Foreword
Regional New South Wales is home to more than a third of the state’s population, but covers more than 95 per cent of our land mass. Communities spread from Byron Bay to Bega, from Broken Hill to Bourke and everywhere in between.
More than its natural beauty, regional New South Wales is defined by the people who call it home. People are the region’s greatest asset, which is why we are rebuilding our essential services like schools and hospitals, paying our frontline workers a wage that recognises their contribution, and investing in regional jobs and industries to drive economic growth.
This budget includes $1.8 billion in new regional investments to build on the strengths of our regions, invest in essential services and infrastructure, and improve service delivery and quality of life in our rural and regional communities.
As part of this, we are establishing a $350 million Regional Development Trust Fund, and a $250 million Working Regions Fund, committing to major investments in regional roads and housing, critical biosecurity measures to protect our industries and regional ecosystems, and support for regional jobs and businesses.
We are making regional communities stronger by enhancing access to high-quality healthcare. We are creating 500 new jobs for paramedics in the regions and transitioning hundreds of regional nurses and midwives to permanent roles.
The NSW Government is committed to delivering high-quality education in every part of our state, which starts with paying teachers a fair and decent wage. We have made more than 7,000 teachers and support staff permanent in our public schools, and are investing $1.4 billion in regional schools, so that all students will have access to world-class education.
The transition to renewable energy is one of the most transformative changes that we will see in our lifetimes, and in New South Wales this will be driven by regional workers and communities.
The NSW Government is accelerating the renewable energy transition, by investing an additional $804 million in Renewable Energy Zones to ensure NSW households and communities have a reliable supply of clean, affordable electricity. Regional communities are at the forefront of this transition, which will create more than 9,000 jobs in regional areas.
We are committed to supporting regional communities to thrive, and to continue to be a great place to live, work and set down roots.
The Hon. Daniel Mookhey MLC
NSW Treasurer
The Hon. Tara Moriarty MLC
Minister for Agriculture
Minister for Regional New South Wales
Minister for Western New South Wales
Regional NSW snapshot
The people of regional New South Wales play a crucial role in the economic prosperity of the State. A third of the state’s population call a regional area home, and they produce around a fifth of total NSW Gross State Product. Thousands of people also visit the regions each year to sample their produce, enjoy their natural wonders, and spend time with family and friends.
The 2023-24 Budget reflects the NSW Government’s commitment to supporting communities across regional New South Wales by providing the critical services and infrastructure required to foster the ongoing prosperity of the state.
This Budget includes investments in essential services in regional communities, recognising that the biggest strength of any community is its people.
Our commitments to increased investment and support for these services, most notably in health and education, reflect our understanding that good health and education set us up to face the challenges of the future. To support this, the NSW Government is investing in upgrades to schools and hospitals, which are central to life in our regional communities.
The 2023-24 Budget is forward looking, with investments in transitioning our economy to a clean energy future and supporting those industries that make such a significant contribution to our state.
This document highlights the Government’s investments in the communities of regional New South Wales.
Budget highlights
Growing regional economies and communities
Regional New South Wales is a great place to live, work, and raise a family. Our regional communities offer an amazing range of opportunities to grow, thrive, and contribute to the economic prosperity of the state.
The NSW Government is investing in services and infrastructure across regional New South Wales to support communities with the things that matter most to them. Together, we will continue to ensure our regional communities remain strong and prosperous into the future.
Advocates for regional communities
Regional people, and the industries they work in, make a significant contribution to the economic output of the State. The NSW Government is investing in targeted programs and independent advocates to ensure that regional industries are supported to thrive.
The 2023-24 Budget includes:
- Targeted projects and grant programs totalling $1.2 billion that support councils, communities, and businesses across regional New South Wales to enhance economic growth, social development, wellbeing, and community amenity.
- Investing in the future needs of regional communities, aligned with the Australian Government Regional Investment Framework, with $350.0 million allocated to the Regional Development Trust Fund.
- World-class digital services and telecommunication pricing to rural and regional New South Wales, with a $252.1 million investment.
- Establishing an Independent Agriculture Commissioner, with $5.5 million to provide more protection for our farmland, ensure food security and a more prosperous agricultural industry.
- Implementing the Plan for Fishing, with $4.9 million to support a sustainable fisheries estate, including establishing peak bodies for commercial and recreational fishing sectors.
