FEDERAL BUDGET 2019: Money for regions but little for aged

While the Budget should provide Coast MPs valuable fodder ahead of the federal election, it's done little for some of our most vulnerable citizens.

FILE PHOTO: While our region's have benefit from last night's Federal Budget, our ageing population has been left behind. Picture: Bev Lacey

THE Sunshine Coast's Federal Budget presents were unwrapped ahead of Treasurer Josh Frydenberg's address last night, but while that should provide government MPs valuable fodder ahead of the federal election in May, it's done little for some of Australia's most vulnerable citizens.

The early bonuses for the Coast include an additional $91.4 million for the Bruce Hwy-Maroochydore Rd intersection to cover the mounting cost of the $301 million project, which was originally estimated at $187 million, and $4.5 million to support the $1.5 million delivered last year to allow construction to start on Australia's first residential treatment facility for eating disorders and to support its programs for the next four years.

Federal Member for Fisher Andrew Wallace said that the funding for endED Butterfly House was part of the Liberal National Government's $70 million Budget package for eating disorder treatment.

Fairfax MP Ted O'Brien announced the $91.4 million for the Bruce Hwy project ahead of the Budget's delivery.

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg. Picture: AAP Image/JULIAN SMITH

The Queensland Government is now required to chip in an additional $20 million under an 80:20 funding split.

The Coalition Government has also committed $12 million over three years to support a new Sunshine Coast Health Foundation Accommodation Hub for families whose loved ones are receiving treatment.

Pensioners League advocate Frank Gower, of Caloundra, was left to lament the failure to acknowledge the plight of the single aged.

He said they survived on $920 a fortnight, with their situation considerably more precarious if they were renters.

Mr Gower said there was a gap of about $480 between the fortnightly single pension and that paid to couples, and it left those living alone scraping to survive.

"People are hurting really badly," he said.

In Wide Bay, National Party Member Llew O'Brien listed $800 million for the Bruce Hwy Cooroy-to-Curra stretch, and Roads to Recovery payment of an additional $790,346 to Noosa Council for a five-year total of $3.95 million.

The Budget also confirmed an earlier $2.5 million for renovations to Sunshine Beach Surf Life Saving Club and $2.55 million for the extension of the Digital Hub at Peregian Beach, $71,000 towards a Sunshine Butterflies Family Central facility, $500,000 to install lights at Tewantin Noosa Cricket Club, $192,000 for Noosa Tigers Football Club and $23,800 for fencing and repairs at Noosa District Softball Association Inc.

Sunshine Coast Business Council chair Sandy Zubrinich said tax cuts would help stimulate a flagging economy.

Funding for more apprenticeships would help keep 15 to 24-year-olds in the region and the extension of small business instant write-offs to companies turning over up to $50 million annually would stimulate spending by potentially an additional 22,000 businesses.