Back-to-basics budget with billions for infrastructure
NSW LABOR GOVERNMENT BUDGET PLEDGES
TRANSPORT:
* $452 million to increase bus services, including $56 million to buy 50 new "bendy" buses and $150 million for more regular school bus services in outer Sydney and regional areas
* Road upgrades and new signage around Western Sydney Airport precinct totalling $80 million
* $250 million to break the traffic pinch-point of Mona Vale Rd, a critical artery in north Sydney, matched by $250 million from the federal government to expand the road from two to four lanes
EDUCATION:
* $9 billion across four years for public school infrastructure, largely focused on growing suburban communities, including three new public primary schools with attached public preschools in west and southwest Sydney
* $3.4 billion towards TAFE and upskilling, including $40 million to enable 23,000 construction students to complete their apprenticeships for free
HEALTH:
* Another $700 million towards construction of the $2 billion Bankstown Hospital and relocation of Bankstown TAFE
* A statewide pathology hub to be established at Westmead, with the $492 million investment to include an upgrade to a high-security lab researching dangerous pathogens such as Ebola and measles
* $23 million to cut down the overdue surgery list by 3500
* $83 million to bolster maternity care
ABORIGINAL AFFAIRS
* $202 million for Closing the Gap projects, including $23 million towards community-led suicide prevention programs
LAW AND ORDER:
* $125.8 million for cybersecurity upgrades to NSW Police, including $50 million to upgrade outdated hardware
* Victims' Support Service funding boosted by $227 million across five years to help victims of violent crime access counselling
* Upgrade of Downing Centre to create 15 new physical and virtual courtrooms and $48.3 million to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions for more solicitors
HOUSING:
* $145 million across four years for the state's Building Commission to hire more prosecutors, investigators and inspectors to weed out dodgy residential builds
* $30.4 million crisis intervention package for homelessness services
* Extension of build-to-rent tax concessions beyond slated 2039 end date
INNOVATION AND BUSINESS:
* $80 million in innovation funding, including $38.5 million to boost technology hub TechCentral
* A four-person Investment Delivery Authority to fast-track planning approvals for billion-dollar projects
ENVIRONMENT AND PUBLIC SPACES:
* $110 million to maintain public spaces, including the repair of heritage-listed Pyrmont Bridge and maintenance of fire trails
* Construction of the Newcastle Logistics Precinct, housing wind turbines and electrical transformers used in renewable energy projects, for $115.5 million
* Commonwealth Veteran Card holders will receive free vehicle entry to all NSW National Parks
CULTURE:
* Establishment of a $100 million fund to find a suitable location for a second major film studio in Sydney
* $280 million to support the screen and digital games sector, including rebates for NSW-based visual effects and digital games productions
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Sydney Morning Herald
a day ago
- Sydney Morning Herald
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