Tuesday, 18 June 2019
Budget delivers for hospitals, schools, roads and water pipeline
HOSPITALS, roads, schools and water infrastructure will see unprecedented levels of funding across the Northern Tablelands, thanks to a record-breaking 2019-20 NSW Budget, Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall announced today.
Mr Marshall said a record capital spend of more than $304.3 million over the next 12 months, surpassed last year’s record spend of $259 million in the electorate.
“This is record-breaking funding – never before has the Northern Tablelands experienced a funding package like this,” Mr Marshall said.
“More than $300 million dollars has been allocated for projects in the Northern Tablelands.
“From our largest towns to our smallest villages, this budget will fund projects that will build and renew infrastructure, provide new and enhanced services and make life easier for residents across the Northern Tablelands.
“We have the money we need to better our hospitals, invest in schools, secure water infrastructure, invest in roads around the electorate, build community facilities, upgrade youth resources, support agricultural research and development and improve police stations.
“This is all due to our proactive local councils and their communities working together and being persistent in lobbying government for their fair share for these important projects that will enhance our region.
“Full credit goes to the community, they have earned this result today.”
Some of the key projects that have been funded in the Northern Tablelands include a further $19.8 million for the $60 million Inverell Hospital redevelopment, $54.292 million for the continued construction of the Newell Highway upgrade between Mungle Back Creek and Boggabilla, $3.96 million to begin the construction of the new 24-hour Police Station in Inverell later this year and planning funding to commence work on the $80 million redevelopment of Moree Hospital and $20 million upgrade of Glen Innes Hospital.
There’s also an additional $50.77 million to start construction on the $121 million Armidale Secondary College, the first new high school to be built in our region for half a century and the best in all of NSW.
Local council’s in the electorate will also have the pressure eased on their contribution to road works with almost $11 million to be provided through grants for maintenance and upgrades.
There will be $85 million in new roads and bridges funding for the Northern Tablelands, surpassing last year’s allocation of $60 million.
“This Budget has also delivered the Payroll Tax relief businesses have been crying out for and a $200 million dollar investment in preschool funding for three-year-olds,” Mr Marshall said.
“Schools around the State will get much needed air-conditioning infrastructure and the $1.8 billion drought package was also extended.
“I am also delighted with the 100,000 free apprenticeships the government will offer, which many in our region will take advantage of.
“$304 million is a staggering amount and the Northern Tablelands deserves every cent. It is our time to grow and thrive and I can’t wait to see the avalanche of new projects we can start thanks to this record funding.
“The Northern Tablelands is a vital driver of the state’s cultural and economic landscape. This record $304 million budget will help move our region forward – and I’ll ensure we keep that momentum going across the next 12 months.”
Some of the budget highlights for the Northern Tablelands include:
- $121.15 million to build a new 1,500 student high school in Armidale;
- $19.8 million extra for the $60 million Inverell District Hospital redevelopment;
- $3.93 million extra to build a new 24-hour Police Station in Inverell;
- $10.93 million to local councils for road maintenance;
- $6.45 million to complete the $13 million Malpas Dam to Guyra water pipeline;
- $4.26 million for new and upgraded social housing in Moree and Boggabilla;
- $45,000 for Gravesend Water Treatment project
- $6 million for Armidale Regional Airport Business Park;
- New Service NSW Centre to be built in Balo Street, Moree;
- $1.7 million to upgrade Armidale Railway Station;
- $85.9 million to fund road upgrades across the Northern Tablelands, including:
- $50.29 million to continue construction of the Newell Highway heavy duty pavement upgrade between Mungle Back Creek and Boggabilla;
- $182,000 for Warialda Truck Wash;
- $280,000 for Moree Truck Wash;
- $4.671 million for Kempsey to Armidale Road – Big Hill section;
- $3.04 million for Warialda High Productivity Route;
- $440,000 for Kempsey Road upgrade;
- $1.9 million for Bingara Road upgrade;
- $10.46 million to seal Carrigan Road – Mungindi to Boomi section
- More than $8 million for Newel Highway upgrades
- $14.8 million in Water Security for Regions funding for the Northern Tablelands, including water supply projects at Biniguy, Ashley, Moree and Bundarra;
- $1.77 million for the heritage-listed Saumarez Homestead, Armidale
- $120,000 for new local footpaths in Uralla, Armidale and Inverell.