The Central West is set to benefit from major investment as part of the 2022-23 NSW Budget with Upper House MP Sam Farraway announcing major investment in Housing, Education, Health and Transport.
Mr Farraway described today’s budget as a bucket of gold for the Orange Electorate and welcomed the investment in the local region.
“The NSW Nationals are building a safer, stronger regional NSW by investing in projects that will deliver not just for our community today, but for generations to come.
“Students and parents are at the centre of every decision we make as we strive to have the very best education system,” said Mr Farraway.
“That’s why more than $13 million has been committed to upgrading Bletchington Public School, ensuring students and teachers have world-class facilities to enrich their educational experience.”
"We’ve also committed $176.5 million over four years for the Brighter Beginnings Package, which provides children with a full suite of developmental checks before they begin school.
“Our local health facilities will also receive a boost of more than $5.8 million on the way for Canowindra HealthOne facility and $7.9 million for the Orange Base Hospital.
“This is on top of $883 million over the next four years to attract and retain staff in regional NSW by transforming the way health clinicians are incentivised in the bush.”
Other key budget highlights include:
· More than $101 million to continue the Parkes Special Activation Precinct.
· $300 million to deliver social housing upgrades.
· $88.5 million to improve connectivity, road transport efficiency and safety on the Newell Highway Upgrade including the delivery of the Parkes Bypass.
· $2.9 million to complete planning and design for the Warroo Bridge replacement over the Lachlan River.
· $1.5 million to continue planning of the Forbes Iron Bridge Replacement.
· $2.8 billion Housing Package including tax reform
· $1.6 billion to build stronger regional communities
· $640.3 million for training and further education
“The NSW Nationals know how important it is to continue our record $112 billion infrastructure pipeline and today we are delivering on our commitment to invest in our local communities and to build what matters to the people of Orange,” Mr Farraway said.
“Over the last twelve years the NSW Nationals have shown their commitment to the people of Orange and the Central West and today’s budget builds on our record of strengthening the regions, investing in our communities and growing the economy.
“We got Regional NSW working again and our strong economic management ensured regional communities survived the tough times and came through stronger and more resilient.
“As locals, we want to see our children succeed in school, have access to the greatest health care services, and be able to travel safely on our roads and rail.
“The NSW Nationals are the only team who will put regional communities first, securing a brighter future for our families."