What's in the Budget for the Whitsundays

Whitsundays Online

The Federal 2009-10 Budget was presented tonightby the Treasurer, Wayne Swan, delivering an almost $60 billion deficit.

It appears the Capital Cities have 'scored' all of the $3.2 billion in rail funding, with no mention of federal funding for the Missing Northern Link Railway (between Moranbah and Collinsville).

It also appears that no extra money has been allocated to expand Abbot Point.

Surprisingly, single Pensioners were probably the biggest winners -they will receive an extra $32 a week, however couples will only receive an extra $10 a week.

I have editied sections from tonights actual Budget Papers on items that may have an impact on the Whitsundays.

Bruce Hwy
Projects to be completed along the Bruce Highway include an upgrade to the southern approach towards Mackay, significant safety upgrades in far north Queensland (including 60 overtaking lanes between Curra and Cairns and additional rest areas) and the Cardwell Range realignment.

Health
$250 million for the Townsville Hospital in Queensland

Social and Defense Housing
The Government has also committed $252 million for Defence Housing Australia to construct 802 new homes for Australian Defence Force personnel and their families. The new housing will be located to support Defence bases across several regions, including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Darwin, the Hunter Valley, Townsville and Ipswich.

Renewable Remote Power Generation - $6.7 million (down from 11.7 million) to QLD Govt to fund Renewable Remote Power Generation program which provides financial support to increase the use of renewable generation in remote parts of Australia that presently rely on fossil fuel for electricity supply.

World sailing championships - The Commonwealth will provide $2.0 million to Western Australia in 2009‑10 to contribute to the successful staging of the International Sailing Federation World Championships in Western Australia in December 2011.

The population of QLD is around 4,356,000, and Australia is 21,623,000.

You can view the Australian Commonwealth Government's 2009-2010 Budget here.