- Re-engaging a Dairy and Fresh Food Advocate, with a commitment of $2.2 million to review supply chains, address food security issues, and be a voice for farmers.
Protecting our agriculture industries
Agriculture and primary production is one of the most significant and iconic industries of our regions. New South Wales is home to more than 39,000 agricultural businesses, 42,000 farms, and more than 66,000 people employed in the agricultural sector alone. To support these industries, the NSW Government is investing an additional $298.5 million toward biosecurity and agricultural programs.
Biosecurity management is vital to protecting our agricultural and primary production industries to ensure they continue to deliver high-quality produce to national and international markets. It protects the economy, environment, and community from the negative impacts of pests and diseases, weeds, and other contaminants.
The 2023-24 Budget includes:
- Strong biosecurity systems to prepare and respond to threats, including:
- Protecting New South Wales from the march of Red Imported Fire Ants, with an additional $80.0 million.
- Supporting beekeepers, horticulture and industries affected by the Varroa mite, with $77.2 million.
- Supporting prawn fishers, farmers, and businesses with $10.2 million in targeted response to white spot disease.
- Supporting sheep and goat farmers implement a mandatory individual electronic identification across New South Wales to provide traceability with a $39.0 million partnership with the Australian Government.
- Commencing the $13.0 million Feral Pig Control program to reduce the number of feral pigs and protect primary producers and farming communities.
- Helping farms to prepare for and adapt to climate change with $11.1 million for the Farm Business Resilience Program, with the Australian Government .
- Establishing the Good Neighbour Program, with $10.0 million to tackle weed and pest infestations between neighbouring public and private lands.
- Establishing an Independent Biosecurity Commission, with $2.3 million to protect the economy, environment and the community from the impacts of pest animals and weeds. The Commission will work with the Natural Resources Commission to discover the extent of pest animals and weeds on public land.
Supporting regional industries
Regional New South Wales is home to a wide array of businesses and industries, attracting workers from around the world to participate in our vibrant regional economy.
Our regions support diverse industries including professional services, world-renowned tourism destinations, and safe and sustainable mining and geoscientific practices. The NSW Government is committed to ensuring industries across the state are supported to prosper into the future.
The 2023-24 Budget includes:
- Supporting Moree to become a thriving business hub, with $224.8 million to build sustainable water endowments and new technologies such as protected cropping and innovative energy solutions.
- Supporting Wagga Wagga, with $212.2 million to enable the town to be a sustainable hub of high-value agricultural production and food manufacturing, supporting industries and businesses to connect to the world.
- Funding of $89.8 million to grow investment and job creation in mining and exploration in regional New South Wales through geoscience data collection.
- An additional $50.0 million investment for water infrastructure and provision of serviced lots as part of $332.2 million to transform Parkes into a national freight and logistics hub.
- Assisting timber mills recovering from the Black Summer bushfires, with $13.5 million for the Construction Softwood Transport Assistance Program.
- Supporting regional community and newspapers to improve the long-term sustainability of regionally-focused media and news gathering organisations, with a $6.0 million investment.
- Establishing Regional Future Jobs and Investments Authorities to work in partnership with community leaders to guide the transition from a coal based economy toward other economic activity and employment, with a $5.2 million investment.
Environmental protection
Regional New South Wales boasts a vast array of natural wonders, from deserts and ancient rainforests, seascapes, and soaring mountain ranges. It is home to a diverse range of native animals and flora, including the iconic koala.
The NSW Government is committed to protecting our natural environment and is investing in measures to preserve it for the enjoyment and appreciation of generations to come.
The 2023-24 Budget includes:
- Establishing the new Great Koala National Park on the Mid-North Coast, with $80.0 million to preserve large tracts of koala habitat.
- Managing and replacing existing visitor infrastructure with $74.4 million to ensure the State’s national parks can continue to be enjoyed by the public.
- Helping Landcare address environmental degradation, with $58.8 million. These interventions will improve and sustain agricultural productivity, environmental protection, resilience to natural disasters and community vitality.
- The Environment Protection Authority continuing to coordinate blood lead screening and home assessments of lead exposure pathways in Broken Hill, at a cost of $4.1 million.
- A reservation of $3.5 million for the Port Stephens Koala Hospital, Northern Rivers Wildlife Hospital and Friends of the Koala to deliver treatment, care and rehabilitation for sick and injured native wildlife.
