With the NSW 2023-2024 State Budget set to be handed down on September 19, Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch has listed a number of Central Coast projects he is advocating for inclusion.
Crouch said the Budget would be a crucial test of the Labor Government’s commitment to the region.
“Under the previous Liberal-National Government, our region benefited from massive investment in our infrastructure, education and health,” he said.
“Whether that be the half-a-billion-dollar redevelopment of Gosford and Wyong Hospitals, or massive investments in our road networks such as the development of the Kincumber and Ettalong roundabouts, the Liberal-National Government’s budgets always delivered for the people of the Central Coast.
“On September 19, the Minns Government will face a crucial test with regards to its commitment to the Central Coast – there can be no cuts of any kind to our infrastructure projects, health and education.”
Crouch said there were numerous local projects and programs needing to be fully funded in the upcoming Budget, and that he had written to the Premier and Treasurer to advocate for these local projects and programs.
“What we need to see is a renewed commitment to funding programs such as Stronger Country Communities Fund and Community Building Partnership Fund, as well as fully funding vital programs like the Regional Seniors Travel Card and the Regional Apprentice and University Student Travel Card,” he said.
“Alongside these, Labor needs to fully fund all the election commitments in this upcoming budget; however, as we’ve recently seen with Gosford Hospital parking, this government is prepared to abandon its promises at the drop of a hat.”
Some of the projects on Crouch’s list are: $30M for the upgrade of Avoca Dr at Kincumber; $9.7M for the acquisition of a PET-CT Scanner for Central Coast Local Health District; $1.2M for a road traffic study into the Wards Hill Rd and Empire Bay Dr intersection; $400,000 in funding for Community Building Partnerships for local community-based projects; $800,000 for an upgrade of the Lintern Street Wharf at Davistown; $100,000 for resurfacing of tennis courts at the Empire Bay Tennis Club; $60,000 for the upgrade of Wamberal Memorial Hall’s Park; and $10,000 for upgrades to Macmasters, Avoca, North Avoca and Wamberal Boardrider Clubs.
He is also calling for continued funding for the construction and delivery of the Kincumber Ambulance Station and for the installation of additional air conditioning units at Terrigal High School.
He wants to see a commitment of funding to Crown Lands for the rebuilding of the Empire Bay Boatshed and new recurrent funding for the Breast Care Nurses Program for three additional breast care nurses on the Central Coast.
Also on his hit list is funding for the continuation of works on the Central Coast Hwy upgrade, the redevelopment of the Macmasters Beach Rural Fire Service Station and the Regional Job Creation Fund.
Crouch is also calling for funding for the development of a new TAFE in Mann St, Gosford, on the site of the former Gosford Council chambers.
That project was announced by the then Liberal State Government in December, 2021, but little has been heard of it since, apart from vague comments that “negotiations are continuing” between Central Coast Council and the Government over buying the site.
Source:
Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch