Budget funds promise for a Second Range Crossing

TOOWOOMBA fared better than most regions in last night’s Federal Budget with Member for Groom Ian Macfarlane declaring he had delivered an election promise.

TOOWOOMBA fared better than most regions in last night's Federal Budget with Member for Groom Ian Macfarlane declaring he had delivered an election promise in $700 million funding for the Second Range Crossing.

He said the Federal Government was willing to put the $1.285 billion it agreed to in January on the table - but only if a public-private partnership did not eventuate for the project.

That shortfall amount would be delivered by 2018-19.

Mr Macfarlane said Prime Minister Tony Abbott had signed off on delivering the shortfall, with the State Government having agreed to contribute $342m.

But he said the Second Range Crossing was intended to be a public-private partnership "right from the start".

"The big news is that the money is in the Budget … the $700 million will be in the Budget," he said.

"The Prime Minister and the Treasurer have signed off on any contingency that may be required between the $700 million and the $1.3 billion.

"We would hope that we won't be required to contribute further taxpayer funds, but if we are, the money is there in terms of building the Second Range Crossing. There's no more question mark.

"We've never stepped away from wanting to test the market on a public-private partnership. What we said in February and (tonight) is that the $700 million will be there."

Mr Macfarlane said despite ongoing delays in the call for expressions of interest to build the bypass, work would start late this year or in early 2015.

The funding was a rare bright spot in a Budget that will hit many Toowoomba families hard, with a fuel excise increase and cuts to family tax benefits.

Another $508 million by 2018-19 has been confirmed for the Warrego Hwy between Toowoomba and Miles, with an undisclosed completion date.

Students at TAFE and the University of Southern Queensland will also benefit from the extension of the HELP program which allows students in rural and regional areas to apply for loans and scholarships.

What we'll get

Up to $1.285 billion to build Second Range Crossing.

$508 million for Warrego Hwy between Toowoomba and Miles.

Originally published as Budget funds promise for a Second Range Crossing