boost infrastructure and services in the Bathurst Electorate with significant investments in health

and roads.

Member for Bathurst Paul Toole said after three years repairing Labor’s mess, the NSW Budget is

powerfully positioned to deliver the services people are right to expect.

“When we came to office in 2011 – NSW lagged on all economic fronts,” Mr Toole said.

“We were lagging on jobs growth, productivity, housing approvals and business confidence.

In three short years we have seen NSW rise again to become the powerhouse of the nation –

NSW is growing three times the rate of Queensland and Victoria, housing approvals are at their

highest levels in over a decade and the unemployment rate is the second lowest in the nation.”

The 2014-15 Budget includes funding for the following projects

In Roads:

• Upgrades to the Great Western Highway, including:

o $37 million to commence construction of the safety improvements on the Great Western

o $22 million to commence construction of the four lane upgrade of the Great Western

o $3.7 million to upgrade of bridge over Marangaroo Creek on Great Western Highway

o $5 million to continue planning for the Mount Victoria Village safety upgrade on the

• $77 million (including $46 million from Restart NSW) has been allocated to support productivity

and safety for road freight in country NSW, including extending the ‘Bridges for the Bush’ program to upgrade or replace critical bridges, and building and upgrading truck rest areas.

Projects will include:

o $1 million to repair of McKanes Bridge over Coxs River on McKanes Falls Road

Highway at Forty Bends and Hartley Valley (State and Federal funded)

Highway at Kelso, between Ashworth Drive and Stockland Drive

Great Western Highway (State and Federal funded (Bridges for the Bush).

In Education:

o $2.6 million to continue the $8.4 million upgrade and new gymnasium at Denison College of Secondary Education, Bathurst High Campus

In Sport and Recreation:

• $3 million over two years to upgrade Lithgow Aquatic Centre – ($750k in 2014-15).

“The NSW Liberals and Nationals Government is also supporting businesses to grow with a further

reduction to WorkCover premiums, with employers to benefit from an average premium rate reduction of five per cent,” Mr Toole said.

“This is on top of the average 12.5 per cent rate reductions delivered in 2013.

“We’re also providing $100,000 in additional funding for the Electorate through the Community

Building Partnership program.

This will allow more community groups and councils to receive funding that will provide positive social, recreational and environmental outcomes in the local community.

Applications can be made at www.communitybuildingpartnership.nsw.gov.au and close Friday July 18.

Mr Toole said he is proud to be part of a government that is building for the future and places the

needs of the community first.