THE 2014-15 NSW budget has delivered a 'once in a generation’ outcome for the Monaro, according to local member, John Barilaro.
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The budget – handed down by treasurer Andrew Constance in Sydney at lunch time yesterday – will deliver money for vital road infrastructure projects across the region.
Bombala residents will benefit directly from $182,00 to upgrade the Burton, Mila and Buckley Springs roads.
A total of $1.4 million has been made available for other regional roads across the Monaro.
Community transport programs will also receive a boost with $88,000 to be delivered through Bombala Council.
There was, however, no money for an upgraded sewerage system for Bombala.
“This budget delivers a once in a generation opportunity for the region to set in stone key projects that will transform the road network for many generations to come,” Mr Barilaro said.
“Under the former Labor government, the Monaro had been neglected in key infrastructure areas such as the Kings Highway and Queanbeyan bypass.
Mr Barilaro said the budget marked a significant turnaround in public finances.
“When we came to office in 2011 NSW lagged on all economic fronts,” he said.
“We were lagging on jobs growth, productivity, housing approvals and business confidence.
“In three short years we have seen NSW rise again to become the powerhouse of the nation – we are growing three times the rate of Queensland and Victoria, housing approvals are at their highest levels in over a decade and the unemployment rate is the second lowest in the nation.”
The Monaro will share in $1 billion in additional new funds for infrastructure projects to be delivered to regional communities through Restart NSW.
“The Monaro will also benefit from a share in $37.5 million allocated for Fixing Country Roads, a program designed to improve regional roads managed by local government, especially roads to allow higher mass vehicles to operate.”
Pensioners will be better off under measures to ease the pensioners’ ‘bill shock’ resulting from Federal budget cuts.
The government will contribute an additional $107 million in the state budget towards concessions for 2014-15, which will go towards discounted public transport fares, cheaper energy and water bills, council rates and vehicle registration.
Mr Barilaro said he was proud to be part of a government that was building for the future and places the needs of the community first.
“This is the budget that delivers funding for much needed projects and is a clear demonstration of the Liberal/Nationals commitment to regional areas,” he said.
For more details don't miss this week's Bombala Times.