Rebuilding essential services
When the people of our regions are supported, the whole state benefits. The NSW Government is focused on providing targeted services and infrastructure where it’s needed, to deliver real outcomes for people in our regions.
The NSW Government is rebuilding and strengthening essential government services. We are focused on measures that make a real difference to the long-term sustainability and prosperity of people in regional communities.
Investing in the regional workforce
Nearly 140,000 people work in state public services in our regions; a significant proportion of the regional workforce.
This workforce includes the nurses that care for us when we are ill, the teachers that educate our children, and the police that keep us safe. This Budget supports and rewards these essential workers.
The 2023-24 Budget includes:
- Support for thousands of NSW public sector employees with a 4.5 per cent pay increase (including superannuation), with benefits to flow to regional households and communities.
- Making more than 7,000 temporary teachers and support staff permanent in our regional schools.
- 1,112 nurses and midwives, whose positions were funded only temporarily to June 2024, will now be made permanent with an additional $572.3 million. Hundreds of these positions will be in regional NSW.
- Addressing paramedic shortages and improving ambulance response times with 500 new regional paramedics through a $438.6 million investment.
- Beginning the introduction of Safe Staffing levels with a $419.1 million investment to deliver better outcomes and experiences for patients, including in rural and regional hospitals.
- Doubling of the incentive payment for healthcare workers moving to regional and remote areas from $10,000 to up to $20,000.
- Delivering salary packaging benefits for eligible healthcare workers at a cost of $170.8 million.
- 3,000 Landcare groups across New South Wales, supported by $58.8 million.
- Delivering targeted workforce development training to provide industry-relevant skills, with $27.2 million for Tocal College.
- Additional National Parks and Wildlife Service field officers at a cost of $22.1 million.
World-class education
More than 40 per cent of schools in New South Wales are in regional, rural or remote areas, educating almost 25 per cent of our students across the state.
The NSW Government is working to ensure we are providing quality education to every student in every school in our state.
The 2023-24 Budget includes:
- $769.3 million for 100 new preschools on public school sites where they are needed most across the state.
- Funding for new and upgraded schools, with $222.0 million for:
- Googong High School
- Medowie High School
- Jerrabomberra High School
- Vincentia High School.
- $40.0 million to support not-for-profit early childhood education in high growth and regional communities, and a trial of more flexible service delivery models.
- Attracting and retaining rural and regional teachers through the Grow Your Own training program.
- Providing equal opportunities for rural and remote students through digital uplifts under the Rural Access Gap program.
- Upgrades to Bungendore High School for $71.0 million.
- Relocation of Budawang School for $34.4 million.
- Delivering a new primary school in Albury Thurgoona.
- A new primary school in Nowra.
- Delivering a new primary school at Wilton Junction.
- Upgrades to Wee Waa High School.
- Upgrades to Gillieston Public School.
- Upgrades to the Jindabyne Education Campus.
- Relocation of Lennox Head Public School.
Supporting housing delivery
The cost of housing continues to rise across regional areas, driven largely by a lack of supply in the housing market.
The NSW Government is investing in practical measures aimed at increasing supply and providing safe and affordable accommodation to the residents living and working in New South Wales regions.
The 2023-24 Budget includes:
- Support for new housing supply, with $1.5 billion from the new Housing and Productivity Contribution to deliver enabling infrastructure in key growth areas, including the Central Coast, Lower Hunter and Illawarra-Shoalhaven.
- A new Housing Infrastructure Fund that includes $100.0 million to deliver infrastructure projects in regional New South Wales that will unlock housing, as part of a $400.0 million program.
- Debt financing of $70.0 million to accelerate the delivery of social, affordable and private homes, primarily in regional New South Wales.
- Support for new Build to Rent trials in the South Coast and Northern Rivers, at a cost of $60.0 million.
- Providing critical services to vulnerable Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families through Services Our Way, including in Coffs Harbour, Clarence Valley, New England, Central West and Illawarra-Shoalhaven, for $35.3 million.
- Delivering faster quality social housing through a $10.0 million Modular Housing Trial.
Regional transport upgrades
Roads, rail and transport services are critical to life in regional New South Wales, connecting communities to one another and supporting the movement of goods produced in our regions to national and international markets.
