MEDIA RELEASE
Budget delivers key election commitments for Snowy Monaro
Member for Monaro, Steve Whan says the Minns Government’s first budget has provided the funding needed to deliver the key commitments Labor made to the electorate at the last election.
Steve Whan said “I talked (probably ad nauseum) about the need to make sure we had the people working our essential services – about making sure that we have the teachers, nurses and essential services workers needed to provide the services to our residents.
“This budget does that in a responsible and planned way – without privatizing Government assets.
“It even sets aside a $3.6 billion fund to make sure we keep investing in essential services workers and in doing so, provide the services Monaro residents need.
“I’m also pleased to see the additional cost of living support. Targeted assistance for the people who need it most on energy costs is particularly important.
“The budget also delivers the funds for key roads projects Labor promised at the election:
- Snowy Monaro Shire Council will get an additional $6.791 million for the Regional Emergency Roads fund;
- The commitment to $3m for Smiths Road will be delivered; as will funding for Cow Bed Bridge near Berridale.
“I’m thrilled that my $840,000 commitment to help the community re-open Currawarna in Bombala as an assisted living facility will be delivered in this budget. This is a wonderful example of the community driving better services and it has been a pleasure to work with the community on this project.
“Funding for many regional programs has been significantly re-organised, we are moving away from the unaccountable slush buckets of funds that the Nationals frequently used for political purposes, and we are creating accountable funding bodies.
“That’s changed the way we will deliver the 40 year vision for Jindabyne outlined in the SAP master plan, but we will be delivering the critical infrastructure to enable growth. Over the next four years I expect more than $196 million to be spent on projects identified as part of the plan.”
19 September 2023
