There are a few highs and a number of lows for the Hunter in this year’s State Budget, which was unveiled by the Treasurer earlier today.
Newcastle’s light rail was a big ticket item with another $110 million allocated to the project, while $8.3 million will help kick-start upgrades along Nelson Bay Road.
However, Port Stephens MP Kate Washington says this only makes up 12% of the promised funds and will only go towards a single roundabout.
The Glendale Transport Interchange also missed out big time, although $360, 000 will go towards finalising a business case for the project.
While $800, 000 was put towards an IT system that will help track PFAS contamination from the Williamtown RAAF base.
The Government is also predicting a $3.9 billion surplus for this year’s budget.
Funded Projects:
- $23.5 million to help build the new Maitland Hospital
- $55 million for road upgrades across the region
- $16.3 million to upgrade the M1 Pacific Motorway between John Renshaw Drive and Weakleys Drive
- $14.5 million for planning and pre-construction of the Newcastle inner-city bypass between Rankin Park and Jesmond
- $2.77 million to upgrade the Hunter Street TAFE
- $1.4 million for a customer service and industry development centre at Tighes Hill TAFE
- $9.3 million to upgrade the Hunter Sports High School
What Missed Out:
- The Glendale Transport Interchange
- More police resources and canal upgrades to prevent flooding in Wallsend
- Upgrades to Main Road and Hillsborough Road at Charlestown
- A new regional gallery in Newcastle
Image: Transport for NSW