LNP’s National Stronger Regions Fund to grow jobs in Wide Bay
1st September, 2013
Wide Bay communities will benefit from an incoming Liberal and Nationals Government plan to create jobs, improve facilities, build infrastructure and strengthen the regional economy, Federal Member for Wide Bay Warren Truss said today.“The Coalition will establish a $1 billion National Stronger Regions Fund to regenerate the regions and grow jobs in communities that are experiencing high unemployment,” Mr Truss said.
“The fund will invest $200 million each year in local capital works projects that will improve local communities.
“Councils and community groups will be able to apply for grants between $20,000 and $10 million, to meet half the cost of community building projects. Regions with a higher than average unemployment rate will receive priority for funds,” Mr Truss said.
“Labor has ignored our region for the last six years. When the Coalition left office in 2007 our regional unemployment rate was 3.5%, which was below the national average. Today, after six years of neglect from Labor and the minor parties, our unemployment rate is more than 9%.
“Labor scrapped the former Coalition Government’s highly successful regional development programs and hit families and businesses with over 40 tax increases. The Labor Government and minor parties have been a disaster for our area. Local jobs have suffered as a consequence of Labor’s neglect.
“I have been fighting for a new plan and a better deal for families and businesses in Wide Bay to share in our nation’s wealth. Our National Stronger Regions Fund is a real plan to build infrastructure and improve services in our region that will strengthen the economy to support local jobs,” Mr Truss said.
“A Coalition Government will work with local communities by backing successful projects and contributing up to 50 per cent of the funds needed to construct them. The remaining funds for the projects will come from local government, state governments, the community and the private sector.
“It is people, not processes that build strong communities. Local people are best placed to know their own needs and successful projects will be driven by local communities and assisted by a Coalition Government.
“The Liberal and Nationals want to build a stronger economy and stronger communities to provide more employment opportunities in regions like Wide Bay. Central to this is our plan to scrap the Labor/Greens/Independents carbon and mining taxes, as well as cutting the company tax rate and cutting $1 billion a year in red tape.
“Helping to create more jobs is a key priority for me. Building a stronger economy that supports jobs growth, increases productivity, lifts investment and boosts our competitiveness through the Coalition Government’s National Stronger Regions Fund will deliver a better future for Wide Bay.”
