need the next federal government to step up to its responsibilities.”
“The latest ABS statistics show that there has been a big shift to rural and regional areas from metropolitan Melbourne.”
“It is fabulous to finally see population growth in rural Victoria, but we need the federal government to help with resources to deal with the extra strain that population growth places on rural and regional infrastructure.”
“Rural Councils Victoria is calling on the next federal government to invest in aged care, homes, roads, health, broadband, mobile services, emergency services, bridges and in the financial viability of struggling rural councils and their communities.”