The massive infrastructure rollout across the Mid North Coast will ramp up over the next 12 months as part of the Federal Government's $50 billion infrastructure package.

Lyne MP Dr David Gillespie said more than $1 billion of infrastructure projects including local road upgrades, communication improvements, new water infrastructure and the Pacific Highway upgrade were helping to create thousands of local jobs and many more indirect jobs throughout the Macleay, Hastings, Manning and Gloucester areas. 

“As part of this year’s budget, I was delighted to be able to announce $9.6-million in Federal funding for new water infrastructure in the Manning-Great Lakes which will not only create jobs but help our region meet the demands of a growing population,” Dr Gillespie said.

“I was also pleased to see that in this year’s budget, Roads to Recovery funding to our local councils will be doubled as part of our commitment to improving the transport links particularly throughout regional areas.”

“Federal funding continues to flow out of this year’s budget to important local projects like the Port Macquarie indoor sports stadium, the Bucketts Way upgrade, new bridges for Dyers Crossing and Moto Road and important improvements to Manning Point and Gloucester Roads,” Dr Gillespie said.

Dr Gillespie said one of the region’s biggest employers, small business, would significantly benefit from this year’s budget through a suite of measures designed to make the sector more competitive and create more jobs.

“From 1 July this year, the tax rate for small business will be reduced to 28.5% and as of budget night, small businesses with a turnover below $2-million will be able to claim a tax deduction for every asset they acquire that is valued up to $20,000 for tax purposes until 30 June 2017,” Dr Gillespie said.

“There are also a number of subsidies to encourage employers to take on young people and mature age workers. The government’s additional investment to further reform childcare will make it much simpler, more affordable, more flexible and more accessible for families in our local area.”

Last night (Tuesday) the Treasurer announced a new Stronger Communities Program to help fund small capital projects in local communities.

“In the case of our electorate, we will be receiving $150,000 a year over the next two years to support projects put forward by local community based organisations. Projects can receive between $1,000 and $20,000 dollars.”