UPPER Hunter MP Michael Johnsen believes this week’s NSW Budget will continue record levels of investment in infrastructure like hospitals, schools, roads and public transport, laying the foundations for communities across the electorate to flourish.
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The NSW Budget 2017-18 shows the state is expected to record a surplus of $4.5 billion in 2016-17, with a surplus of $2.7 billion forecast for 2017-18 and average surpluses of $2.0 billion forecast over the four years to 2020-21.
NSW maintains a negative net debt, with net debt projected to be negative $7.8 billion at June 2017 – by far the lowest level on record – and forecast to remain lower than any other mainland state as a share of GSP.
The government is continuing with record levels of investment in infrastructure, with $72.7 billion committed over four years in this Budget.
That includes investment of $7.7 billion over four years for world-class hospitals and health infrastructure, and $4.2 billion over four years for new and improved schools.
Meanwhile, the government is maintaining record levels of transport and road investment – totalling $41.4 billion over four years – getting commuters home faster to spend more time with their families.
Mr Johnsen said the government’s strong economic and financial management, and its successful reform agenda, meant that Upper Hunter was sharing in the world-class infrastructure and services.
“This Budget delivers real change for families, retirees, small business owners and residents living across the electorate of Upper Hunter, laying the foundation for future growth across our community,” he said.
“This is a fantastic result for our community of Upper Hunter.”
* $29 million – Commence construction of the New England Highway Bypass of Scone (State and Federal funded)
* $1.5 million - Upgrade of bridge over Glennies Creek on Middle Falbrook Road
* $1 million – Commence construction of an overtaking lane on the New England Highway east of Range Road, Whittingham
* $2 million – Pavement rebuilding on the Golden Highway at Denman as part of the Golden Highway Safety, Widening & Flood Program
* $3 million - Pavement rebuilding on the Golden Highway at Gungal as part of the Golden Highway Safety, Widening & Flood Program
* $4 million – Pavement rebuilding on the New England Highway 14km south to 0.6km north of Dartbrook Mine Access Muswellbrook
* $1.5 million – Pavement repair on the New England Highway, just north of Wallabadah
* $3 million – Progress planning for the New England Highway Singleton Bypass
* $2.8 million - Progress planning for the New England Highway Muswellbrook Bypass
* $13.1 million in 2017-18 to continue the stage 2 of the Muswellbrook Hospital Redevelopment at an estimated total cost of $20 million
* $19 million for the Hunter Valley Flood Mitigation Scheme to repair damage from the April 2015 storm, annual maintenance, and insuring the scheme against future storm damage
* $4.8 million repairing significant damage to the Scheme from the April 2015 storm
* More than $10 million for the annual maintenance of the Hunter Valley Flood Mitigation Scheme
* $4 million in ensuring the Scheme from future storm damage