The NSW Nationals in 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.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the seat of small communities is set to benefit from continued investment in regional New South Wales, to create a safer and stronger future.
“The 2021-22 NSW Budget sees continued delivery in the regions thanks to the NSW Nationals in Government,” Ms Cooke said.
“This includes crucial investment to improve our road and rail networks, to support jobs growth and economic stimulus, and to strengthen our health and education infrastructure.”
“This year’s Budget is about ensuring regional communities are given every opportunity possible to thrive.”
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 Government delivering for our regions.”
Local highlights from the 2021-22 NSW Budget include;
- $99.4 million for works on the Newell Highway, which includes $3 million for flood mitigation between West Wyalong and Forbes;
- $2.3 million in 2021-22 (as part of a $70.2 million project) for the Cowra Hospital Redevelopment;
- $6 million announcement for the establishment of the Canowindra HealthOne medical facility;
- $300,000 to restore the grandstand at Cootamundra Racecourse;
- $300,000 for upgrades at West Wyalong Aerodrome;
- A new Family Care Centre for Cowra, and another to be located at Griffith as part of a $12.2 million investment with Tresillian and the Gidget Foundation;
- $13.7 million to continue works on the joint-use library and community facility at Young;
- An additional $1.2 million for social housing upgrades;
- Funding to progress early works associated with the Wyangala Dam wall raising project.
Other highlights from the 2021-22 NSW Budget include;
- Free Preschool is here to stay;
- Crucial investment in mental health support, including new Child and Adolescent Mental Health Response Teams;
- $100,000 boost to the annual Community Building Partnership Program, taking it to $400,000 per electorate;
- Learn to Swim vouchers – $100 voucher for swimming lessons available to every pre-school child aged three to six in NSW, redeemable through registered providers;
- Extension of the Regional Seniors Travel Card for another two years.
For more information please go to budget.nsw.gov.au
