https://www.xxzza1.com
23.9 C
Newcastle

Many Hunter highlights from 2021/22 NSW Budget

SHARE

The NSW Government’s 2021/22 Budget will result in millions of dollars being poured into new Hunter projects and initiatives.

But, not everyone is happy with the overall result of today’s announcement.

The big winners appear to be the new Maitland Hospital, which will receive $59.1 million (as part of a $500 million development); the John Hunter Health and Innovation Precinct ($34.4 million); the Newcastle Inner City Bypass ($29 million) to finalise planning for Stage 5, between Rankin Park and Jesmond; and the M1 Pacific Motorway extension to Raymond Terrace ($28.1 million) for continued preparation of that route.

Another $50 million will go towards special activation precincts (SAP) pre-delivery works shared across three SAPs including Williamtown.

“The NSW Budget takes the next step, looking beyond the pandemic, to lead our state from recovery to transformation, creating a better NSW for families and the future,” Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter and Cost of Living Taylor Martin said.

“We are investing to keep NSW COVIDSafe and to keep our recovery going.

“We’ve invested in the Hunter with more support to help ease the cost of living pressures for families and transforming our state with real reform for the future.

“The NSW Budget beds down a safe and strong recovery, makes the nation’s best services even better, and drives growth for a better quality of life for locals.”

Even though Wallsend state MP Sonia Hornery welcomed some announcements, she expressed her disappointment at the projects, which missed out on financial assistance.

“It’s great to hear about funding for Stage 5 of the Newcastle Inner City Bypass, the M1 Pacific Motorway extension from Beresfield to Raymond Terrace and the John Hunter Hospital upgrade, which will see more than $90 million committed this year and more than $1.5 billion during the construction period,” she said.

“However, this budget is a bit hit and miss for my electorate.

“I’m frustrated by the lack of social housing supply for Wallsend.

“The government’s only committing a paltry $496,000 for the 2021/22 financial year, which will build a couple of very small one or two-bedroom properties.

“When we have a list that has more than 1,200 people waiting for a property and a 10-year wait time, it is beyond comprehension that they have not invested in building more social housing properties.

“Without investment in this sector, the level of homelessness in the electorate is going to skyrocket.

“So, I’m very concerned for people who are left without any options.

“On top of that, I’m disappointed at the lack of investment in school upgrades, with a pitiful $4000 being allocated to finalise the upgrade of Callaghan College at Jesmond.”

Other highlights from the 2021-22 NSW Budget for the Hunter include:

  • $21.9 million for the Critical Communications Enhancement Program, creating a single, interoperable Public Safety Network for all emergency service organisations;
  • $6.7 million to progress the major renewal of the Hunter Park precinct in Broadmeadow;
  • $5.6 million in 2021-22 to begin works on the Newcastle Education Campus;
  • $5 million (as part of a $8.1 million commitment) for Raymond Terrace Road and Government Road intersection in Thornton;
  • $4.9 million (as part of a $6.3 million commitment) for the Madoo Museum Cultural Hub in Cessnock;
  • $4.4 million (as part of a $5.4 million commitment) for the Birubi Point Aboriginal Place Tourism Transport Interchange;
  • $3.6 million (as part of a $6.6 million commitment) for the Cessnock Airport upgrade;
  • $3.1 million to deliver new and upgraded quality social and affordable housing for Aboriginal communities in Blacksmiths, Bolton Point and Wallsend;
  • $2.9 million (as part of $10.9 million over four years) to start Stage 1 works on Hillsborough Road;
  • $2.3 million for planning costs for commuter car parks at Morriset, Fassifern and Cardiff stations;
  • $1.9 million and $1.6 million in 2021-22 to start major upgrades and refurbishments at Hunter River High School and Irrawang High School respectively, delivering upgrades to core facilities and provision of dedicated support learning spaces;
  • $1 million (totalling $3 million over three years) for grants to residents who have been adversely impacted by lead contamination, particularly in the Boolaroo region;
  • $400,000 (as part of a $900,000 commitment) for the shared pathway linking Morpeth to Walka Water Works in Maitland.

For further information, go to www.budget.nsw.gov.au

For more news stories:

More Stories

Newcastle Weekly

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Subscribe to Newcastle Weekly. News, Community, Lifestyle, Property delivered direct to your inbox! 100% Local, 100% Free.

You have Successfully Subscribed!