The Federal 2022-23 Budget and the Moree Plains

The Federal 2022-23 Budget and the Moree Plains

On Tuesday, the Federal Government announced the Budget for the 2022–23 financial year. There were a number of highlights for the Moree Plains:

$264 million for the Newell Highway to receive heavy-duty paving upgrade work in North Moree. $400 million to upgrade the 1,184 km Inland Freight Route from Mungindi to Queensland’s Charters Towers. $500 million will be allocated to Local Government Areas throughout Australia to help deliver priority projects. The Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program (LRCI) will receive an additional $139.3 million. Moree Plains Shire Council received $3.6 million in the last phase of LRCI funding. The agriculture sector can expect over $600 million that will be used in a range of areas, such as biosecurity, trade, exports and for regional communities. $1.3 billion will be used to upgrade and improve communication coverage for regional Australia.

Moree Plains Shire Mayor Mark Johnson said Council was generally pleased with the Budget and its emphasis on regional Australia.

“We look forward to meeting with the Federal Member for Parkes, the Hon. Mark Coulton MP, to understand the detail of the announcements and what they mean for our community and businesses”, said Mayor Johnson.

“There is no doubt the region seems to be responding strongly to improved agricultural conditions and the relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions. My Councillors and I will always advocate for infrastructure to leverage our billion-dollar agriculture sector and ways to improve liveability in the Shire.”

Moree Plains Shire Council also wants to hear from candidates and parties in the upcoming Federal election about their commitments for the region.