The NSW Government is committed to ensuring that the roads used by regional communities daily are reliable and safe so people can travel to work, visit family and friends and keep our supply chains moving.
The 2023-24 Budget includes:
- Delivery of a new regional rail fleet, with $1.4 billion to replace the ageing regional fleet to improve safety, accessibility, amenities and reliability of regional train journeys.
- Establishing a $390.0 million Regional Emergency Road Repair Fund to support regional councils in managing existing roads and prioritising works based on the needs of their communities, particularly those damaged by natural disasters.
- A range of regional transport programs, with $333.9 million to replace ageing timber bridges through the Fixing Country Bridges program, providing improvements to regional bus services, and supporting councils through the Fixing Local Roads program.
- Establishing a Regional Roads Fund, with $334.0 million to build new roads in rural and regional areas, including:
- Planning and design work for the Gosford Bypass for $40.0 million.
- Investigating the Bulli Bypass for $20.0 million.
- Upgrades at the intersection of Yass Road, Bungendore Road and Ellerton Drive for $19.0 million.
- Early work for the duplication of the Thornton Rail Bridge for $15.0 million.
- Repair and restoration of Cuttagee Bridge for $15.0 million.
- Early work on the East Nowra Sub Arterial Road project for $12.0 million.
- Replacing Kyogle Council’s remaining timber and composite bridges for $12.0 million.
- Improvements along the Golden Highway for $12.0 million.
- Upgrades to the Port Stephens Road for $10.0 million.
- Upgrades to Nerriga Road for $10.0 million.
- Upgrades to Briars Sharrow Bridge for $9.0 million.
- Constructing a roundabout at the Alphadale crossroads with Lismore City Council for $7.5 million.
- Continuing to deliver improved capacity and reliability of the regional rail network and deliver a highly functional network for moving freight in and out of regional areas, with $95.9 million for the Fixing Country Rail program.
- Planning for the transition of fleet to Zero Emission Buses, including for services in high-growth regional areas, with $29.4 million committed.
- Delivering vehicle tracking and automatic passenger counting technology, with $20.2 million to continue the Transport Connected Bus Program.
- Upgrading Moss Vale Station for $11.3 million to improve accessibility for customers.
- Improving the network of heavy vehicle rest stops across regional New South Wales, with a $10.0 million investment.
- Continuing planning works to deliver the Nelson Bay Road Upgrade.
Energy transition
The NSW Government is working to transition the economy to a clean energy future and regional communities will be at the forefront of this transition. It is one of the largest investments in regional New South Wales in the last 100 years and presents a significant opportunity for growth, development and creation of jobs in regional areas.
The NSW Government is accelerating the delivery of Renewable Energy Zones, with new infrastructure for the generation, storage and transmission of reliable, affordable and clean electricity for homes and business across the state.
The Renewable Energy Zones in Central West Orana, New England, South West, Illawarra and Hunter will generate billions of dollars of investment. They will create more than 9,000 jobs providing new opportunities for growth, investment and continued prosperity for communities in those regions.
The 2023-24 Budget includes:
- Seed funding of $1.0 billion to create the NSW Energy Security Corporation, a state-owned body to partner with industry on projects that provide affordable, accessible and reliable energy to households across New South Wales.
- Putting the delivery of Renewable Energy Zones and other critical transmission projects back on track, with $804 million to ensure that New South Wales has a reliable supply of clean, affordable renewable energy.
Disaster recovery and preparedness
Communities across New South Wales have experienced some of the largest natural disasters in the nation’s history in recent years, with widespread flooding events across many areas in the wake of the devastating Black Summer bushfires.
The NSW Government continues to provide support to those recovering and rebuilding from these events, as well as planning and preparing to limit the impact of future disasters on communities.
The 2023-24 Budget includes:
- $4.0 billion in targeted recovery programs to support communities, regional councils, and businesses across New South Wales to recover, rebuild and prosper.
- Helping flood survivors get back into their homes following the 2022 floods in Lismore by providing $5.0 million to support the Two Rooms Project.
- Developing a new Rural Fire Service Fire Control Centre and integrated Emergency Operations Centre at Moruya, through an additional $5.0 million, bringing the total investment for this critical facility to $20.0 million.
- Protecting communities in high-risk areas of New South Wales through investment in a $3.3 million natural disaster detection system.
- Upgrading police facilities at Helensburgh, with a $3.0 million commitment.
