Peri Urban welcomes federal budget
Peri Urban Councils Victoria (PUCV) has today welcomed the release of the 2022-23 Federal Budget, and the important funding allocated to fast-growing peri urban regions.
“This budget will assist the peri urban region to manage growth in a sustainable way” PUCV Chair and Councillor of Bass Coast Council, Cr Brett Tessari said.
“PUCV have been making a pitch for more infrastructure and services to support a better balanced lifestyle in our fast-growing peri urban regions” Cr Tessari explained.
“It’s good to see this budget acknowledge the regional migration trend, and back that up with funding for digital connectivity, transport and job creation” Cr Tessari said
New figures released this week by the Australian Bureau of Statistics show that the population of peri urban and regional Australia grew by 70,900 people during 202/21,the first time in 40 years that Australia’s regional population grew more than the capital cities.
Relevant investments announced as part of the budget that will benefit the peri urban region include:
A new $2 billion Regional Accelerator Program for local priorities in infrastructure, manufacturing and industry development, skills and training, research and development and education;
A new $1.3 billion telecommunications package 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 billion);
$40 million (over 4 years) for the Bridges Renewal Program: an increase of $10 million per year;
Regional Home Guarantee – providing up to 10,000 places each year for next 3 years to support first homebuyers to in regional areas; and
$150.3 million to support medical training in rural and regional Australia.
“PUCV is calling on both sides of parliament to continue to invest in important civic and cultural infrastructure to support the COVID-led exodus from our cities” Cr Tessari said.
We will be working with the Government and Opposition in the lead up to the Federal Election to ensure the peri urban region receives a fair slice of the pie,” Cr Tessari concluded.