NSW Budget Has Illawarra Winners and Losers
Treasurer Perrottet’s second State Budget handed down today addresses the growing pains many in the community are feeling by investing heavily in long term transport, health and education projects, but bold reforms to deliver improved housing affordability are largely absent, according to Property Council of Australia.
A strong surplus of $3.9 billion in 2017-18 and tight expenditure in forward years has produced a budget that ensures the short-term cost of living concerns of many in the community can be addressed while still supporting long term growth.
“Treasurer Perrottet’s second budget boosts support for our growing communities and locks in long term growth and investment; and we welcome investment in schools, hospitals, transport and roads,” Property Council Illawarra Regional Director Michelle Guido said today.
“It was a mixed bag for the Illawarra – we welcome the $244 million for upgrades of the Princes Highway, which includes $101 million to commence the Princes Highway upgrade between Berry and Bomaderry, $65.6 million for the bypass of Albion Park Rail, and $15.3 million to complete planning for the new Shoalhaven River bridge at Nowra.
“However, it is disappointing that there was no announcement about the much-needed Mt Ousley interchange,” Ms Guido said.
There is also ongoing funding from the $100 million Illawarra Infrastructure Fund from the Restart NSW and money allocated to the T4 and Illawarra line to investigate improvements to increase capacity on the line as well as new intercity fleet trains.
The Property Council welcomes the NSW Government’s $285 million to deliver 100,000 free apprenticeships to boost the local workforce.
“This funding will ensure there is a skilled workforce to meet the needs of our industry and it also will increase job opportunities for people living in the Illawarra.”
“The Illawarra will be looking to share in significant regional funding from the Snowy Hydro Legacy Fund, with over $4 billion to be used to fund projects across regional NSW but there is question around the apparent ineligibility of Wollongong to access this regional grant funding,” Ms Guido said.
Media Contact: Michelle Guido | M 0437 315 198 | E [email protected]