WAFarmers president Tony York said the State Budget had seen good commitment to the future of the Western Australian agricultural sector.
Under the State Government’s plan, there will be a significant injection of funds into the agricultural, tourism, mining and petroleum and fisheries industries to capitalise on opportunities.
“We are pleased with Treasurer Nahan’s acknowledgement that the Western Australian agriculture and food industry sector is facing unprecedented opportunities and challenges,” Mr York said.
“The commitment of an additional $50 million towards the Seizing the Opportunity – Agriculture initiative, which will now equate to $276 million over the next four years, and $3.78 billion over the next four years through Royalties for Regions will undoubtedly support agricultural economic growth.
“We are also pleased that funding for DAFWA has held at the same level for the next 12 months, which guarantees the Department resources to complete their strategic review.
“The Budgetary Statement indicates that there must be a greater focus on service delivery, infrastructure investment and economic development to ensure a profitable, innovative and sustainable agrifood sector that benefits WA, and we believe the 2016-2017 State Budget has, for the most part, delivered.
“However, WAFarmers implores the State Government to safeguard the agricultural industry by continuing to adequately fund the sector which, it has been acknowledged, is the second most important industry in the state.”
Other key features of interest to WAFarmers in the State Budget:
- An additional $326 million towards the Perth Freight Link;
- Payroll tax-free threshold increases from $800,000 to $850,000 from 1 July 2016, benefiting over 11,000 businesses;
- $20 million towards the WA Open for Business project to increase trade and investment in the regional sector;
- Recurrent expenditure of $4.9 million over the next four years to support pest and weed management; and,
- $4 million over the next four years towards the Animal Welfare Review Report.
ENDS.
All media requests to be directed to WAFarmers Media and Communications Officer Melanie Dunn on (08) 9486 2100 or [email protected].
