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QTA highlights stamp duty win in state Budget

Mahon also welcomes road spend but flags other concerns

 

Queensland Trucking Association (QTA) advocacy on stamp duty has borne fruit in the state Budget, the industry body notes.

Its Budget response also welcomes other gains but also notes some negatives.

“A particular point that was appreciated to see was a specific reference in the budget papers as a result of QTA advocacy that the 2 per cent stamp duty increase to vehicles over $100,000 in value is exempt to heavy vehicles,” CEO Gary Mahon states.

“The QTA applauds the continuing 10 year commitment to the Bruce Highway and in particular the now near half billion dollar commitment to the Mackay Ring Road.

“The Bruce Highway is a vital connection for Queensland and a nationally-significant corridor.

“The $8.5 billion Queensland and Australian Government funded program to fix the Bruce Highway (2013-14 to 2022-23), with more than $4.1 billion additional federal and state funding committed to continue delivery of the program up to 2027-28 is essential investment.”

The negatives include “yet another” 3.5 per cent increase to vehicle registration cost.

This was coupled with a lack of investment in either the Kennedy or Burnett Highways “where there is increasing use by our industry and as an alternate route during floods in particular”.

Mahon was critical of contrasting federal handling of road infrastructure funding.

“The preferential treatment continues for the funding of the M1 with the federal government support for essential upgrades being $1 for every state dollar whereas south of the border they fund $4 for every state dollar,” he says.

“If this was supported even handedly by the federal government there would be more available investment on other essential freight routes in our state.”

Further points of note include:

  • An extension of the 50 per cent payroll tax rebate for apprentices and trainees to June 30, 2019
  • $175 million over three years towards the Back to Work program, extended to June 30, 2020
  • $600,000 towards the continuation of the Go Local campaign
  • $40 million towards the Business Development Fund to help businesses turn ideas and innovations into reality
  • $206.2 million towards support programs through Advance Queensland to create the knowledge-based jobs of the future
  • $80 million towards Skilling Queenslanders for Work to provide skills development.

 

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