The NSW Budget 2012-13 commits to building for the future and invests to meet the growing needs of Penrith.
“In these difficult economic times, this Budget builds for the State’s future through responsible spending to deliver more housing and more infrastructure to stimulate economic growth” Treasurer Mike Baird said.
“The Budget builds better services including more nurses, more police and more teachers throughout NSW.
“Due to the unprecedented drop in revenue the Government has made some tough decisions, however our investments now will make a huge difference for the future,” Mr Baird said.
Member for Penrith, Stuart Ayres welcomed the Budget’s focus on infrastructure to get the State moving again.
“While the Federal Government is contributing less to NSW infrastructure, the NSW Budget increases infrastructure spending by 17 per cent over the next four years, compared with the last four years,” Mr Ayres said.
“The people of Penrith will see in this Budget the delivery of key election commitments and a focus on building better infrastructure for the services we rely on every day.
\”A further $2 million has been allocated to a new Nepean River crossing, following through on the NSW Liberals & Nationals commitment to ending the decades of neglect by state governments on this issue.
\”The budget confirms $18 million towards the construction of a new multi-storey carpark at Nepean Hospital and also includes $4 million to the creative and performing arts centre at Nepean High.
\”This budget continues the government’s strong commitment to the more disadvantaged members of the Penrith community with an additional $3.8 million invested into supported accommodation for people with a disability.
This year $360 million will be spent on the North West rail link, delivering on the most significant expansion of the rail network in decades.
First homebuyers will be up to $19,245 better off when they buy a new home under a new Building the State package to boost housing construction.
This year $318 million will be spent on school maintenance, which is $20 million more than last year and 22 per cent higher than the previous government’s last Budget.
The Budget includes a $30 million boost to our Local Government Infrastructure Renewal Scheme, which helps councils with the cost of loans to address infrastructure backlogs. Penrith City Council was one of the 69 councils that applied in the first round.
KEY PROJECTS FOR PENRITH
- $18 million for the Nepean Hospital car park
- $24 million for Stage 3 and 3A redevelopment of Nepean Hospital
- $3.8 million to purchase land for accommodation for people with disabilities in Penrith
- $2 million to continue the development of a new bridge crossing over the Nepean River
- $500,000 towards upgrade of Penrith Courthouse
- Improvements to the Penrith Lakes Precinct in preparation for the 2013 World Rowing Cup
