State Budget Falls Short for Port Macquarie - Robert Dwyer MP

Budget Fails to Deliver On Key Infrastructure for the Port Macquarie Electorate



Member for Port Macquarie, Robert Dwyer has expressed disappointment at today's State Budget describing it as a missed opportunity to deliver meaningful investment and support for the Port Macquarie electorate.

"With state government gross debt now exceeding $177 billion, the people of Port Macquarie have every right to expect responsible spending that delivers tangible benefits to regional communities," Mr Dwyer said.

"Unfortunately, today's budget falls well short of the expectations of local residents, businesses and community organisations who have been calling for greater investment in critical infrastructure, essential services and regional development."

“I am happy that $121 million for a number of projects already announced including $38.6 million for the continued redevelopment of Port Macquarie Base Hospital, $7.5 million for the continuation of the Pacific Highway/Harrington Road overpass, $1.8 million to finalise planning for safety upgrades to the Pacific Highway/Oxley Highway interchange and $1.6 million for social housing.

“It is also pleasing to see an allocation of $43.4 million for Lord Howe Island’s marine infrastructure and waste management facility upgrades.

“Disappointing, despite strongly advocating for funding, there was not one mention of funding for the Oxley Highway between Wrights Road and Lake Road, water security improvements through the Cowarra Water Supply Scheme, funding towards the much needed Thrumster Wastewater Scheme as well as any funding allocation to upgrade the Tuffin’s Lane sporting complex.

Mr Dwyer said the budget lacked the vision and commitment needed to address the growing challenges facing the electorate, including population growth, increasing pressure on health services, housing affordability, transport infrastructure and support for local industries.

“One positive in the budget was the 50% increase in funding to tackle domestic and family violence which is a scourge on our society. Across the state there was an increase in funding of $184 million with the Treasurer singling out the work of the team lead by Kelly Lamb from Port Macquarie’s Liberty Domestic and Family Violence Specialist Services who deliver 200% more services than they are funded for.



"Families across our region are facing rising costs of living, while local communities continue to advocate for improved roads, better health services and stronger support for economic growth," he said.

"At a time when the Government is accumulating unprecedented levels of debt, regional communities should be seeing clear returns on that investment. Instead, our electorate has been left asking what benefits this budget will actually deliver for our community."

Mr Dwyer said he would continue to advocate strongly for the electorate and hold the Government accountable for ensuring regional communities receive their fair share of funding and investment.

"We deserve better than budget announcements that fail to meet the needs and expectations of our community," he said.

"I will continue working with local residents, businesses and community groups to fight for the infrastructure, services and investment our region needs to prosper."