The Property Council of Australia has welcomed the NSW State Budget which has addressed some of the growing pains in the Hunter and Central Coast communities, by investing in regional infrastructure that can fast track planning and boost housing delivery.
Property Council of Australia’s Hunter Regional Director Anita Hugo said commitments to invest in infrastructure would boost economic activity, drive development and grow job opportunities.
“This is welcome news but as a growing region we should always be planning for more,” Ms Hugo said.
“It was great to see an allocation of $300 million towards infrastructure delivery across key regional areas and we wait with interest to see how much of this will come to the Hunter and Central Coast.
“Strong funding was committed in the budget to ongoing delivery of health facility projects with $55m earmarked for the Hunter and it was also good to see a continued commitment of funding towards major road projects across the region including the Muswellbrook bypass.
“We should be leveraging off current commitments that will significantly grow our regional and state economies.”
Hunter Region:
The Hunter region is growing at a rate of 1.4% and will benefit from a large allocation of funds for health precincts development, infrastructure and road upgrades as well as commitments from the Government relating to fast rail connecting the greater Hunter to the rest of NSW.
- Hospital and health precincts across the Hunter region have been affirmed via a significant investment in the Budget. $835 million has been allocated for the John Hunter Health and Innovation Precinct, $0 million for the new Maitland Hospital and
- Carpark as well as a further $111.5 million for the Cessnock Hospital redevelopment and $100 million for the Manning Hospital redevelopment (stage 2).
- $1.4 billion over 4 years has been allocated for the continued planning of the Pacific Motorway (M1) extension to Raymond Terrace and for the early works of construction on the widening of the Hexham Straight.
- $265.8 million over four years has been committed to continue planning, design and commence preconstruction on the Muswellbrook bypass, with a further $156.3 million to improve safety and travel on Nelson Bay Road from Salt Ash to Bobs Farm.
- Other smaller road projects funded by the Budget include $36.6 million for the New England Highway upgrade, $19.8 million for the planning and commencement of the Singleton Bypass and $9.7 million for the flood immunity works on the Golden Highway at Mudies Creek.
- Regional investment in planning and flood mitigation have continued, with the Budget outline $21.5 million in additional funding over 8 years to maintain the Hunter Valley Flood Mitigation Scheme.
- $6.6 million to deliver new and upgraded quality homes for First Nations people through the Aboriginal Housing Office.
Media: Aidan Green | E [email protected]