The Federal Budget contains a firm commitment to improving transport and water infrastructure in regional Australia.
Local Government Association of Queensland chief executive Greg Hallam said the Budget should deliver a shot in the arm for infrastructure planning to help grow regional economies, particularly in the north.
“There’s good news for the bush in the $2 billion water infrastructure loan facility for investment in dams and pipelines.
“Local councils will also welcome the Turnbull Government’s continued commitment to the building of an inland rail network.’’
Another welcome move was the Budget’s signal that indexation of Financial Assistance Grants to local councils would be restored and Roads to Recovery funding would continue.
Mr Hallam said the Budget confirmed the Government’s commitment to a City Deals program that took advantage of value capture as a means of investing in public infrastructure.
