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.
Local Nationals Member of the Legislative Council Ben Franklin said local communities in the Ballina and Lismore electorates are set to benefit from funding for local schools, roads and community facilities thanks to the community working together with the NSW Nationals in Government to create a safer and stronger future.
“From record investments by the Berejiklian-Barilaro Government in this Budget, regional NSW is sitting front and centre, just as it should be,” Mr Franklin said.
“Today I can announce that education will remain a focus on the Northern Rivers with more than $5 million to be invested in in Ballina Coast High School, Bangalow Public School, Byron Bay Public School, Lennox Head Public School and Teven-Tintenbar Public School to support the best educational outcomes for students in our region,” Mr Franklin said.
“We’re also investing nearly $22 million in this Budget for the Murwillumbah Education Campus which will deliver state-of-the-art facilities and establish our region as a key leader in public education.
“Free preschool will continue to be provided, including for more than 350 regional and remote preschools, saving families up to $4,000 per year, per child.
“Our roads are also a big winner in today’s budget with nearly $9 million being invested in the Bruxner Highway upgrades, $16 million to complete the construction of the New England highway at Bolivia Hill and $2.7 million to complete the upgrade of the Tabulam Bridge.
“Our regions deserve the best access to health care services which is why $28.4 million has been allocated in this budget as part of the $312.8 million redevelopment of the Lismore Base Hospital.
“The Regional Seniors Travel Card program will also be extended for a further two years, providing seniors in our community with $250 each year which can be spend on fuel, taxis or public transport.
“People in regional NSW deserve the same opportunities as those in cities and I’m proud to be a member of the Government that is delivering for the Far North Coast.
“The Northern Rivers has done more than its fair share of heavy lifting, especially through tourism, in carrying NSW through the pandemic and it is great to see our region emerge as winners again in the 21/22 budget,” Mr Franklin said.
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:
Ballina Electorate
- $445,000 for Ballina Coast High
- $1.4 million for Bangalow Public School
- $561,000 for Lennox Head Public School
- $2.5 million for Teven-Tintenbar Public School
- $8.8 million for the Bruxner Highway
- $1.8 million for Myocum Road
- $1.2 million for the Brunswick Heads Foreshore
Lismore Electorate
- $28.4 million for the Lismore Hospital Redevelopment
- $21.5 million for the Murwillumbah Education Campus
- $16 million for New England Highway Upgrades at Bolivia Hill
- $2.7 million for Tabulam Bridge
- $2.2 million for social and Aboriginal housing upgrades
- $200,000 for Tabulam Racecourse infrastructure improvements
State-wide highlights from the 2021-22 NSW Budget include:
- Continuation of the $250 Regional Seniors Travel Card for the next two years
- $100 Learn How to Swim Voucher for children aged between three and six
- $590 million for the Storm and Flood Recovery Package
- $240 million for Fixing Local Roads
- $297.2 million for Fixing Country Bridges
- $193 million to continue the Pacific Highway Upgrade (including the Coffs Harbour Bypass
- $900 million on regional health capital works
- $102.3 million to continue the Rural Ambulance Infrastructure Reconfiguration Program
- $150 million to continue providing free preschool in NSW
- $21.5 billion for education in NSW
- $100 million for Round 4 of the Stronger Country Communities Fund
For more information on the 2021/2022 Budget, please visit www.budget.nsw.gov.au
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