Photo Caption: Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton met with Max Michell (right) and his son Will (left) of Michell Machinery in Dubbo, who are optimistic about what the instant asset write-off expansion in the 2020 Federal Budget means for their customers and their business.

Federal Budget delivers practical incentives

The Federal Budget lays the foundation for promising recovery during challenging economic times, by delivering practical incentives for people who are willing to have a go. I enjoyed the opportunity to meet with local businesspeople in my electorate last week to hear about how key Budget initiatives will make a positive difference in their lives.

Max Michell and his son Will of Michell Machinery in Dubbo are optimistic about what the instant asset write-off expansion means for their customers and their business. A full tax write-off for eligible depreciable assets will help farmers to invest in headers and other machinery from 6 October this year until June 2022. With promising seasonal conditions across parts of my electorate at the moment, I know there will be many farming businesses looking to invest in assets, provided they are in a position to do so. This tax incentive applies to any business with a turnover of up to $5 billion. This is practical policy that will provide immediate benefits in my electorate, getting money flowing through our rural and regional communities and helping businesses who help themselves.

Likewise, David Hayes of Dubbo City and Gilgandra Toyota is a great example of a local businessperson who will see practical outcomes from this year’s Budget. An additional $1.2 billion to create 100,000 new apprenticeships and traineeships, with a 50 per cent wage subsidy for businesses who employ them, will make it easier for businesses like David’s to take on apprentices. Already David has apprentices working for him and he’ll be looking to take on more, based on this initiative. I know this apprenticeship investment is being welcomed by many different industries looking for incentives to get young people into work.

Funds for remote airstrips

Applications for Round 8 of the Remote Airstrip Upgrade Program have opened!

Owners or operators of existing aerodromes in remote or very remote areas can apply for a grant of between $5,000 and $500,000, with $7 million available in total. This funding will allow for upgrades including improving runway surfaces and lighting, and installing animal proof fencing, providing a range of local employment opportunities.

The Government has changed the guidelines so that small local government projects of $150,000 or less can now seek funding for 100 per cent of eligible project costs, helping to provide critical airstrip upgrades at a time when it is needed most.

Under the previous round, we were able to enhance the safety and accessibility of aerodromes in Nyngan, Mungindi, Tilpa, Condobolin and Coonamble with a total of $645,000 in grants.

Remote aerodromes are critical to aero-medical flights, the delivery of essential goods and services and connecting people to employment and education opportunities.

Applications close on 12 November 2020, with full details on the Round 8 guidelines and the application form available at www.business.gov.au/RAUP

Cancer Centre construction powering ahead

Construction of the $35 million Western Cancer Centre in Dubbo reached its highest point last week, with a tree placed on top of the building (a traditional topping-out ceremony) to mark the completion of structural works! I was joined by Member for Dubbo Dugald Saunders, the project team and hospital staff for the milestone.

I’m thrilled construction of the Western Cancer Centre has been powering ahead, and this event means we are yet another step closer to providing the quality care that cancer patients and their families deserve in the western region.

Seeing the Western Cancer Centre completed will be one of the most exciting milestones for me as Member for Parkes – this facility will provide access to crucial care and support and allow patients to stay closer to their loved ones during treatment.