ONE GIPPSLAND WELCOMES BUDGET FOR GROWING GIPPSLAND

One Gippsland has welcomed the release of the 2022-23 Federal Budget, which includes a range of regional initiatives that will support Gippsland to grow and thrive.

"This budget will assist our region to manage growth and be more connected" One Gippsland Chair and Mayor of Latrobe City Council, Cr Kellie O’Callaghan said.

As a peak advocacy body for the region, One Gippsland has called for increased funding for digital connectivity, tourism recovery, freight networks and job creation.

“We’re pleased to see the government has delivered on the big issues for our region, particularly with increased investment for telecommunications in this budget,” Cr O’Callaghan said.

 Investments announced as part of the budget include:

·         A new $2 billion Regional Accelerator Program created for local priorities in infrastructure, manufacturing and industry development, skills and training, research and development and education;

·         A new $1.3 billion telecommunications package is a welcome investment, to connect regions through better telecommunications and support regional growth;

·         $500 million (until 2024) added to the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program: an extension of the program (total investment in the program is $3.0 billion);

·         $40 million (over 4 years) for the Bridges Renewal Program: an extra $10 million per year for this fund;

·         Regional Home Guarantee - providing up to 10,000 places each year for next 3 years to support first homebuyers to in regional areas;

·         $150.3 million to support medical training in rural and regional Australia; and

·         Roads investment of $500,000 for Princes Highway East - Nowa Nowa Safety Upgrades. (Gippsland)

"In addition to the projects committed for Gippsland, we also welcome the funding allocated to health, education and food and fibre (Agriculture) in the budget”.

 “As we look towards the Federal election, One Gippsland will be working with the Government to ensure the diverse needs of the Gippsland region are recognised," Cr O’Callaghan concluded.