Anne Webster hopes for ‘quality projects’ in Federal Budget

Dr Webster said residents in the Mallee could expect more investment.

“This year’s budget will be about demonstrating to our local communities that we will always have their back as they navigate the post-pandemic future,” Dr Webster said.

“It’s exciting that there are so many great projects in the pipeline right across Mallee.

“I anticipate decisions will be made soon and I am hopeful Mallee will once again see the Federal Government commit to several quality projects.”

Dr Webster said last year’s budget committed $200 million for a fifth round of the Building Better Regions Fund (BBRF) and, while submissions were “incredibly oversubscribed”, they were being assessed.

She said she had fought hard for an “overwhelming number of quality submissions” made to Infrastructure Minister Michael McCormack through her office and hoped “many” local submissions would be approved.

“I’ve argued to the Deputy Prime Minister that $200 million is not enough for the whole country,” she said.

“That’s why I’m thrilled that he announced (that this week’s budget) will fund a sixth round of the BBRF, which will be increased to $250 million.

“This acknowledges the value and contribution that our regional communities make to our nation’s economy and provides confidence that infrastructure investment in our region will continue for years to come.”

Dr Webster said previous rounds of the BBRF had funded a number of important projects across Mallee, including $17.5 million for the Mildura South Regional Sporting Precinct, and the Mallee had benefited from more than $30 million of investment through the fund.

She said regional communities would also benefit from further investment in telecommunications, with a $130 million injection into the Regional Connectivity Program (RCP).

“I’ll continue working with local communities to attract more funding to our region through the next round the RCP,” she said.