Member for New England, the Hon Barnaby Joyce MP, is warning the Federal Labor Government against ignoring the regions in tomorrow’s Federal Budget.

Mr Joyce said Labor is ripping money away from the regions to spend on projects such as high-speed rail between Sydney and Newcastle.

“The Coalition’s investments were creating wealth for regional Australia. We had a vision for our nation and put money on the table for nation building projects such as the Inland Rail, the sealing of Outback Way, and investing in vital water infrastructure such as Hells Gate Dam, Paradise Dam and Dungowan Dam.”

“This Budget is going to put extensions on expenses, on the profit and loss which means it will be harder for our assets to cover our costs in the future.

“Whether it’s in the New England or the Hunter, Labor needs to explain why, once again, regional areas are neglected, forgotten, and being taken for granted.

“Now more than ever, after years of drought and now heavy rains, our roads are falling apart. During my time as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, I secured $150 million for the Remote Roads Upgrade Pilot Program which funded 33 projects throughout rural and remote parts of Australia. This funding upgraded and sealed neglected roads, as well as safety works including resurfacing and removing dangerous corners. Now, under Labor these roads will be even more neglected and forgotten,” Mr Joyce said.

The Albanese Government is yet to guarantee funding for another Round of the Building Better Regions Fund or commit to finalising Round 6. This failure puts hundreds of vital regional projects at risk

Labor should spend less time signing us up to international methane reduction pledges, which will ultimately result in a methane tax on cattle and spend more time on investing in the regions and making our nation stronger.