With the Federal Budget set to be handed down next week, Member for Robertson, Gordon Reid, has hit back at claims by the NSW Government that the state will be short-changed on infrastructure funding.
State Minister for Infrastructure, Rob Stokes, said the NSW Government was powering the nation’s economy on the back of its $112.7B infrastructure pipeline and that the Federal Government wasn’t doing enough to help.
“The NSW Government is doing the heavy lifting when it comes to infrastructure in Australia, spending more than all other states and territories and a lot more than the Federal Government,” Stokes said.
“Yet despite being the most populous state, Victoria and the Northern Territory will receive more than double the amount of federal funding as NSW, while Queensland will receive an additional $470M.”
But Reid said the Government was investing heavily in infrastructure in its first budget, with $40M earmarked for the Central Coast.
The money will be spent on local roads, sporting facility upgrades at Kincumber and Kariong, improving telecommunications at Mangrove Mountain, an upgrade to Avoca Dr, Kincumber, and two Medicare Urgent Care Clinics for the north and south of the Central Coast, he said.
“The Albanese Government is also tackling cost of living pressures by making childcare cheaper, reducing the cost of medications, and extending paid parental leave,” Reid said.
The Government is set to commit $1B for vital infrastructure projects in NSW.
“Through this Budget, the Government is moving to make high speed rail connections between Sydney, the Central Coast and Newcastle a reality via a $500M investment to start corridor acquisition, planning and early works,” a party media release said.
“These projects will improve suburban liveability in our cities create jobs and workers with new skills and help build a better future in urban and in regional NSW.
“We are working in partnership with the NSW Government on the investments that deliver the best value for taxpayers’ dollars and the best outcomes for the people of NSW.”
The release said the Government wants infrastructure that leaves a lasting legacy and its first budget will honour the pledges made to voters in urban and regional Australia while also managing the economy in an uncertain global environment.
“We are putting sense back into infrastructure planning and delivery,” it said.
Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, said sound and planned infrastructure investment creates jobs, builds opportunity and unlocks economic growth and productivity for cities and regions.
“It’s about making journeys quicker, but also making sure Australians can get home to their families safely,” he said.
“Through our first budget, my team is getting on with the job of delivering projects in consultation with Infrastructure Australia and all levels of Government to make a real difference to the lives of Australians.”
Terry Collins