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Budget ignores Port Stephens, again: Washington

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Port Stephens state MP Kate Washington has slammed the NSW Government, stating the 2021/22 Budget simply ignored her electorate… again.

While the Hunter received positive news overall, with funding allocated for the new Maitland Hospital ($59.1 million), the John Hunter Health and Innovation Precinct ($34.4 million), the Newcastle Inner City Bypass ($29 million) and the M1 Pacific Motorway extension to Raymond Terrace ($28.1 million), it was a different story north of Newcastle, according to the local member.

“Once again, Tuesday’s budget shows the NSW Government is only ever interested in Port Stephens when it’s election time,” she said on 22 June.

“Unfortunately, their big election promises are never backed up when it counts.

“Seven years ago, the government promised to ‘fully duplicate’ Nelson Bay Road.

“But, since then, not one centimetre has been duplicated.

“Under this budget, only one kilometre will be finished in 10 years.

“At this rate, it’ll take 180 years to finish the project.

“That’s not just disappointing, it’s an insult to our community.”

Ms Washington said the 2021-22 NSW Budget failed to deliver a public high school in Medowie, too.

“Instead, the government is expanding the two high schools in Raymond Terrace,” she stated.

“So, they never have to build one in Medowie.

“While the school upgrades in Raymond Terrace are desperately needed and welcomed, the underlying expansion plans are a ruse, locking in an unfair situation for years to come.”

Ms Washington was disgusted to learn desperate families in her electorate had been snubbed as well.

“There is nothing in this budget to help those in Port Stephens who are homeless,” she said.

“Homelessness is a growing problem in our community – and we need more social and affordable housing to keep local families off the street.

“After all the community campaigning and the desperate pleas, the government allocated Port Stephens a measly $67,000 for social housing.

“That’s hardly enough to build one-fifth of a house.

“In this budget, we see big bucks being splashed around in Sydney.

“However, Port Stephens misses out yet again.

“It’s simply not good enough.”

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