Rural roads miss out again

Rural roads in Western Australia will see none of the $499 million dollars in additional funding, announced today by the Federal Government, in recognition of WA’s future GST revenue shortfall.  
                                                                                                                                   
According to an article in The West Australian newspaper, the $499 million will be spent on a Mitchell Freeway extension, a Tonkin Highway link, a Swan Valley bypass and an upgrade of Reid Highway at Malaga Drive.
 
The emphasis on metropolitan road projects ignores the fact that rural residents contribute just as readily to the GST, WAFarmers President Dale Park said.
 
“The extra funds would be more welcome if they were spent across the State instead of in metropolitan Perth,” Mr Park said.
 
WAFarmers recognises that rural regions receive funding from the Royalties for Regions program but this was always intended as compensation for many years of neglect.
 
The Royalties for Regions program was not created to replace consolidated funding.
 
Ends.

All media requests to be directed to WAFarmers Media and Communications Officer Sophie Kilby on (08) 9486 2100 or [email protected].

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