Federal Budget – What’s in it for Us 

There has been mixed reaction to the Federal budget with concerns surrounding capital gains tax and negative gearing but what is in it for the Hunter when it comes to programs and infrastructure?

Hunter specific commitments across major areas includes: 

Health 

1. Continuation of the $835 million John Hunter Health and Innovation Precinct
2. $138 million Cessnock Hospital Redevelopment
3. $45 million Muswellbrook Hospital Redevelopment Stage 3
4. $22 million Maitland Integrated Community and Community Mental Health Service

 Education 

1. A new primary school and high school in Huntlee 
2. 14 new public preschools as part of the NSW Government’s 100 new public preschools election commitment. These will be located at Booragul Public School, Cessnock Public School, Ellalong Public School, Gillieston Public School, Kersley Public School, Kurri Kurri Public School, Maryland Public School, Moorland Public School, Nulkaba Public School, Shortland Public School, Taree Public School, Tenambit Public School, Teralba Public School and Weston Public School 

3. Continuation of the Gillieston Public School redevelopment 
4. Hunter River High School Upgrade 
5. 1,555 education staff made permanent 
6. $16.3 million to be spent in 2024-25 on fee free apprenticeships and traineeships

 Roads 

1. $462.9 million to continue construction of the Singleton Bypass – New England Highway Corridor 
2. $442.7 million to continue planning and early work activities for the Muswellbrook bypass to improve travel times for long-haul freight movements and safety for all road users on the New England Highway (NSW and Australian Government funded) 
3. $191.4 million to commence main works construction for the New England Highway Singleton Bypass (State and Federally funded) 
4. $11.7 million to continue planning and early works activities for the New England Highway Muswellbrook Bypass (State and Federally Funded) 
5. $10 million for the development of a business case for improving safety and freight productivity on the Golden Highway from Dubbo to Newcastle  

 Climate Change, Energy and the Environment  

1. $128.5 million to upgrade roads for drivers and the transportation of components for renewable energy projects across NSW, including along the Golden Highway  
2. $15.2 million for mine rehabilitation and closure, and to support health and safety  
   for mine workers in NSW 

 Communities and Justice 

1. Continuing to deliver the $4.0 million new Dungog fire station on a new site and the $6.4 million the new Cessnock fire station