The Liberals & Nationals’ first Budget delivered today is about rebuilding New

South Wales, including improved transport, roads and infrastructure for the people

of Lane Cove, said Minister for Fair Trading and Member for Lane Cove, The Hon.

Anthony Roberts.

“Rebuilding NSW means repairing what was left behind, improving services and

building the infrastructure the people of NSW need,” Mr Roberts said.

“The NSW Liberals & Nationals Government is very conscious that if we don’t get

expenses under control, there are no funds to fix the services people rely on every

day.”

Mr Roberts said the Budget delivers 900 more teachers, 2475 more nurses and

550 police officers and a record infrastructure investment to address the building

backlog left by Labor.

Spending on hospitals and health capital works over the next four years is $4.7

billion – 50 per cent higher than over the last four years.

“Royal North Shore will receive an additional $55 million for 60 extra beds and

other critical services that were left out of the plans by the previous government.

“The Budget delivers more than $1 billion on the long-awaited upgrade of the

Pacific Highway, increasing the NSW Government commitment by 94 per cent

from 2009 to 2014.

“After many years of neglect, transport services are getting a boost with 261 new

buses, $102 million on new express train services and an extra $7.6 million for

NightRide services. Local commuters will benefit from $3 million in funds for bus

priority on Victoria Road, between Sunnyside Street Gladesville and Salter

Street Huntleys Cove.

“An additional $200 million is provided to tackle black spots and reduce road

congestion. The M2 will get $525,000 this year for improvements between

Windsor Road and Lane Cove Road.

“Locally $3.4 million will be spent this year upgrading the bridge over Tarban

Creek on Burns Bay Road and $500,000 will be used to upgrade Fullers Bridge.

“Funds for school maintenance have increased to $289 million this year and will

ensure an audit of every public school is done every two years to attack the

backlog. The North Sydney TAFE campus redevelopment stage 3 will be

completed in 2014.

“The Budget includes a five-year $2 billion program for disability services, which is

the largest funding commitment to disability services made in the nation’s history. 

“Community infrastructure will be boosted overall with an additional $35 million

allocated over two years through an extension of the Community Building

Partnership program.

“The NSW Liberals & Nationals’ first Budget delivers on our commitments and

starts the process of rebuilding the State.”