Stuart Ayres MP, Member for Penrith welcomes the announcement that the 2014-15 Budget delivers on the NSW Liberals & Nationals Government’s commitment to boost infrastructure and services in Penrith with significant investments in transport, health and roads.
Stuart Ayres said after three years repairing Labor’s mess, the NSW Budget is powerfully positioned to deliver the services people are right to expect.
“When we came to office in 2011 – NSW lagged on all economic fronts,” Stuart Ayres said.
“We were lagging on jobs growth, productivity, housing approvals and business confidence.
“In three short years we have seen NSW rise again to become the powerhouse of the nation – we are growing at three times the rate of Queensland and Victoria, housing approvals are at their highest levels in over a decade and the unemployment rate is the second lowest in the nation.”
Stuart Ayres said the 2014-15 Budget includes funding for the following projects:
A new Super Ambulance Station for up to 30 Ambulances at 141 High St Penrith. One of 5 new stations worth over $150 million.
- Nearly $2 million for the continued upgrade of Penrith Court House
- $1.5 million for concept design and planning works for the Jane St Extension.
- $4.5 million for start of construction of the Nepean River Green Bridge with early works starting in November
- More than $8 million to support and build social and community housing.
- $398 million for the WestConnex Motorway, including the M4 Extension, making it the largest road project in the country.
- $109 million for Western Sydney road upgrades to support Sydney’s second airport at Badgerys Creek.
- More than $863 million on the 36 kilometre North West Rail Link – a project promised, cancelled and promised by Labor for over a decade. The NSW Liberals & Nationals are building it.
- More than $103 million to complete the South West Rail Link from Glenfield to Leppington – a project being delivered a year ahead of schedule and $300 million under budget.
- $1.8 million to fund the “LikeMind” pilot of fully integrated community based care for adults living with mental illness in the Nepean/Blue Mountains area.
“I’m really proud that our government has put Penrith at the centre of the largest investment in our Ambulance Service in NSW history,” said Stuart Ayres MP.
Stuart Ayres said the Budget also increases the threshold for the $15,000 First Home Owners Grant, to help more first home buyers get into the housing market sooner.
“We want to make it as easy as we can to help first-time buyers get the keys to their new home – that’s why we’re increasing the threshold to $750,000 – an increase of $100,000,” Stuart Ayres said.
“The NSW Liberals & Nationals Government is also supporting businesses to grow with a further reduction to WorkCover premiums, with employers to benefit from an average premium rate reduction of five per cent.
“This is on top of the average 12.5 per cent rate reductions delivered in 2013.
“We’re also providing $100,000 in additional funding for Penrith through the Community Building Partnership program. This will allow more community groups and councils to receive funding that will provide positive social, recreational and environmental outcomes in the local community.
Applications can be made at www.communitybuildingpartnership.nsw.gov.au and close Friday 18 July.
“The NSW Liberals & Nationals Government has delivered a responsible budget which is building for the future, places the needs of the community first and will deliver for the people of Penrith.” added Stuart Ayres.
