Farm groups slam WA Budget

Monday, May 14, 2007

Western Australian farm groups have roundly condemned the state Budget unveiled last night, claiming it does very little for the farming sector.

Treasurer Eric Ripper's seventh Budget has received a luke-warm response at best.

The Western Australian Farmers Federation (WAFF) says it is all smoke and mirrors, particularly in the area of road funding.

WAFF senior vice-president Mike Norton says on a positive note, there was more money to be spent on natural resources and a reduction in used heavy machinery stamp duty.

But he says water licences, increases in licensing for risky work areas and a $50 million decrease in funds for the Department of Agriculture and Food will have a significant impact.

Pastoralists and Graziers Association (PGA) president Sandy McTaggart says the State Government has prioritised its funds to the areas it has votes.

The National party has described the Budget as pathetic and insulting for regional communities.

The farming sector might be unhappy, but the WA Chamber of Minerals and Energy is largely impressed with the Budget.

Spokesman David Parker says money for infrastructure projects reflects the contribution of the resources sector to the state's $2 billion surplus.

"There is never enough money for infrastructure, but I think we were particularly pleased to see $900 million or nearly $1 billion spent on the electricity infrastructure," he said.

"I think that energy has been very much the cornerstone of the success of the resources sector."

Sourced from ABC.