Upper Hunter MP Dave Layzell says the Minns NSW Labor Government’s second budget has failed to address getting his electorate ‘out of the slow lane.’
“Over $191 million may have been allocated to start construction on the Singleton Bypass but the Muswellbrook Bypass remains stuck in the planning stage after this budget,” Mr Layzell said.
“Existing heavy traffic generated by the mining industry is about to have renewable energy construction traffic on its bumper bar and NSW Labor’s response lacks urgency about the situation.
“The new Port of Newcastle to Renewable Energy Project road upgrades will simply be a ‘Band-aid’ as the industrial traffic situation in the Hunter Valley continues to deteriorate.”
Road funding announced in the NSW Budget includes:
· Singleton Bypass - main construction $191,392,000 allocated for 2024-25;
· Muswellbrook Bypass - continue planning and early work $11.7m allocated 2024-25;
· Port to Project – Road Upgrades and Newcastle Port Logistics Precinct $128.5m allocated 2024-28;
· Regional Roads Fund - $11.8 million for Golden Highway improvements including an overtaking lane approaching Merriwa;
· Golden Highway Upgrades - Mudies Creek $11.7m allocated 2024-25; and,
· Golden Highway Dubbo-Newcastle Improvement Program - $10m over four years to 2027-28 for planning.
“After committing to build a new public primary and high school for Huntlee over four years, the budget papers have disappointingly revealed NSW Labor has only $630,000 allocated to the project in the next financial year,” Mr Layzell added.
Previously announced projects to secure funding in 2024-25 are;
· Muswellbrook Hospital Redevelopment Stage 3 - $15.5m;
· Singleton Police Station - $5.27m;
· New Dungog Fire Station - $2.8m; and,
· Hunter Valley Flood Mitigation Scheme Repairs and Rebuilding - $29m.
PICTURE CAPTION: Roadwork Ahead - Singleton Bypass prepares for construction to commence.
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