Mr Perottett labelled a $100 rebate on children’s sports fees as the ‘soul of the budget’; a parent pleaser that’s sure to be welcomed by the sporting clubs and families of Lithgow. 

Other state-wide sweeteners, the abolition of duties on crops and livestock insurance and broadening of the waiver on stamp duty for first home buyers also provide some joy for sections of the Lithgow community, first home buyers and farmers, experiencing challenges in the current economic climate. 

MP Paul Toole told the Lithgow Mercury that of the $74 billion spent on infrastructure over $6 million would go towards completing upgrades and performing safety works on five sections of road around Lithgow.

We have also been promised a daily commuter express train to Central, which should begin running later this year. 

Comparing Lithgow’s lot to surrounding Central West towns, however, it seems we have missed out on the core benefits of a budget that has placed its appeal in health spending and local services. Sure, thanks to this budget we might be able to get out of town a little easier but what about the services and opportunities provided in Lithgow?

Both Mudgee and Dubbo will receive major investments into their local hospitals, millions have been allocated to Wellington’s rapid-build jail, and Bathurst Correctional Facility will receive funding for 250 more beds. Orange will receive a mental health support centre and Taronga Western Plains Zoo will receive $7.5 million for their visitor experience program. 

Hospital improvements, more mental health services, prison enlargement and investment in tourism: these are all on Lithgow’s wishlist too. 

The treasurer’s announcement of a record spend on palliative care also rang somewhat hollow in a town with an ageing population and no palliative care facilities in the local hospital. 

While we cannot help but welcome the budget’s turn to local services and infrastructure that will have tangible benefits for communities across the state, we wonder how long it will be before such a turn truly benefits us. 

The 2017-2018 budget may be ‘the envy of the Western World’, but it’s just left Lithgow feeling envious.