POLL: Bypass tops budget wish list for Toowoomba

WHEN tonight’s Budget is handed down, Toowoomba residents can expect the money they have been after for decades: funding to build the Second Range Crossing.

WHEN tonight's Federal Budget is handed down, Toowoomba residents can expect the money they have been after for decades: funding to build the Second Range Crossing.

The government's first budget of its term is likely to include the full $1.3 billion it has committed to the project - 80% of the cost.

At least half a billion dollars is also expected to be included for upgrades to the Warrego Hwy.

But despite the road infrastructure injection, Toowoomba residents will face hits to the hip pocket, with a fuel excise increase, pension cuts and fees for medical appointments among the measures set out to reduce debt.

Toowoomba mayor Paul Antonio said tonight's budget would bring the community "the final clarity" around the bypass.

"It is my understanding from a number of sources that the bypass will be a part of the roads package, and the money will be there," Cr Antonio said.

"We're hoping that's what's going happen.

"We have for so long been really desperate for funding in this area."

A funding deal for the crossing was announced on January 31, with the Queensland government agreeing to stump up 20% of the costs of the $1.7 billion, 41km project.

Cr Antonio said as well as the long-awaited crossing commitment, he was focussed on funding for critical improvements to the Warrego Hwy.

"I think (Warrego Hwy funding) would be targeted all along the highway, not just in our region, in the western downs and beyond, and that is absolutely necessary," he said.

Treasurer Joe Hockey has indicated that revenue from any increase in the fuel excise would be invested into these and other road projects.

The increase, likely to be in line with inflation, is a move that will increase the cost of living for most Toowoomba residents, and Cr Antonio said farmers would be among those hardest hit.

"That would have to be an area where we have some real concerns, because the further you get away from the markets, the more important the cost of fuel.

"The grain farmers in this nation have very much higher input costs when it comes to growing a crop of grain than other competitive nations.

"We're also keen to see efforts (towards) exports to be made more competitive, and I don't think excised tax will help that at all."

Mr Hockey will hand down the budget at 7.30pm.

Expected road projects funding

Toowoomba Second Range Crossing

Warrego Hwy

Bruce Hwy

Gateway Motorway north upgrade

Originally published as POLL: Bypass tops budget wish list for Toowoomba