Federal budget not thrilling but means a lot to families

GLADSTONE parents Lana and Peter Kammholz admitted they didn’t tune into last night’s Federal Budget, but the cost of living is high on their agenda.

Peter and Lana Kammholz will be keeping on eye on the Federal Budget fallout to see how it affects their family. Picture: Brenda Strong

GLADSTONE parents Lana and Peter Kammholz admitted they didn't tune into last night's Federal Budget.

But they are keen to follow what the fallout means to them.

The couple has three children under five, but Peter's work as a construction co-ordinator on Curtis Island means the family doesn't qualify for most family benefits.

Peter said he paid a lot of tax, but doesn't see much put back into local health, education and infrastructure.

Two weeks ago Lana gave birth to the couple's third child. It was the first time they weren't eligible for the baby bonus - an incentive that was wound back in last night's budget.

"It's always expensive to have a baby," Lana said.

Working towards owning their own home, Peter said he would appreciate any interest rate relief.

"I'm not sure it will go much lower, it's better than it was," he said. "I know housing is a big issue for people in this region."

Lana said the cost of living for families was high in Gladstone.

"Even going to the doctor is $70 gone and $150 goes like that with groceries."

Peter said he supported an increase to the Medicare Levy to fund the National Disability Insurance Scheme.

"I'm not connected with anyone who'll benefit myself, but it seems like not enough has been done in the past," he said.

"As long as we see some action and it's not taken up by bureaucrats' wages."

The couple said they supported the government's Gonski education reforms.

As a former teacher, Lana said more should be put into providing quality education.

"Teachers set kids up for life," she said.

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ROAD REPAIRS: Truckie Dave Marsh. Picture: Christopher Chan GLATRUC

Highway travellers not convinced

THE Federal Government's announcement of $637 million for the state's worst highway next year still isn't convincing those that use it most.

As part of the budget, work is set to begin on four sections of the Bruce Highway and eight projects are slated for completion by mid 2014.

One project is a new bridge at the Yeppen Floodplain near Rockhampton.

Truckie Dave Marsh was one of thousands cut off at the spot in the 2010 flood. He said general repairs right along the highway were a more pressing need.

"They just need to fix the road," Dave said. "I'm nearly bouncing through the roof as we speak."

Dave said he was fed up with drawn out road works and poor quality repair jobs.

Originally published as Federal budget not thrilling but means a lot to families