2021-22 NSW Budget Highlights for our region

Keeping people safe, boosting the economic recovery and creating a prosperous future through innovation, continued investment and reform is at the 2021-22 NSW State Budget which was handed down by the NSW Treasurer on Tuesday earlier this week.

After the sharpest fall in nearly 80 years the NSW economy is rebounding rapidly with 300,000 jobs added since the height of the pandemic in mid-2020.

The Budget forecasts above trend economic growth of 3¼ per cent for 2021-22 and unemployment, currently at 5 per cent, falling to 4½ per cent by 24-25.

Improved economic conditions have contributed to the State’s strengthened operating position, with a return to surplus of $0.5 billion now forecast in 24-25.

Job creation remains a key focus with a record $108.5 billion infrastructure investment helping supercharge our State's economic recovery.

2021-22 NSW BUDGET HIGHLIGHTS FOR OUR REGION INCLUDE:

Education

• $2.1 million in 2021-22 to commence major upgrades at Bomaderry High School.
• $5.3 million in 2021-22 to establish a new primary school in South Nowra/Worrigee.
• $13.404 million in 2021-22 to commence construction on Budawang School for Milton.

Health

• $40.2 million in 2021-22 (as part of a $721.9 million project) for the New Shellharbour Hospital and Integrated Services and car park.
• $11.7 million in 2021-22 (as part of a $438.0 million project) for the Shoalhaven Hospital Redevelopment.

Transport

• $88.0 million in 2021-22 to continue the transformation of the State and Federal funded Princes Highway program from south of Nowra to the Victorian border including to continue planning on priority projects including the Milton Ulladulla Bypass, Jervis Bay to Sussex Inlet Upgrade, Jervis Bay Road Intersection and Moruya Bypass (State funded).
• $72.0 million in 2021-22 to continue construction for the Nowra Bridge Replacement over the Shoalhaven River on the Princes Highway (State and Federal funded).
• $61.0 million in 2021-22 to complete construction of the Princes Highway Upgrade from Berry to Bomaderry.
• $55.0 million in 2021-22 to complete construction of the Albion Park Rail Bypass, Yallah to Oak Flats, Princes Highway.
• $14.0 million in 2021-22 to continue planning for upgrades of Picton Road to improve safety and connectivity as a key link for the Illawarra Region, South Coast, Sydney, Canberra, and Melbourne.
• $6.3 million in 2021-22 to continue planning for the Mount Ousley Interchange on the M1 Princes Motorway (State and Federal funded).

Planning

• $67.6 million State funding to support a new gas-fired power station in Yallah that will help secure our State’s electricity supply, support local manufacturers, and enable a future transition to renewable hydrogen as a fuel.
• $3.1 million ($31 million capital expenditure over three years) for the Great Southern Walk, a four-to- five day walk from Bulli Tops to Kamay Botany Bay National Park, including the Illawarra Mountain Biking Network.
• $2.8 million in 2021-22 (as part of a $3.6 million project) to continue improvements to the Murramarang South Coast Walk.

Easing cost of living pressures for families

• $6 billion in 2021-22 in cost of living support, including a new $100 learn to swim voucher program so preschoolers can learn to swim, one of over 120 cost savings measures available to individuals and families.

Job creation and major investments in Regional NSW

The 2021-22 NSW Budget also includes more than $6 billion in rebates, concessions and cost of living measures which benefit households across New South Wales and our region.

Thousands of new jobs and significant infrastructure builds in regional NSW will be delivered through the 2021-22 NSW Budget, supporting the recovery and future prosperity of regional communities following drought, bushfires, floods, the COVID-19 pandemic and more recently the mice plague.

More than $2.8 billion has been secured in this year’s Budget for the Department of Regional NSW to help regional communities continue to grow, move through recovery and build on the benefits of regional living.

Right across the Illawarra, Kiama and Shoalhaven, our local communities will benefit from the unparalleled and record NSW Government investments in Health, Roads, Education, Transport, Emergency Services and other critical services to build a better future and improve living standards in our local towns and villages whilst also supporting our local small businesses who are the backbone of our State's economic recovery.