Commerce Ballarat chair David Wright says support for local businesses and investing in regional employment remains a key priority for Ballarat on the eve of the federal government’s budget.
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Treasurer Scott Morrison has already suggested Tuesday’s budget will be a winner for small business owners.
As well as tax cuts, the budget is expected to deliver an extension of the $20,000 instant asset write-off for small businesses.
The scheme is currently available for businesses that have a turnover of less than $2 million a year and allows them to immediately claim depreciation on every asset they purchase up to a value of $20,000.
“Any relief on the in-costs that occur for small businesses (would be accepted),” Mr Wright said.
“We’re not just talking about retail shops in Sturt Street, but also manufacturers and professional services.”
Mr Wright is also an advocate for the injection of jobs to Ballarat.
“The more people you see at sitting at desks in Ballarat the better it will be for the city,” he said.
“Let’s not just get hung up on VicRoads – we’d like to see any government department relocated to Ballarat that would see jobs in seats.”
On the family front, those who earn more than $80,000 in annual income will be offered a modest tax cut, but there is no indication of tax relief for the vast majority who earn less.
Infrastructure is always a high priority for regional centres and Committee for Ballarat chair Janet Dore said now is the perfect time for rail infrastructure investment following the state government’s recent commitment to the Ballarat line.
“We would like to see full duplication and electrification (on the Ballarat line) and there is also telecommunications – we need reliable (wireless) servicing along the train line,” Ms Dore said.
Infrastructure is also on the radar for the City of Ballarat, with mayor Des Hudson hoping for more injection into the National Stronger Regions Fund.
The fund could eventually deliver investment required for the construction of the Ballarat Sports and Events Centre and early stages of the bio energy waste facility,
“From the city’s point of view, we look to some of the bigger infrastructure projects,” Cr Hudson said.
“Roads are also going to be on the agenda. We’d also like to see considerable investment in health and education.”
- With The Age
