Country age pensioners will continue to benefit from the Country Age Pension Fuel Card, thanks to an additional $106 million investment by Royalties for Regions.
Nationals WA Member of Parliament and candidate for the seat of Geraldton Paul Brown MP, welcomed today’s announcement that the scheme would be extended for a further three years from 2017-18 to 2019-20.
“The fuel card was introduced to help age pensioners in regional WA who don’t have access to public transport, cover the cost of travel and accessing services that are often far away from home,” Mr Brown said.
“The fuel card is to the value of $575 to assist country age pensioners to meet the additional cost of travel using their own vehicles or taxis.
“The scheme helps more than 52,000 regional pensioners who need to travel to access essential services, participate in community groups and recreational activities or to catch up with family and friends.”
Mr Brown said The Nationals WA took the Country Age Pension Fuel Card to the 2008 election as an election commitment.
“This important scheme highlights The Nationals’ commitment to ensuring regional pensioners have access to affordable transport options and can remain connected to their communities,” Mr Brown said.
“Since its introduction in 2009, the scheme has not only had a positive impact on the individual but also the whole community.
“It is great to see Royalties for Regions continue to play a fundamental role in building stronger communities that are great places to live, work and invest.”
For more information visit:
http://www.drd.wa.gov.au/projects/Roads-and-Transport/Pages/Country-Age-Pension-Fuel-Card.aspx
For media enquiries contact Paul Brown: paul.brown@mp.wa.gov.au
