The Morrison Government’s Budget delivers our plan for a stronger future – providing cost of living relief, creating more jobs, guaranteeing essential services, and keeping Gold Coasters safe.
Member for McPherson Karen Andrews MP said the Coalition’s targeted and responsible cost of living package takes the pressure off household budgets.
“We understand that higher costs at the petrol pump and checkout are placing strain on the everyday cost of living for Gold Coasters,” Mrs Andrews said.
“That’s why we’re delivering tax relief of up to $1,500 this year – which will put more money back in the pockets of around 71,300 taxpayers in McPherson.”
In addition – 18,087 pensioners and 19,101 self-funded retirees in McPherson will receive a one-off cost of living payment of $250. This support will also be delivered to 3,761 disability support recipients, 11,270 jobseekers and 1,430 carers.
Gold Coasters will also see relief at the bowser, with the fuel excise cut in half for the next six months.
“This could mean a saving of $30 a week for a family with two cars, or $700 over the next six months,” Mrs Andrews explained.
The Morrison Government is also making record investments in health and education, as well as building safer roads and investing in stronger defence, borders, and security.
“As Minister for Home Affairs, I’m delivering more than $685 million in new funding to keep Australians safe, increase our cyber resilience, and modernise the nation’s trade and customs systems.
“I’m committed to cleaning up Gold Coast streets and helping residents feel safe in their own homes by targeting organised crime and the importation and manufacture of illicit drugs, firearms, and money laundering.
We’re also investing in the national response to combat domestic, family, and sexual violence with a $1.3 billion package to deliver more frontline services, emergency accommodation, and support to legal and health services.
The Coalition will continue to invest in measures to expand and upskill the workforce to secure the workers we need now and for the future.
More Australians are in work than ever before and the unemployment rate is now forecast to reach 3.75 per cent this year, the lowest rate in close to 50 years.
Local jobs will be further supported with a $2.5 billion investment for three phases of the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program from 2020 to 2023.
Almost $6 million will be provided to City of Gold Coast to make local roads safer.
Mrs Andrews said this comes on top of the major investment the Coalition has made to Gold Coast infrastructure and priority projects over recent years, including:
- $57 billion for 13 projects through the Infrastructure Investment Program (IIP)
- $29.5 million to improve safety through the Roads to Recovery Program
- $18m to improve 38 notorious Black Spots
- $38m through Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) Program
- $197.6m through Financial Assistance Grants Program (2012-13 to 2021-22)
- $23 million fast-tracked to fund priority projects (2021-22)
- $322.4m to Regional Development Australia (2021-22)
- $1.07 billion for the Coomera Connector
- $680 million for the current upgrades to the M1 from Varsity Lakes to Tugun
- $195 million to upgrade the M1 bottleneck at Mudgeeraba/Varsity Lakes
- $100 million for upgrades to M1 exits on the northern Gold Coast
- $395.6 million for Stage 3 of the Light Rail
- $15 million for the Coomera Station commuter car park
- $8 million for a business case into fast rail from Brisbane to the Gold Coast to reduce commute times
- $300 million to assist local businesses and tourism operators through COVID Business Support Program
- $35 million to support local attractions and hospitality businesses through 2021 Queensland state border closure
Budget documents are available at www.budget.gov.au.