The NSW Government released the 2024-25 budget earlier this week which has been acknowledged as a tight budget. While many had hoped for more funding in different areas it provides our region with some funding for our much needed essential services such as health and education.
It was pleasing to see some funding announced for the Golden Highway, which will be a major route for heavy vehicles as work begins on the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone.
RDA Orana will be hosting a roundtable discussion in July about the recently completed transport study business case on the Golden Highway which outlines the extent of traffic which will use the corridor in future years and provides recommendations to the government on how we can combat these problems with real solutions by updating our current road and rail networks.
A breakdown of budget for the Orana region is outlined below.
Health
- $15.3 million for Key Health Worker Accommodation in the Far Western region.
- $2.3 million funding over four years to Royal Far West to increase support for children with developmental concerns who live outside metropolitan areas.
Education
- Dubbo Orana Heights Public School Upgrade.
- A new public preschool at Bourke Public School.
- Cobar High School Upgrade.
Transport
- $128.5 million over two years to upgrade roads and infrastructure, from the Port of Newcastle to Renewable Energy Zones in regional NSW, to enable the transportation of critical components required for the construction of renewable energy infrastructure. The components include wind turbine blades, batteries and transformers. The initial road upgrades will prioritise the route to the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone near Dubbo.
- New heavy vehicle rest stops in the far west to help combat driver fatigue.
Planning, Housing and Infrastructure
- Continuation of the $58.2 million new purpose-built office hub in Dubbo.
Communities and Justice
- Continuation of the $40.9 million project for the construction of the NSW Police Dubbo. Regional Education and Training Centre.
- Continuation of the $13.3 million project for major upgrades to Bourke Police Station.
Climate change, Energy, the Environment and Water
- $36.3 million for the Nyngan to Cobar Pipeline and Pumping Station.
Regional NSW
Grants to enhance community wellbeing and boost local economies, including:
- $40,000 to refurbish the Bourke Police Citizens Youth Club’s education/training room.
- $30,000 for the Walgett Police Citizens Youth Club’s Afternoon Activity Program.
Economic Development
More than $200 million will be delivered to enhance digital connectivity for rural, regional and remote communities.
