THE Morrison Government has kept some powder dry for fiercely contested election battles in Farrer and Indi with no fresh funding bonanzas in the budget last night.
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The federal election date in May is expected to be announced before the end of the week with the Coalition boosting its chances of retaining Farrer and reclaiming Indi with some major announcements in the lead-up to the budget. They included a $12 million mental health rehabilitation unit at Wodonga hospital and inclusion for an $8 million business case for a fast rail connection between Albury-Wodonga and Melbourne.
The government also kick-started a regional deal for the twin cities with a $3.2 million boost towards developing the plan which has resulted in millions of dollars flowing into other similar centres throughout Australia.
The budget was the final one for outgoing independent MP Cathy McGowan, who is hoping Helen Haines can take her place in Parliament.
"There has been no big surprises," Ms McGowan said.
"Basically it is setting the government up for an election and the announcements we've had in North-East Victoria particularly, but also southern NSW are all part of the government setting itself up.
"But I think the announcements have all been made now because once we go into caretaker mode that will be it."
Ms McGowan had hoped Cooinda Aged Care in Benalla, which was seeking $7.5 million towards a $13.5 million project, would have been allocated money in the budget.
Farrer MP Sussan Ley, who has Albury mayor Kevin Mack as one of her major rivals in the election, said the surplus budget was evidence her government were good economic managers.
"Any long-term budget observer knows Farrer and regional Australia is far better off when finances are in the black, and the economy is being well managed," she said.
"This is what our party is delivering, and it's my job to keep prosecuting the case between now and the next election.
"This was the kind of budget we needed.
"It helps strengthen our unique needs in regional areas, helping with tax cuts but also understanding the challenge of delivering health, aged care and education in the country."
There is also $11.8 million allocated for facility upgrades at the Bandiana army base in 2019-20.
Other budget initiatives which impact on the Farrer and Indi electorates include $30.4 million to support feasibility studies into the development of microgrids in regional and remote areas.
A new regional airports program worth $102.8 million was also announced and will start with $10 million in 2019-20.
Offices to support Defence member personnel will be established across Australia including Albury and Wagga.
The $35.6 million program aims to build partnerships between Defence and service delivery organisations at local, state and national levels and provide personalised advice to Defence member families transitioning into new communities.
The 2019-20 budget includes an additional $100 million for the heavy vehicle safety and productivity program which Albury Council could target for the Davey Road interchange upgrade.
Also, an additional $200 million over four years from 2019-20 has been allocated for the Building Better Regions Fund.
Roads to Recovery funding, which includes an additional $500 million per year, was also in the budget.
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