IT'S BUDGET WEEK!

Yesterday the Government handed down the 2023 NSW State Budget. This year's budget was definitely an austerity budget. It will be interesting to see what the Government delivers when they bring the budget to black, as they forecast, next year.

Some of the highlights for Lake Macquarie in 2023/2024 include:

•  $1 million for planning in 2023/2024 to ease congestion around the Speers Point roundabout. More funding will flow through in following years to get this project off the ground
• $4.56 million for continued development funding million for the Mandalong Road upgrades
• $1.54 million in 2023/2024 for planning for the new Lake Macquarie Sport and Recreation Centre in Morisset. $40 million has been committed for this project
• $3.7 million to Lake Macquarie Council as part of the Regional Road Repair fund
• $1.8 million in continued planning for the Hillsborough Road upgrade
• $1.6 million in funding to fix the Owens Bridge Road

Other statewide commitments include:

• $804 million to support the transition to renewable energy through renewable energy zones, including the Hunter Central Coast Renewable Energy Zone;
• supporting transition from coal-based economies with $5.2 million to establish regional futures job and investment authorities including in the Hunter;
• significant investment in public sector workforce including a 4.5% pay rise for essential public sector workers, 7000 temporary teaching and 1112 temporary nursing positions made permanent and 500 new regional paramedic position across the state;
• assistance with relief from rising energy prices by providing a family and seniors energy rebates of $250 per year and a low-income household and medical and medical rebate of $350 per year
• assistance with preschool fee relief for many families including $500 per year fee relief for families of 3-year-olds in long day care.