But there's no election. Just an economy on its knees for COVID-19 and a State Government desperately trying to give it a nudge along.

So over the past two weeks as the State Government dug deep and threw out the money, Maitland and Cessnock were there with open arms to accept it.

In what would have to be one of the bountiful couple of weeks for the region, Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Catherine Cusack announced eleven funding projects.

It started on Friday, April 17 with the announcement that Maitland Croquet Club would received $267,000 from the Stronger Country Communities Fund which is used for improving local infrastructure.

At the time she said: "Maitland Croquet Club will now be able to undertake a range of upgrades including extending the covered veranda area for spectators, an expanded training room, as well as installing two new unisex bathrooms and a shower. The club will now also be able to purchase new croquet equipment."

But it was just the start: the largesse hasn't stopped since. Since then, for various infrastructure projects - everything from airport runway extension to storage sheds - she has announced:

- Cessnock Youth Centre to receive $120,000;

- Cessnock Outreach $75,000;

- Cessnock Airport $6.6m upgrade;

- Branxton Greta Little Athletics $98,000;

- Cessnock PCYC $217,000;

- Cessnock Top Blokes Foundation $215,000;

- Upgrade to the New England Highway between Aberglasslyn Road and John Street, Rutherford $165,000.

- Maitland City Council $435,107 for the design and construction of stage one of the Woodberry Youth Space project;

- Maitland Top Blokes Foundation $107,600;

- Cessnock City Council to help progress the Richmond Vale Rail Trail Project $75,000.

"I am so proud of my Government's determination to put good policy ahead of popularity, to get rid of the 'mates game'," she said when asked about the massive cash injection.

"Instead this is a merit-based decision making that serves the best interests of every citizen regardless of their vote. So that's what has changed - and it's delivering unprecedented community infrastructure, fully funded and fully delivered every time.

"In this spirit, Covid-19 has led NSW Treasurer Dom Perrottet to review priorities to bring forward projects and spending to cushion, as best we can, the impact on jobs and our economy.

"These projects have already been independently planned and assessed as ticking every box for value, need and community benefit. They are 'shovel ready' and Maitland and Cessnock need this investment now.

"It injects funds for a good purpose and every single household benefits by keeping the money flowing into the local economy."

Labor's Clayton Barr, the state member for Cessnock - for so long a Labor stronghold - acknowledged the spending was welcome.

"It is hoped that this will help to employ local tradespeople and provide for purchases of materials and equipment to be made through local small businesses at a time when the COVID crisis is otherwise drying up the work and funds," he said.

"Some of these projects have been on the table for a number of years, so to finally get the funding is a good thing. Allowing them to go ahead will make positive long-term changes to facilities and equipment that will be enjoyed for decades to come."