In the face of a once in a century pandemic, the 2021 Budget is the next stage of the Morrison Government’s economic recovery plan to build a stronger nation.
This is a Budget which leaves no Australian behind.
Across our region, tens of millions of dollars will be unlocked this financial year for major infrastructure projects. This will not only create jobs but boost our regional economy.
The Budget is also delivering further funding for local roads and community infrastructure through a number of regional programs including the Building Better Regions Fund (another $250 million) and the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program (another $1 billion). This presents regional communities with even more opportunities to secure funding for local projects.
Some key infrastructure projects which will attract more funding in this year’s Budget are as follows:
CORIO AND CORANGAMITE ELECTORATES
Infrastructure Investment Program
- $105 million for Stages 2 and 3 of South Geelong to Waurn Ponds Rail Upgrade
- $90.5 million for Barwon Heads Road upgrade
- $30 million for Stage 2 of Warnambool Rail Line upgrade
Community Infrastructure Program:
- $2.75 million to redevelop the Stribling Reserve at Lorne
- $1.25 million for Stage 1 of the Geelong (Anam Cara) Hospice
- Funding for the Wye River Bridge Replacement
- $250,000 for the Inverleigh Sporting Complex Clubroom Upgrade
- $92,000 for the Portarlington Recreation Reserve Lighting Upgrade
Roads to Recovery
- $6 million for safer road projects
Geelong City Deal
- $69 million for projects including Queenscliff Ferry Terminal Upgrade, Geelong Exhibition Centre and Great Ocean Road infrastructure
National Water Grid
- $2.7 million for Recycled Water on the Bellarine project
BENDIGO ELECTORATE
Infrastructure Investment Program
- $60 million for the Bendigo to Echuca rail line upgrade
- $20 million Calder Highway – Bendigo to Mildura Upgrade
- $2.4 million for Rural intersection safety upgrades at Bendigo
- $700,000 for school safety and pedestrian upgrades at Bendigo
Roads to Recovery
- $2.93 million for road safety upgrades
BALLARAT ELECTORATE
Infrastructure Investment Program
- $35 million for Ballarat Rail Line upgrade Stage 2
- $3.4 million for the Western Freeway realignment at Pykes Creek
- $1.2 million for safety improvements on the Western Freeway between Woodmans Hill to Dowling Road, Miners Rest
Roads to Recovery
- $2.15 million for road safety upgrades and $2.64 million for Black Spots
National Water Grid
- $17 million for Western Irrigation Network at Ballarat
For full details of the Morrison Government’s 2021-22 Budget click here.