Gilmore politicians and candidates weigh in on 2022 federal budget

This year's federal budget is giving tax offsets and one-off cash payments to many, and cutting the fuel excise in half - all intended to offset the rising cost of living.

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Prices at the bowser are tipped to drop within the fortnight, and at least 57,000 residents of the Gilmore electorate - specifically low and middle income earners - will receive their offset at tax return time.

As for pensioners, a little over 28,000 in the region will get their one-off cost of living payment ($250) in the next six months, on top of a general increase to the pension.

Specific tax breaks for small business are also on the agenda, along with payments for apprentices and the employers who take them on.

Gilmore MP Fiona Phillips said while the quick payments and savings could be nice, she is yet to see longer-term measures to address major issues regionally.

Crises in social and affordable housing, childcare, and aged care are high on the list for the MP, along with

"I just think it's a short term sugar fix, with a lot of longer term pain," she said.

"We've got some really systemic issues here in Gilmore and the budget does nothing to address the affordable and social housing issue that we have.

"I'm always going to welcome short term relief, but it's getting harder and harder for people and I think that's a problem.

"I think we need to have more long standing cost of living relief for people. There is little drip feeds in the budget, but nothing significant that will actually change for generations to come."

In a statement, Gilmore LNP candidate Andrew Constance said the budget was a 'substantial and positive plan' delivering, among other things, immediate cost of living relief.

"Many local people are feeling a financial strain at this time through no fault of their own and this plan will help," the statement read.

"The Budget will strengthen our local economy. It will encourage small businesses, increase apprenticeships and invest strongly in manufacturing, infrastructure and regional development."

Locally, federal funds are confirmed for the Milton Ulladulla Bypass.

An extra $352 million for the project is included in this year's budget, on top of the initial $400 million already committed.

Investigations, design, and planning works for the bypass have been underway for some time.

Mrs Phillips welcomed the funding boost, and hoped the extra cash would be directed to the bypass' southern end near Burrill Lake, where debate is ongoing about proposed routes and solutions.

According to Mr Constance's statement, an estimated 2000 jobs would be created as a result of the bypass construction.

While the budget did cover one major local project, Ms Phillips holds concern for the South Coast communities still rebuilding after recent bushfires and more recent floods which followed.

Much of the federal Emergency Response Fund was put forth for flood recovery, apparently leaving a gap for disaster mitigation in communities around the South Coast, which have faced both bushfires and significant flooding over recent years.

"They fail to mention bushfire impacted areas, so they're not planning on spending any disaster mitigation funding," Mrs Phillips said.

"I think there is a lot of things that the government could to to help our one-road-in one-road-out communities... that's a real gap which has been missed in the budget."