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Hawkesbury a Winner in 2016-17 NSW Budget: Record Investment in Services...

22 Jun 2016

The NSW Government’s strong financial management had laid the foundations for a 2016-17 Budget that delivers record investment in infrastructure and frontline services, benefiting citizens in Hawkesbury and across NSW, Member for Hawkesbury Dominic Perrottet said.

“This Government has shown the financial discipline and economic competence to take this state’s economy from last to first.

“That’s why today we can deliver a Budget with record-breaking investment to benefit the people of Hawkesbury and throughout NSW, while maintaining a strong budget position looking ahead.”

The Budget affirms NSW’s nation-leading economic and financial strength, recording a surplus of $3.4 billion in 2015-16 and forecasting an even higher surplus of $3.7 billion in 2016-17, with further surpluses forecast across the forward estimates.

At the same time, the Budget delivers record funding of $21 billion for better health services, $13.3 billion for schools, and $8.1 billion to ensure community safety, as well as infrastructure investment totalling $73.3 billion over the next four years, which will continue to support the nation’s strongest economy in delivering jobs and opportunities in NSW.

Mr Perrottet said the budget was a win for residents and businesses in Hawkesbury with the Government now in a position to deliver the services and infrastructure that have been neglected in the past.

“This Budget confirms we are a Government that delivers real outcomes, not just glossy brochures, and that is especially true here in Hawkesbury,” Mr Perrottet said.

Local investment includes one of the biggest infrastructure projects ever to be built in NSW, with the Budget allocating $58 million in this financial year to commence planning to raise the Warragamba Dam wall, reducing the risk posed by flooding and protecting life and property in Hawkesbury.

Hawkesbury infrastructure will also be boosted by an investment of more than $35 million, with a focus on road upgrades and safety improvements to ease congestion and reduce travel times for Hawkesbury’s thousands of commuters. Projects include:

  • $5.5 million for the ongoing upgrade of Richmond Road, to be completed within the financial year
  • $4.2 million to improve safety and traffic flow on Bells Line of Road between Kurrajong Heights and Lithgow
  • $6 million to improve traffic flow at three intersections on the approaches to Richmond Bridge as part of the Stage 2 Intersection Improvement Program
  • Planning for the future Bandon Road underpass and a new road connection between Richmond Road and Windsor Road
  • $4.6 million for maintenance and operation of state controlled ferries and tunnels which is 25% of the total NSW allocation.

“This budget aims to take the stress out of some of Hawkesbury’s worst traffic hotspots – like Richmond Road and the approaches to Richmond Bridge – which I know is a real focus for Hawkesbury commuters,” Mr Perrottet said.

Local education investment includes the relocation of Hurlstone Agricultural High School to the Western Sydney University Hawkesbury Campus, with details of funding to be announced once the tender process for the development has concluded.

Mr Perrottet said the Budget will also support Hawkesbury’s most vulnerable with more than $1.5 million to fund upgrades to social housing in the region.

“From ensuring our most vulnerable community members have access to the best social housing, to delivering major infrastructure like the Warragamba Dam upgrade, the reality is that the NSW Government’s responsible financial and economic management means better outcomes for Hawkesbury residents and right across NSW.”

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