2024 State Budget

06 June 2024

The Member for MacKillop, Nick McBride MP, says this year’s State Budget will go some way to assisting with the cost-of-living crisis, while at the same time delivering some benefits to the region as a whole.

“I am pleased that the budget is addressing the high cost of goods and services. There is no doubt that singles and families are hurting, as prices at the checkout – and bowser, go up and up – even more so in regional areas.”

To counteract that – the Government is delivering relief to households through an additional cost of living concession payment of $243.90 for those eligible. Families with children at Government schools will also get a $200 reduction in fees through the materials and services subsidy. They will also have access to two $100 sports vouchers (doubling from last year) – helping parents with the costs associated with participating in sport – and now – even music lessons.

“Assistance with school charges and doubling the number of sports vouchers is a positive step forward. I know these costs – particularly at the beginning of a school year, can put added financial pressures on families. Also, not every child plays sport, including music lessons in the vouchers will broaden the appeal for students.”

There will be 30 million over three years to boost housing across regional SA. This is in addition to the announcement that stamp duty thresholds will be removed for first home buyers who build or buy a brand new home.

“As we know, in MacKillop, there is a housing shortage. There is also a lack of available land to develop, and there can be difficulties in rezoning and clearing certain parcels. I hope this investment will help local councils and communities unlock development opportunities so that regional towns can continue to grow.”

The town of Naracoorte will receive a new police station. 18 million over four years will be invested in constructing a new purpose-built police station in Naracoorte.

“This is really exciting news for my community. The Naracoorte police station is old and not fit for purpose. A new station will give the community the confidence that policing is not being centralised to Mount Gambier. This investment will help people feel safer and assist in expanding the police presence across the entire electorate.”

There will be more than $800,000 spent on conducting an audit of CFS facilities.

“As we know, there are some woeful CFS facilities in my electorate, with some not having changerooms or running water. There are also some that can’t fit their appliance in their shed. I hope this audit will help develop plans for improved facilities for what is a vital service for the region.”

The State and Federal Governments will invest $13.7 million over three years to improve waterbird habitat at the Lake Hawdon North wetland site, near Robe.

“It’s imperative that this funding doesn’t interfere with the agricultural pursuits beyond the Lake Hawdon parameters. The ongoing maintenance, or lack thereof of our full South-East drainage network needs to be part of the discussion in this funding announcement.”

Mr McBride is disappointed that health and road infrastructure doesn’t feature heavily for MacKillop in this year’s budget.

“While there’s investment in Mount Gambier to build a new integrated Cancer consult suite – we are still waiting for the results from the one-million-dollar review into the Naracoorte Hospital. That review is due to be completed either this year or early next and will assist with the future medical needs of the Naracoorte Hospital and surrounding towns. I urge the Government to fast track this review so that we have a clearer pathway as to how we best service our smaller communities.”

There will be 5 million over 4 years to support mental health services. Mr McBride hopes this funding will find its way to services in the MacKillop region, which is seriously lacking.

While there will be 3.8 million spent on the construction of a new heavy vehicle rest area at Salt Creek along the Princes Highway, there is little else in road funding infrastructure.

“$35 million over three years to deliver additional road safety maintenance will not scratch the surface in terms on resurfacing and maintaining our regional roads in MacKillop. I fear that the backlog that already exists will never be addressed.”

“Overall, while the budget will assist some people with cost-of-living pressures, there is still much more that is needed in my electorate. I look forward to continuing to advocate to the Government for better outcomes for the people who live and work in MacKillop.”

2024 State Budget

2024 State Budget

Grant Funding Announcement

Nick McBride MP - One year as an Independent

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