The construction of a roundabout at a notorious intersection and a new fire station are among the highlights for the Cessnock electorate in this year’s NSW budget.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The government has committed $2 million for the installation of a two-lane roundabout on Maitland Road at Duffie Drive, a known black spot.
A further $580,000 will be provided for shoulder widening, realignment and resurfacing along Duffie Drive, from Melbourne Street to Maitland Road.
A new Fire and Rescue station will be built at Abermain, with $350,000 of the total $1 million cost to come from the 2015/16 budget.
Other highlights include $1.85 million committed by Hunter Water Corporation to the upgrade of North Rothbury infrastructure and other works; $1.5 million for social housing upgrades in Cessnock and an estimated $7 million for natural disaster restoration work by Cessnock City Council on roads and drains.
Member for Cessnock Clayton Barr said while the Duffie Drive roundabout and Abermain fire station were big news, there were some notable omissions from the budget.
“I was very disappointed that Cessnock Police Station was not announced for re-development; that there is no funding for Testers Hollow; that uncertainty continues for Frame Drive Bridge; and that the proposed Cameron Park Public School did not receive funding,” he said.
“Less sexy, but equally important, I was surprised to see further cuts to mental health funding, particularly in regional areas.
“I had actually hoped for an increase in funding to mental health, particularly in light of the various ‘crisis’ that the government have identified that all stem from mental health, for example ice use, violence, domestic violence.”
Mr. Barr, who is the shadow minister for finance, services and property, said it can take weeks or months to fully digest the budget and piece it all together.
Parliamentary secretary for the Hunter, Scot MacDonald said the NSW Government has delivered a strong budget with an anticipated surplus of $712 million.
“There is record spending in education and health. We are increasing police numbers. I look forward to working with Cessnock Council for even more funding in next year’s budget,” Mr. MacDonald said.
