Page critical of Labor’s Budget
The NSW Labor Government’s latest budget continues their Sydney-centric policies at the expense of regional infrastructure, Ballina MP, Don Page said today.
“The State Labor Government is bragging about the proposed infrastructure spend, but precious little of this is occurring in regional areas,” Mr Page said.
“Their failure to once again fund the Alstonville Bypass despite a written guarantee in 2003 shows how hollow Labor’s promises are and highlights their failure to commit to important regional infrastructure.
“There is some capital expenditure for the Ballina electorate but it is just a fraction of what is earmarked for Sydney.”
Ballina electorate projects to receive funding in this year’s State Budget include:
$14m for the Ballina Bypass
$2m for planning the Woodburn to Ballina section of the Pacific Highway upgrade
$8m for planning the Tintenbar to Ewingsdale section of the Pacific Highway upgrade
$14m for the Brunswick Heads to Yelgun section of the Pacific Highway upgrade
$4.139m for the Rehabilitation Unit at Ballina District Hospital
$1.050m for the acquisition of a new Byron Bay Hospital site
$250,000 for renovations to the Brunswick Heads Fire Station
“Projects like the Alstonville Bypass, Casino to Murwillumbah rail line, the central Hospital for Byron Shire and stage two of the Lismore Base Hospital redevelopment all remain unfunded in this budget. This is a shameful reflection of a Sydney-centric Labor Government,” Mr Page said.
