STATE BUDGET

Robert Dwyer • 24 June 2025

STATE BUDGET

Member for Port Macquarie, Robert Dwyer has today welcomed the Minns Labor Government’s State Budget for a number of locally funding projects but is disappointed at the lack of vision and courage to continue to build infrastructure and to deliver services for not only the Port Macquarie electorate but across the entire state.

 

“Whilst I was very pleased to see $5 million in this year’s budget towards the commencement of the massive upgrade of Port Macquarie Base Hospital and $12.7 million for the start of construction later this year on the 94 social and affordable units in Port Macquarie, I am very disappointed that the Minns Labor Government couldn’t see fit to include any funding towards finalising the business case so the Federal Labor Government could be in a position to consider funding to upgrade the Oxley Highway.

 

“This is a vital project for our community to reduce the huge traffic congestion that sees 20,000 cars and 1,500 trucks use the highway each day. The bottleneck between the Wrights Road and Lake Road roundabouts is getting worse and is a grow sense of frustration for motorists.

 

“I have been advocating for the upgrade since starting this job on March, I’ve met with the Roads Minister, I’ve met with the Director Northern Region of Transport for NSW and I will continue to bang the drum along with my Local and Federal Government colleagues to get this job done once and for all.

 

“The Minns Labor Government needs to remember that it was the former State Labor Government that oversaw the planning and construction of the Oxley Highway that put us in the position that we are all in today and they need to fix.

 

“Pleasingly more than $34 million has been allocated to Lord Howe Island for the continuation of the marine infrastructure program and the waste management facility upgrade which are greatly needed projects.

 

“Residents in the Harrington and Coopernook communities will be relieved to know that $5.6 million has been provided to finalise planning and commencement of early works on the Pacific Highway Harrington Road Intersection Upgrade which is a jointly funded project between the State and Federal Governments.
 
“Disappointingly, despite the Premier visiting the Mid North Coast to witness the recent devastating floods, more than a month later we still do not have the Category D funding approved which would allow primary producers and small business owners impacted by the floods to get back on their feet with a $75,000 grant. It is simply not good enough. 

 

“We are in the middle of a cost of living crisis and families are truly struggling and this Government has missed another opportunity to take some of the financial pressures of families. They could have reinstated the Regional Seniors Travel Card, they could have reinstated the Active and Creative Kids Vouchers to help ease the burden on families.

 

“Across the state, there was so much more the Minns Labor Government could have done to better support small business like reducing payroll tax to a rate below 5%, raise the threshold to at least $1.3 million and index it to inflation as well as advocating for broader tax reform. These are issues Business NSW has been calling for and I fully support them.

Robert's Media Releases

by Robert Dwyer 10 February 2026
Local Businesses Encouraged to Apply for NSW EV Fast-Charging Grants Member for Port Macquarie Robert Dwyer is encouraging local businesses across the Mid North Coast to apply for NSW Government funding to install electric vehicle (EV) fast-charging stations, as part of ongoing efforts to expand clean transport infrastructure across the state. Under Round 4 of the NSW Electric Vehicle Strategy, funding has been allocated to help make EV ownership more convenient, accessible and reliable for motorists, particularly in regional areas. Mr Dwyer said the program has been updated to better reflect its long-term focus, including overcoming range anxiety, improving connectivity between metropolitan and regional NSW, and future-proofing the EV charging network beyond 2030. “Electric vehicles are becoming increasingly popular in areas like the Mid North Coast, and it’s important our infrastructure keeps pace with demand,” Mr Dwyer said. “Eligible businesses can apply for grants of up to $20 million to install fast-charging stations, which will give drivers confidence to travel between towns and regions.” Mr Dwyer said the grants also present an opportunity for local businesses to attract visitors and support the regional economy. “Fast-charging stations encourage motorists to stop, shop and spend time in our communities, delivering real benefits for local businesses and tourism,” he said. “This is a practical investment that supports local jobs, strengthens our visitor economy and helps reduce transport emissions at the same time.” “By working together with local businesses, we can ensure the Mid North Coast is well positioned to benefit from the shift to electric vehicles and remain a connected, attractive destination for residents and visitors alike,” Mr Dwyer said. Businesses are encouraged to review the eligibility criteria and apply through the NSW Government grants at www.nsw.gov.au/grants-and-funding/round-4-drive-electric-nsw-ev-fast-charging-grants Applications close 24th April 2026 at 11:00pm Media Contact: Terry Sara 6584 0977 or 0409 834 648
by Robert Dwyer 9 February 2026
Celebrating Dr Aunty Rhonda Radley: 2026 NSW Aboriginal Woman of the Year Finalist
by Robert Dwyer 4 February 2026
Member for Port Macquarie, Robert Dwyer has criticised the NSW Government’s Work Health and Safety Amendment (Digital Work Systems) Bill 2025, warning it will impose new compliance burdens on regional employers, undermine innovation, and create uncertainty for businesses already under pressure.
by Robert Dwyer 28 January 2026
Member for Port Macquarie, Robert Dwyer has been appointed Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Roads, strengthening the NSW Opposition’s focus on improving road safety, connectivity and investment across regional New South Wales.
by Robert Dwyer 28 January 2026
Member for Port Macquarie, Robert Dwyer, has not publicly supported or opposed the proposed 18-storey development in Park Street, Port Macquarie.
by Robert Dwyer 21 January 2026
With a concerning increase in shark attacks along the NSW coastline over the past week, the rollout of shark spotting drones to surf board rider clubs must be urgently fast tracked, Member for Port Macquarie Robert Dwyer said today.
by Robert Dwyer 21 January 2026
Tomorrow, communities across Australia will come together to observe a Day of Mourning following the tragic terrorist attack at Bondi.
by Robert Dwyer 19 January 2026
Unmanned marine vessels known as Bluebottles will be deployed to patrol Marine Parks between Coffs Harbour and Camden Haven over the Australia Day long weekend.
by Robert Dwyer 14 January 2026
Robert Dwyer has written to the Minister for Roads requesting an urgent review of speed limits on unsealed council roads adjacent to Crowdy Bay National Park
by Robert Dwyer 21 December 2025
People in the Port Macquarie electorate can recognise an outstanding older person in their community with nominations now open for the NSW Seniors Festival Local Senior of the Year Awards. Robert Dwyer said the awards celebrate the tremendous contribution seniors offer to their community. “If you know a senior who strives to make our community a better place through volunteering, innovation or simply supporting family and friends, now is the time to nominate them for recognition,” Mr Dwyer said. “We are fortunate to have so many seniors in our local community who are generous with their time, energy and commitment. “By highlighting seniors’ continued efforts in helping Port Macquarie thrive, we are continuing to challenge ageism and empower seniors to overcome social stigma.” Previously known as the NSW Seniors Local Achievement Awards, the awards highlight the diverse ways seniors enrich their communities. Each year, MPs across the state use the awards to recognise seniors in their community by hosting a small awards ceremony where recipients are celebrated. Nomination forms are available from all MP’s offices across the state and need to be completed and returned by Friday 16 January 2026. Successful recipients will receive their awards during the NSW Seniors Festival 2026, which runs from 2-15 March 2026. The annual festival is the largest of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere and attracts more than 500,000 people at almost 50 DCJ-run and sponsored events across metro and regional areas. The festival commenced in 1958 and in 2026 will mark its 68th year. The festival promotes social inclusion and connection and encourages older people to attend events and become involved in art, sport, music, entertainment, technology, travel, health, wellbeing and recreation. For more information about NSW Seniors Festival Local Senior of the Year Awards, contact us by emailing portmacquarie@parliament.nsw.gov.au
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