Tuesday 24 June 2025
MEDIA RELEASE
Budget Delivers Critical Infrastructure for Hunter but Commitments for Central Coast Miss the Mark
The Property Council of Australia today welcomed key investments in the NSW Budget that will support economic development, job creation and housing delivery across the Hunter but said the Central Coast won a lighter share of the spotlight than expected.
Property Council NSW Deputy Executive Director Anita Hugo said the Budget included a mix of long-awaited infrastructure upgrades and forward-looking economic transition measures.
“The Hunter saw a mix of investment in the infrastructure and planning needed to support the region’s future,” Ms Hugo said.
“However, funding for the Central Coast is not at the scale needed to match its growth or unlock its full potential,” she said.
Key announcements include:
- Continuing delivery of the $835 million John Hunter Health and Innovation Precinct
- $741.7 million over four years to continue the M1 Raymond Terrace extension and Hexham Straight widening projects
- $530 million to design and build the Belmont Desalination Plant
- A share in a $452 million investment in new bus services across the state
- $294.9 million over four years to continue construction of the Singleton Bypass
- $267 million over four years to fast-track the Muswellbrook Bypass
- $115.5 million to build the Newcastle Logistics Precinct, a critical new hub to support the delivery of more reliable and affordable renewable energy
- $100 million for the Westbound Overpass at Maitland Station
- $82.1 million over four years towards the Hunter Valley Flood Mitigation Scheme Repairs and Rebuilding Project to support existing flood mitigation infrastructure and protect assets
- $35 million in additional funding for the Thornton Bridge duplication
- $27.3 million to establish the Future Jobs and Investment Authority to coordinate new economic opportunities in coal-producing communities including the Hunter
- $5 million in additional funding to upgrade the Speers Point roundabout
Central Coast allocations include:
- $341.8 million to commence the Wyong Town Centre Pacific Highway upgrade
- $75 million for the Terrigal Drive upgrade
- $47.8 million to continue the Tumbi Road Intersection upgrade on the Central Coast Highway
- $29 million for planning and design of the Gosford Bypass
“These important infrastructure upgrades and investment in the Hunter will make a real difference to traffic, trade and growth,” Ms Hugo said.
“We’re also pleased to see real momentum on economic transition with the Future Jobs and Investment Authority. These regions deserve nothing less than a bold and sustained effort to secure long-term prosperity.
“While the Budget includes some valuable projects for the Central Coast there’s still a clear gap between the region’s needs and the level of government investment required,” Ms Hugo said.
“The Hunter and Central Coast have the potential to do more heavy lifting to meet the state’s housing targets with the right attention from government,” Ms Hugo said.
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Media: Andrew Parkinson | 0404 615 596 | [email protected]