State Budget: funding for major Lake Macquarie projects
18th June 2019
Millions of dollars promised to a range of projects in the Lake Macquarie electorate have been confirmed in today’s State Budget.
The Budget includes $16.8m to start the actual construction phase of the Wyee Sewer Connection scheme.
Also at Wyee, $9.36m has been allocated to complete the significant upgrade of Wyee Station. That upgrade includes the installation of three lifts, platform and car park upgrades and construction of a new kiss-and-ride drop-off zone.
The Budget includes $13.4m to get work started on the new indoor sport stadium at Hillsborough. Located just outside of the Lake Macquarie electorate, the stadium will be a key regional sports facility and I'm very happy to have played a significant role in securing the funding. The $25m, 4000-seat stadium will form the new home base for Newcastle Basketball and will likely become the home of a regional team in the National Women’s Basketball League. It will also provide facilities for netball, wheelchair sports, volleyball, school sport and futsal.
$2.7m has been allocated for the next stage of planning and pre-construction on the Hillsborough Road improvement project, while $1.6m has been allocated to repairing and resurfacing other local roads.
The Budget also includes all of the funds needed to complete the major refurbishment and construction of Wangi Wangi and Speers Point public schools.
Among other notable highlights is $2.1m to continue planning for a fast rail corridor between Sydney and Newcastle, $19m to continue planning for the Fassifern-to-Hexham freight rail corridor, $7.5m for the next stage of upgrading Dora Creek wastewater treatment plant and $1.4m to upgrade social housing in the local area.
Given the financial challenges the State Government is facing, I’m very pleased that it’s been able to honour its promises and commit funds to some significant local projects.
It’s particularly good to see funds allocated to the new indoor sport stadium at Hillsborough. This facility will be a real game changer for indoor sport not just in Lake Macquarie but throughout the region.
“I’m also very happy to see major funding for the Wyee sewer scheme and the Wyee station upgrade. Both of these projects will deliver huge changes for the Wyee community.
I’m among the many people who would have liked to have seen a significant commitment to the Lake Macquarie Transport Interchange project, but the reality is that the business case review is still being undertaken, and the Government has committed a further $400,000 for that process to be completed.
I’d also like to have seen the Hillsborough Road improvements fast-tracked, but note the Government has committed a further $2.7m this year to get things moving.
Overall, I believe Treasurer Dominic Perrottet has delivered a strong and fair Budget, particularly given the weakening global economy, the downturn in the housing market, and the ongoing drought that is ravaging much of the State.
Despite that, NSW is in a very positive financial state and that should be acknowledged, but I’ll be continuing to push the Government for important strategic investment in regional areas such as Lake Macquarie.
Key Budget highlights for Lake Macquarie
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$16.8m to get construction work started on Wyee Sewer Connection scheme.
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$9.362m to complete the upgrade of Wyee Station.
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$13.4m to start work on the $25m basketball stadium at Hillsborough.
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$2.7m for Hillsborough Road planning and pre-construction.
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$1.37m for social housing upgrades.
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$19m to continue investigations for Fassifern-to-Hexham freight bypass.
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$397,000 to finalise costings/business case for Lake Macquarie Transport Interchange.
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$1.3m for new and improved boating/jetty facilities.
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$832,000 for next stage of pathway between Speers Point and Glendale.
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$1.6m for road repairs and resurfacing.
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Funds for new State-owned buses.
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Continued funding for community transport.
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$2.1m to continue planning for Sydney-Newcastle fast rail corridor.
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Funding to complete major upgrades Wangi Wangi and Speers Point public schools.
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$7.5m for stage 2b upgrade of Dora Creek wastewater treatment plant.