The Snowy Monaro region area has benefited from the recent 2022-23 NSW Budget with significant investments across a range of services.
MEMBER for Monaro Nichole Overall welcomed the $55 million funding for the Snowy Monaro. In delivering her first budget as the Member for Monaro, Nichole Overall says being part of a government delivering such reform is more exciting that she could have ever imagined.
“This is a budget with a focus on families and community and rebuilding all that is important to us coming out of the pandemic, flood, fire and drought,” Mrs Overall said. “There’s plenty in it to celebrate right across the Monaro.”
“Highlights include allocations to complete works on our schools, significant road and bridge works, and major contributions for our local tourism and business sectors.”
Some of the most substantial outcomes of the all-inclusive budget include $883 million to strengthen and incentivise the regional health workforce and a doubling of the travel reimbursement scheme (IPTAAS) for more than 45,000 regional patients.
Aimed at making life a little easier for families, are the introduction or expansion of current programs such as a new public sector wages policy providing increased pay for public sector employees including nurses, teachers and paramedics.
Regional NSW
In addition to the $55 million funding for the Snowy Monaro, a key highlight from the Budget included the huge investment into Regional NSW courtesy of the Snowy Mountains Special Activation Precinct (SAP) $391.3 million investment. The funds are allocated for capital expenditure for the implementation of the 40 year master plan for Jindabyne, the Kosciuszko National Park and alpine resorts of Thredbo, Perisher and Charlotte Pass.
Education
The Sport and Recreation Centre in Jindabyne will have a new TAFE with the government awarding $69.4 million in 2022-23 for the construction of the Jindabyne Education Campus.
The TAFE will be one of many new additions in recent years which will see Jindabyne’s Sport and Recreation Centre the hub for all education. The new Jindabyne Central School is planned to be relocated plus the National Snowsports Training Centre has ongoing development.
Health
There is continued funding for the Cooma Hospital with $24.2 million allocated for redevelopment and $15.0 million will be targeted towards Key Health Worker Accommodation across Southern NSW Local Health District.
Transport
With roads taking excessive punishment after a wet summer, it will be welcome news that $11.5 million will go towards continue construction on the Monaro Highway upgrade program.
Stronger Communities
It was announced before winter that the Jindabyne Areas Police Stations (including Perisher and Thredbo) will undergo a major overhaul with $13.0 million funding to deliver the construction. Work has commenced on the Jindabyne Police Station accommodation quarters which will be welcomed as it houses the influx of Police during the snow season.
Planning and Environment
The Snowies Iconic Walk has seen continued delivery funding of $27.2 million for this project to create a world class iconic walk in the alpine region. The Charlotte Pass to Guthega leg was completed prior to winter and has already proved popular.
The NSW Deputy Premier Paul Toole said, “The NSW Government is rolling out record investment in local services and community facilities, to support families and build an even brighter future for Southern NSW. COVID has made many realise the unique lifestyle and business opportunities on offer in the regions which is why the NSW Government is continuing to delivering the infrastructure and services that will provide an even better quality of life for locals.”
See full version of NSW State Budget 2022-23
