The state budget provided a range of large and small improvements for St George and Sutherland Shire, many of which have already started or have been previously announced.
The region’s share of the budget “cake” appeared small compared with spending in other parts of Sydney, particularly the western and south-western suburbs.
Construction of a new viewing platform at Wedding Cake Rock in Royal National Park as part of $9 million to be spent on the Coast Track over the next four years was one of the few new announcements for the south.
There was continued funding for big ticket projects such as the redevelopment of St George Hospital, a new emergency department for Sutherland Hospital and the WestConnex motorway.
ROADS
Investigations will continue into the proposed extension of the M1 (F6), with an indication the route will follow the original road reservation through St George and the shire, which was later confirmed.
This is despite Roads Minister Duncan Gay saying several weeks ago a decision would not be made until the full business case was completed late this year.
A budget media by Mr Gay said $32 million would be spent “to continue planning future links to the Sydney motorway network, including detailed planning for a second road tunnel under Sydney Harbour called the Western Harbour Tunnel and geotechnical studies for a future F6 motorway from Arncliffe through The Shire to Waterfall.”
The budget provided $1.3 million towards building new east-facing ramps for the M5 motorway at Belmore Road, Riverwood.
Prime Minister Malcom Turnbull promised this week a re-elected Coalition government would partner with the state government to provide the ramps.
Each government would contribute $15 million to the $30 million project, he said.
An allocation of $22.5 million was made towards the ongoing widening of Marsh Street, Arncliffe, which has a total cost of $34 million and is due to be finished in 2017.
The widening of Alfords Point Road south of Alfords Point Bridge was allocated $20 million, with the $40 million project scheduled for completion in 2018.
Only $1.4 million was provided for planning to progress seven projects under the Gateway to the South Pinch Points program, including traffic improvements along Princes Highway.
They were a major election promise last year.
An allocation of $800,000 was made to design and install northbound and southbound variable message boards on Heathcote Road at the approaches to New Illawarra Road.
HOSPITALS
The budget provided $167 million to continue construction of a new acute services building at St George Hospital, which is estimated will cost a total of $277 million.
The completion date was given as 2019, but a footnote said, “Construction completion may occur 12 months or more prior depending on the project schedule”.
Health Minister Jillian Skinner has said previously the building would be completed by the end of 2017, with patients admitted in early 2018.
The budget contained $26 million for the expansion at Sutherland Hospital, which is expected to cost nearly $63 million and be completed in 2017.
Funding was provided for a previously announced ambulance super station at Caringbah.
TRAINS
Funding was provided for new lifts at Heathcote, Jannali, Oatley, Narwee and Arncliffe stations.
Commuter car parking will be increased at Heathcote, Engadine and Oatley.
Secure, Opal activated bike storage sheds will be installed at Caringbah and Rockdale.
The budget contained $1 billion for new suburban trains, but a delivery date was not given.
SCHOOLS
A sum of $624,000 was provided to complete the $16.8 million relocation of Cairnsfoot School at Arncliffe.
Spending on the school maintenance backlog will be doubled to $330 million over two years.
CYCLING
The budget provided $1.8 million towards the construction of a shared user path along Woolooware Bay foreshore.
OVERVIEW
Premier Mike Baird and Treasurer Gladys Berejiklian said the government was investing record amounts on schools, hospitals, public transport and roads while almost completely eliminating the State’s debt.
The budget projects a surplus of $3.4 billion in 2015-16, rising to $3.7 billion in 2016-17, and forecasts surpluses over the next four years averaging $2 billion each year.
“After five years of fiscal repair, we now have the nation’s strongest Budget and economy,” Mr Baird said.
Mr Baird said a record infrastructure investment of $73.3 billion over four years had boosted consumer and business confidence, “making NSW the number one destination to live, work and do business.”
The budget provided with housing affordability apart from $262 million for the Housing Acceleration Fund, to fast track new home releases.
"We're doing everything we can for first home buyers and for anyone who wants to get into the market for the first time or any families who want to scale up," Ms Berejiklian said.
"The key thing for us as a state government is to continue to focus on supply."
Ms Berejiklian said there were 70,000 housing approvals in NSW in the 12 months to April.
