MEMBER for Bega Andrew Constance said the 2015-16 Budget will continue to boost infrastructure and services in the South East, with funding to continue upgrades to the Princes, Kings and Snowy Mountains Highways and increased spending on Health, Education Arts and Environment.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
“When we came to office in 2011, we were lagging on jobs growth, productivity, housing approvals and business confidence, we are turning things around and business is booming.
“In the 2015-16 Budget we see a record spend on Health, Education, Arts, Environment, Early Childhood Education and very importantly with the introduction of the first ever Minister for Domestic Violence we will see a dedicated $148million funding program for victims of Family and Domestic Violence.
Mr Constance said the 2015-16 Budget includes funding for the following projects across the electorate:
In Roads:
- $140 million for the continuation of upgrades to the Princes Highway.
- $7.4 million for routine maintenance on State roads across the region.
- $4.3 million to improve curve alignment on the Kings Highway, 1km east of Nelligen.
- $3.7 million to complete the widening of bridge over Bemboka River on Snowy Mountains Highway
- $2.8 million to Bega Valley Shire Council for local road maintenance.
- $2.3 million for local State road improvements including drainage, signage and re-surfacing.
- $1.7 million for curve realignment at on the Princes Highway at Frogs Hollow.
- $1.7 million to widen shoulders and improve alignment on the Princes Highway at Dalmeny.
- $1.1 million for Eurobodalla Shire Council for local road maintenance.
- $1 million for the planning of the new Batemans Bay Bridge.
- $1 million for continued planning for upgrades at Couria Creek.
- $800,000 to continue planning for the realignment of the Princes Highway at Dignams Creek
- $600,000 for continued planning of the Nelligen Bridge on the Kings Highway.
- $558,000 to install safety barriers and widen shoulders on the Princes Highway at Bodalla.
- $545,000 for the upgrade to of the Wagonga Inlet Bridge at Narooma.
- $500,000 for repairs to the Tuross River Bridge.
In Health:
- $38.7 million to continue works on $187.1 million South East Regional Hospital;
- $3.3 million to continue works on the Eurobodalla Renal Dialysis and Oncology Unit.
Disaster Relief Funding:
- $2.4 million to Bega Valley Shire Council natural disaster restoration works.
Social Housing:
- $1.1 million for continued upgrades to local social housing properties across the region.
Maritime:
- $3.9 million for Coastal Infrastructure Program for repairs and maintenance of local recreational fishing infrastructure.
Through proper fiscal management, The Baird Government has made increases to every sector that will have direct and positive results for those in regional and rural areas across NSW:
- $3.3 billion in funding for people living with Disabilities for a smooth transition to the NDIS.
- $2.3 billion in Vocational Education Training including $2billion investment in TAFE.
- $1 billion in Energy Rebates for Low Income, Families, Medical and Life Support rebates
- $1.7 billion for Mental Health, Drug and Alcohol programs
- $348 million for Early Childhood Education programs for children transitioning to Kindergarten.
- $110 million Regional Tourism Infrastructure funding.
- $56 million for Environment Trust programs
- $51 million for Arts and Cultural funding.
- $26 million over 3 years for Mobile Blackspot funding.
- $14 million Small Business Package
- $3.5 million to provide better access to Palliative Care Services.
- $3.3 million to enhance the IPTAAS scheme to assist those needing to seek medical help away from home.
Removal of the Co-payment for Section 100 highly specialised drugs for patients with Cancer and other chronic diseases such as HIV, Alzheimer’s and Cystic Fibrosis which will bring a welcome relief for many.
Funding for the Bega electorate through the Community Building Partnership program will also continue in 2015-16. Applications will open shortly and will allow community groups and councils to receive funding that will provide positive social, recreational and environmental outcomes in the local community.
Mr Constance said he is proud to be part of a government that is building for the future and places the needs of the community first, we will see amazing results across our State and most importantly in our region as we continue to deliver on our promises.
