Budget doesn't tackle underlying issues Adam Blakester says to Barnaby Joyce

The New England MP said now that the pools of money had been announced, he was ready to fight for funding and push grant applications for the region's big projects.

Mr Joyce said the budget also provided immediate relief, with tax breaks of around $1000 for people earning under $90,000, along with one-off payments of $75 for individuals or $125 for couples to help with energy bills.

However, independent candidate for New England Adam Blakester was less than impressed with the "cash splash", which he said did little to tackle fundamental problems such as job creation and the rising cost of living.

"The one off payments for energy bills don't address the underlying issue of rising energy prices," Mr Blakester said.

"The income tax breaks are clearly appealing for votes, but at most represents a $10 increase per week for an individual or $20 for a couple.

"That's well short of a sound and stable financial future for New England."

READ ALSO:

Mr Blakester commended the government's return to surplus, and said there were positives in the budget, if they were applied correctly.

He wants to see one of the 10 training hubs mentioned in budget to be located in New England, and designated to the renewable energy section. 

"That bundled with a large portion of the promised 80,000 apprentices would go a long way, creating new jobs, business opportunities and greater financial security for the region, along with lowering energy costs," he said.

Mr Joyce said the budget included more than $1 billion for "promises unannounced" and suggested that was where the federal government funding for the Tamworth university campus could come from.

He also said the region would benefit from the $550 million for blackspot funding for accident prone roads.

There is $1.3 billion available to provide greater support for councils affected by unexpected weather.