The Hunter Business Chamber has welcomed the Federal Governments $1.6 billion dollar allocation to the M1 extension to Raymond Terrace, praising it as a booster for regional economic growth.
The long-awaited road project is the Hunter's big-ticket item in the budget which also promised a number of other local road upgrades, research into PFAS management and tax cuts for low to middle-income earners.
Chamber CEO Bob Hawes said from a business point of view, the budget was largely positive.
"There were a number of measures in there targeted at small business and we're very pleased that the government has listened to pleas from business groups including the Hunter Business Chamber and the NSW Business Chamber to see fit to introduce those," he said.
Mr Hawes also noted the budget included a number of things the Chamber had set out in a pre-budget wishlist yesterday.
"They included the tax breaks on the asset write-offs, extra funding to help business break into export markets and also increased those incentives for businesses taking on apprentices," said Mr Hawes.
"We think each of those measures will have a positive impact in this region."
Of course, as with any political announcement, not everyone was pleased.
Local charity Samaritans this morning expressed disappointment with the government's lack of assistance for vulnerable citizens.
The organisation renewed calls ahead of the budget for the government to strengthen income safety nets for Newstart and Youth Allowance, review Rental Assistance and to address the significant shortfall in social and affordable housing.
The government has since revealed it will extend a $75 relief payment for electricity bills to those on Newstart, who were originally excluded from the sweetener.
Samaritans CEO Brad Webb said there were some welcome commitments made in the budget, but there is more work to be done.
"The budget brought some welcome news for mental health and domestic violence services, as well as a commitment to funding the Disability Royal Commission, however, the budget has completely overlooked the desperate need for investment in social and affordable housing,” Mr Webb said.
"We expected to get an election-focused budget, and that's what we got."
Brad Webb said he will be watching the oppositions budget reply to indicate Labor's policy priorities.
Opposition leader Bill Shorten is expected to give his reply to the budget tomorrow morning.
EARLIER: Major Hunter Project Wins Funding In Federal Budget
