Media Release: Budget Falls Short For Regional NSW

LIBERALS AND NATIONALS TO GUARANTEE REGIONAL NSW ITS FAIR SHARE OF INFRASTRUCTURE FUNDING

Mr Clancy said the Budget was delivered against a backdrop of slowing economic growth, with Treasury forecasting growth of around one per cent over the next two years.

"That matters because economic growth is not just a number on a page. It means jobs, investment, business confidence and opportunities for families."

"When growth slows, regional communities feel it. Local businesses feel it. Young people looking for opportunities feel it."

Mr Clancy said many of the Government's major cost-of-living announcements appeared heavily focused on metropolitan Sydney, while regional communities continued to face rising costs and infrastructure constraints.

"Families across regional NSW don't use Sydney toll roads, yet many of the headline measures announced by the Government are directed towards metropolitan commuters."

"What regional communities need is investment in the enabling infrastructure that supports housing, economic development and local jobs."

Mr Clancy said roads, water infrastructure, schools, hospitals and community facilities were critical to supporting growth across regional NSW.

"Whether it's road upgrades, water security projects or community infrastructure, regional communities need investment that keeps pace with growth."

"Across regional NSW there are councils ready to grow, businesses ready to invest and communities ready to welcome new residents. Too often the missing piece is the infrastructure needed to unlock that potential."

Mr Clancy said the NSW Liberals and Nationals had already outlined a different approach through commitments including a Regional Infrastructure Guarantee to ensure at least 25 per cent of infrastructure spending is invested in regional communities, along with the reinstatement of the Regional Seniors Travel Card.

"I firmly believe that if we want New South Wales to thrive, we must unlock the potential of regional NSW."

"Strong regions mean a stronger New South Wales."