Photo caption: Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall will be watching tomorrow’s State Budget closely for funding for projects across the region.
Monday, 18 September 2023
LOCAL State MP Adam Marshall kicked off the NSW Budget Week by maintaining the pressure to secure a fair share of the 2023 Budget pie for the Northern Tablelands.
Topping the list will be locking down the continued funding to ensure the $128 million worth of health infrastructure projects will continue.
During this current Parliament, the MP has maintained an active engagement with Ministers with meetings, corridor conversations and electorate visits to ensure the Northern Tablelands continues to secure a fair share.
“This year’s Budget will be delivered by the NSW Treasurer tomorrow and I have been working since the election to be a squeaky wheel and have met with and lobbied for our electorate to get a fair share of the Budget,” Mr Marshall said.
“The main points I feel optimistic of securing will be funding to complete the current big three health projects – new builds for the Moree and Glen Innes District Hospitals, and the new Glen Innes Ambulance Station.
“These projects alone amount to a $128 million investment in our region.
“Alongside the capital works funding, I have also pushed for the increased support of frontline health staff and the smooth rollout of the GP single employer model.
“Meetings with the Minister for Health Ryan Park have been promising, including his visit to the electorate not long after the election – and I met with him again last week to underline these projects specifically.”
The progression of the Moree Special Activation Precinct (SAP) continues apace with a commitment secured from the Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty that the $194 million project will continue as planned.
“I will continue to keep pressure on the government to ensure this project is delivered, in line with the commitments announced last year, as it’s a vital for the economic future of Moree and the wider region,” Mr Marshall said.
“As I’ve said before, this project is vital for the region and will be the single biggest economic boost for the district since the construction of Copeton Dam half a century ago.”
The MP also acknowledges that cost of living pressures loom large for all and now more than ever, the need for measures to reduce household costs specifically is paramount.
“The community has responded overwhelmingly to my recent petition to reinstate the $250 Seniors’ Regional Travel Card and I will be continuing that call with renewed impetus,” the MP said.
“The regional travel card, alongside other voucher programs such as the Active Kids, First Lap and Creative Kids are all small considerations that have a big impact on household budgets.”
The MP is also pushing for increased support to the NSW Police Force to ensure greater resources are allocated to addressing and fighting crime on our communities.
“I have met with the Minister for Police Yasmin Catley and welcomed her visit to the electorate earlier this year,” Mr Marshall said.
“We spoke about resources needed for this region such as the need for a second Police Dog Unit to be based in the region, recruitment of additional senior police and increasing local police numbers to provide more 24/7 staffing.”
The MP is looking froward to the delivery of the 2023 State Budget tomorrow from midday. It will be livestreamed at www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/Pages/webcasts.aspx