NSW Nationals Member for Upper Hunter Dave Layzell says the NSW Nationals in the state government have delivered vital funding in the 2021-22 NSW Budget to support the recovery and future prosperity of regional communities following drought, bushfires, floods and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mr Layzell said that due to the world-class financial responsibility and accountability from the NSW Nationals in the state government, the people of the Upper Hunter are set to benefit from areas such as schooling to emergency services and health thanks to the community working together with the NSW Nationals in the state government to create a safer and stronger future.
“Today I can announce that $7 Million will be invested for Stage 3 of the Muswellbrook Hospital Redevelopment as part of the 2020-21 NSW budget, ensuring our local community has access to the same world-class health facilities as those in the city,” Mr Layzell said.
“This year’s Budget also sees over $3.2 million invested into the Muswellbrook South Public School Upgrade, ensuring quality education options for our kids, so they don’t have to leave home or travel to a metropolitan area to get the education they deserve.”
Deputy Premier and Leader of the NSW Nationals John Barilaro said more jobs and infrastructure builds will be delivered through the 2021-22 NSW Budget, to help our regions move through recovery and build on the benefits of regional living.
“Off the back of devastating drought, bushfires and floods, there has never been a more crucial time to support regional NSW by providing job opportunities, new and improved infrastructure and community-backed projects,” Mr Barilaro said.
“This budget has a strong focus on job-creating infrastructure builds to ensure local economies remain strong and regional NSW continues to be a fantastic place to live and work. This is the NSW Nationals in the state government delivering for our regions.”
Highlights of other local Upper Hunter Electorate projects from the 2021-22 NSW Budget include:
• $3.9 for new Fire and Rescue Stations in Dungog and Muswellbrook;
• $2.5 million for the Singleton Police Station;
• $2 million in funding for the TAFE NSW Scone Multi Trades Hub;
• $5.2 million in Hunter Water system programs in Dungog;
• $25 million for Dungog Roads;• $5.5 million for Clarence Town Bridge replacement;
• $14 million for continued planning and design of the Muswellbrook Bypass;
• $14 million for continued planning and preconstruction activities for the Singleton Bypass;
• $8 million for Buckets Way improvements and upgrades;
• $2.9 million for Scone CDB Revitalisation;
• $27 million for Golden Highway Upgrade commencement.
Mr Layzell said popular NSW Government programs have also seen increased funding in this year’s Budget.
“The NSW Nationals in the state government continue to ease the burden of travel costs by investing $246.3 million to extend the Regional Seniors Travel Card for a further two years, providing more than 300,000 eligible regional seniors with a $250 prepaid Visa card,” Mr Layzell said.
“The Community Building Partnerships program will see another $100,000 allocated to each electorate, moving the amount from $300,000 up to $400,000, which will benefit our community groups all over Upper Hunter.
“This is the NSW Nationals in the state government delivering on our promises to our local communities, and the many benefits this Budget brings to our Upper Hunter Electorate.”
For more information, please go to budget.nsw.gov.au.
