COMMUNITY, health, roads and police infrastructure projects in the Port Macquarie electorate are the big winners in the 2018 NSW Budget.
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The big ticket item is a $5 million commitment toward an $11.5 million expansion of the Port Macquarie Base Hospital car park.
“Today’s funding announcement which will see land purchased and the existing car park reconfigured will ensure staff and visitors can easily find a parking spot at the hospital,” Port Macquarie MP Leslie Williams said.
“Although an additional 200 spaces were created in 2012, our hospital has grown substantially in recent years and as anyone visiting the hospital will tell you trying to find a car park can be difficult at times.
“Action on the Port Macquarie Base Hospital car park will mean life is easier for everyone in Port Macquarie when accessing the healthcare they need,” Mrs Williams said.
“There is also additional funding of $2.6 million for the ongoing construction of the new mental health unit at Port Macquarie Base Hospital.
“The new mental health unit will double the number of mental health beds and enhance the care provided to all patients including improving the capacity to provide care to older and younger persons.”
To the west, $11.65 million has been allocated for the road realignment of the Oxley Highway at Spencers Cutting.
And in the south, $3.2 million has been allocated for road and maritime service improvements including $238,000 to construct 200m of elevated boardwalk in the Camden Haven.
These budget allocations are on top of the earlier announcement of $1.1 million in funding toward the planning for a new police station for Port Macquarie.
Other local project winners include:
- $7 million to finalise the Pacific Highway upgrade between the Oxley Highway and Kundabung
- $5.7 million for new and upgraded social housing
- $1 million for Aboriginal housing
State-wide announcements include:
- The NSW Government will invest $285 million to deliver 100,000 free apprenticeships, as part of a skills and training package that will allow the State to develop a skilled workforce that meets the needs of industry and fuels continued job opportunities for the people of NSW.
- A new $100 Creative Kids rebate will allow young people to experience cultural and learning activities outside of school and help ease cost of living pressure for parents.
- The NSW Government has also announced a suite of measures to support small business including reductions to payroll tax and red tape in the construction sector.
- NSW will be the first state in Australia to provide access for all children to attend two years of preschool, saving families an average of $825 a year and boosting access to early childhood education.
- Vulnerable children and families, those at risk of homelessness and victims of domestic violence and sexual assault will be better protected and supported with a $6.8 billion investment in the FACS cluster that will help them improve their lives and build their future.
