The Muswellbrook District Hospital, and continued planning for two vital bypasses, were among the Upper Hunter beneficiaries from the 2021/22 NSW Budget.
More than $7 million will be invested for Stage 3 of the medical facility’s redevelopment, while a total of $28 million has been set aside for alternative routes around the townships of Muswellbrook and Singleton.
Recently-elected Upper Hunter MP Dave Layzell welcomed the announcement, which would support the recovery and future prosperity of regional communities following drought, bushfires, floods and the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Due to the world-class financial responsibility and accountability from the NSW Government, the people of the Upper Hunter are set to benefit from areas such as schooling to emergency services and health, thanks to the community working together with The Nationals,” he said.
“The money for the Muswellbrook District Hospital Redevelopment will ensure the local community has access to the same world-class health facilities as those in the city.
“This year’s budget also sees more than $3.2 million invested into the Muswellbrook South Public School upgrade, guaranteeing quality education options for our kids, so they don’t have to leave home or travel to a metropolitan area to get the education they deserve.”
Mr Layzell noted that popular NSW Government programs had also witnessed increased funding in the 2021-22 NSW Budget.
“We’ll continue to ease the burden of travel costs by investing $246.3 million to extend the Regional Seniors Travel Card for a further two years, providing more than 300,000 eligible seniors with a $250 prepaid Visa card,” he said.
“The Community Building Partnerships program will see another $100,000 allocated to each electorate, moving the amount from $300,000 up to $400,000, which will benefit our community groups all over the Upper Hunter.”
NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro said more jobs and infrastructure builds would be delivered through the budget to help regions move through recovery.
“Off the back of devastating drought, bushfires and floods, there has never been a more crucial time to support regional NSW by providing career opportunities, new and improved infrastructure and community-backed projects,” he explained.
“This budget has a strong focus on job creating infrastructure builds to ensure local economies remain strong and regional NSW continues to be a fantastic place to live and work.
“This is the government delivering for our regions.”
Highlights of Upper Hunter electorate projects:
- $3.9 for new NSW Fire and Rescue Stations in Dungog and Muswellbrook;
- $2.5 million for the Singleton Police Station;
- $2 million in funding for the TAFE NSW Scone Multi Trades Hub;
- $5.2 million in Hunter Water system programs in Dungog;
- $25 million for Dungog roads;
- $5.5 million for Clarence Town Bridge replacement;
- $14 million for continued planning and design of the Muswellbrook Bypass;
- $14 million for continued planning and preconstruction activities for the Singleton Bypass;
- $8 million for Buckets Way improvements and upgrades;
- $2.9 million for Scone CDB Revitalisation; and
- $27 million for Golden Highway upgrade.
For further information, visit www.budget.nsw.gov.au
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