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Transport funding boost a win for farmers
8 Jun 2004
Australian farmers are set to be substantial winners from the Government’s long-awaited AusLink funding program announced today, according to the National Farmers’ Federation. NFF Chief Executive Officer, Ms Anna Cronin said the plan provided detail on spending proposals of $11.8 billion over the next five years and a new planning framework for future proposals.
“NFF strongly supports the AusLink announcement to improve transport decision making – to make it less ad-hoc, to reduce funding rivalry between transport modes, improve linkages between modes (particularly at ports) and to increase cooperation between Governments and with the private sector,” Ms Cronin said.
“The announcement will go some way to addressing the freight problems facing farmers – including access to ports and deteriorating rural transport infrastructure. Australian farmers depend upon efficient transport networks to get their products to market, with about 70 per cent of farm production exported, and the remainder often having to travel large distances to customers in Australia.”
Ms Cronin said the Government today also confirmed earlier funding announcements, including the renewal of Roads to Recovery and the reallocation of funds from the Fuel Sales Grants Scheme to transport infrastructure – both decisions which NFF supported.
“We particularly welcome the announcement of $500m in new funding and $20m in Roads to Recovery funding for unincorporated areas in States and Territories,” Ms Cronin said. “NFF looks forward to working with the Government on details, including processes to ensure clarity and transparency of decision making and to ensure that the Fuel Sales Grants Scheme funds are directed to benefit rural Australians – including farmers – who have been receiving the Grant.”
by Mairi Barton, General Manager Public Relations, NFF
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