The 2014-15 Budget delivers on the NSW Liberal and National Government’s commitment to boost infrastructure and services with significant investment in transport, health and roads, according to Member for Gosford Mr Chris Holstein.
“When we came to office in 2011 – NSW lagged on all economic fronts,” Mr Holstein said. “We were lagging on employment growth, productivity, housing approvals and business confidence. “In three short years, we have seen NSW rise again to become the powerhouse of the nation – we are growing at three times the rate of Queensland and Victoria, housing approvals are at their highest levels in over a decade and the unemployment rate is the second lowest in the nation.
” Mr Holstein said the 2014-15 Budget includes funding for the following projects: $119 million towards roads on the Central Coast, $24 million to continue construction of the upgrade of the Central Coast Highway intersection with Brisbane Water Dr and Manns Rd at West Gosford; $12 million for the Bulls Hill/Rawson Rd underpass railway replacement; $4.8 million for the intersection improvements at Central Coast Highway and Frederick St, East Gosford; and $1.49 million for the upgrade of Wisemans Ferry Rd.
He said the budget also includes funding for a multimillion upgrade to Point Clare Public School; $24 million is being spent on rail maintenance on the Central Coast to improve safety and reliability on the rail network, including replacing sleepers, renewing bridges and modernising overhead wiring; $2.7 million to begin construction on the Gosford Hospital redevelopment; over $6 million has been allocated for capital in this year’s Budget to expand and improve accommodation for people with disability on the Central Coast, including: $1 million for construction of a 10 bedroom co-located home in Woy Woy; $500,000 for completion of a new co-located group home in Woy Woy; $1 million for construction of a five bedroom group home in Umina Beach; and $1 million for construction of a new co-located group home in North Gosford.
“The NSW Liberal and National Government is also supporting businesses to grow with a further reduction to WorkCover premiums, with employers to benefit from an average premium rate reduction of five per cent,” Mr Holstein said. “This is on top of the average 12.5% rate reductions delivered in 2013. “We’re also providing $100,000 in additional funding for Gosford through the Community Building Partnership program.
“This will allow more community groups and councils to receive funding that will provide positive social, recreational and environmental outcomes in the local community. Mr Holstein said he was proud to be part of a government that is building for the future and places the needs of the community first.
Media release, 17 Jun 2014
Chris Holstein,
Member for Gosford