BUDGET TO REBUILD NSW INCLUDES ROADS AND POLICE BOOST FOR GOULBURN

September 6, 2011

The Liberals & Nationals’ first Budget delivered today is about rebuilding New South Wales, including improved roads and police services for the people of Goulburn, said Minister for Family and Community Services and Member for Goulburn, Pru Goward.

“Rebuilding NSW means repairing what was left behind, improving services and building the infrastructure the people of NSW need,” Ms Goward said.

“The NSW Liberals & Nationals Government is very conscious that if we don’t get expenses under control, there are no funds to fix the services people rely on every day.”

Ms Goward said the Budget delivers 900 more teachers, 2475 more nurses and 550 police officers and a record infrastructure investment to address the building backlog left by Labor.

Spending on hospitals and health capital works over the next four years is $4.7 billion – 50 per cent higher than over the last four years.

“The Budget delivers $3.2 billion for road building and upgrading, including $250 million for the Hume Highway and additional funds for the Federal Highway and Bowral-Bomaderry Road.

“Across the State, $69 million will be spent over the next four year upgrading police stations, including $700,000 this year on the Bowral police station, which will be completed in 2015.

“In addition, $1 million is allocated this year towards the Goulburn Police education centre, set for completion next year.

“The Budget provides $104 million to meet our commitment for more express train services and $40 million in the Park and Travel Safety Fund means better safety for commuters through more CCTV cameras, lighting and help points at stations.”

Additional expenditure in the Goulburn electorate includes:

- Lansdowne Bridge upgrade - $1.4 million in 2011-12 over Mulwaree River, Bungonia Road
- Goulburn Bypass bridges - $590,000 allocated in 2011-12 for repairs
- New Aboriginal housing in Goulburn – $410,000 allocated in 2011-12
- Boost in funding for Community Transport to local services including those provided by Southern Highlands Community Transport and Goulburn Community Transport

“The Budget also includes a five-year $2 billion program for disability services, including $1.42 million in capital works funding for two new villas comprising 10 beds for people with a disability with high support needs in Goulburn.

“The NSW Liberal & Nationals’ first Budget delivers on our commitments and starts the process of rebuilding the State.