- Supporting the Tweed Shire Council in implementing urban flood mitigation projects, with a $2.0 million contribution.
- Upgrading facilities at the Moss Vale Fire Station, through a $2.0 million investment.
Water security
Water is our most precious resource and nowhere is it more critical than in regional New South Wales. Communities rely on it for drinking water and recreation purposes, and primary industries rely on it to ensure our agricultural producers remain among the world’s best. Healthy river systems support entire ecosystems and provide important habitat for native plants and animals.
The 2023-24 Budget includes:
- Improvements to critical water supply infrastructure for Wilcannia, Eurobodalla and Cobar, as part of a total $222.4 million commitment with the Australian Government.
- Safe and Secure Water Program initiatives of $217.5 million to support regional towns dealing with town water supply, quality and safety risks.
- Planning to improve water security for Tamworth, with $6.0 million to identify practical solutions.
- Improving water security and catchment health (Tweed, Brunswick, Richmond and Evans Rivers Catchments) as part of a $5.0 million contribution for the Northern Rivers Watershed Initiative.
- Delivering Murray-Darling Basin Plan commitments to support river health, access to water, and better water efficiencies to minimise the impacts of Australian Government buybacks.
Regional Highlights - Central Coast
Highlights
- $200.0 million Wyong Hospital Redevelopment Stage 1.
- $6.4 million Wyong Hospital’s Cancer Day Unit expansion.
- $4.9 million to provide new and upgraded facilities to deliver Animal Studies courses at Wyong TAFE.
- $97.0 million for the upgrade on the Pacific Highway through the Wyong town centre (NSW and Australian Governments funded).
- $58.8 million for the Mandalong Road upgrade (NSW and Australian Governments funded).
- $47.0 million for the intersection upgrade at the junction between the Pacific Highway and roads connecting to Harrington and Coopernook (NSW and Australian Governments funded).
- $40.0 million to commence planning and design for Gosford Bypass, under the Regional Roads Fund.
- $29.5 million to improve traffic flow and safety on the Tumbi Road intersection on the Central Coast Highway (NSW and Australian Governments funded).
- $838,000 for new and upgraded quality homes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people through the Aboriginal Housing Office.
- $8.5 million for upgrades to the Gosford Waterfront revitalisation plan.
- $3.7 million for Central Coast sporting field upgrades.
Grants to boost local economies, including:
- $5.0 million for Peat Island Cultural Tourism Precinct Activation.
- $1.3 million for Halekulani Oval Amenities Renewal.
- $650,000 for Darkinjung Mangrove Mountain Cultural Tourism Park.
- $306,177 for Saratoga Sailing Club Security, Equity, Accessibility and Safety Project.
Regional Highlights - Central West and Orana
Highlights
- $306.3 million Dubbo Health Service Redevelopment.
- $200.0 million Bathurst Hospital Redevelopment.
- $117.9 million Orange Base Hospital Cyclical Maintenance.
- $110.2 million Cowra Hospital Redevelopment.
- $24.5 million Bletchington Public School Upgrade.
- $15.9 million Millthorpe Public School Upgrade.
- $187.2 million for the Parkes Bypass on the western outskirts of Parkes, as part of the Newell Highway upgrades (NSW and Australian Governments funded).
- $187.2 million for duplication on the Little Hartley to Lithgow section of the Great Western Highway at Cox’s River Road.
- $146.8 million for the new Dubbo Bridge to improve traffic congestion in Dubbo and enhance access across the Macquarie River during flood events (NSW and Australian Governments funded).
- $129.6 million for duplication of the Great Western Highway through the Medlow Bath urban area (NSW and Australian Governments funded).
- $127.5 million to develop projects on the Main Western Rail Line to upgrade and improve capacity for passenger and freight rail services and support economic growth in regional New South Wales.
- $5.0 million to commence planning to upgrade the Bells Line of Road corridor (Australian Government funded).
- $2.0 million to investigate flood mitigation solutions on the Newell Highway between West Wyalong and Forbes (NSW and Australian Governments funded).
- $64.8 million for a new purpose-built office hub in Dubbo, to accommodate 650 workers from across government agencies, improving cross-agency collaboration and service delivery across western New South Wales.
- $10.6 million to deliver new and upgraded quality homes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people through the Aboriginal Housing Office.
- $40.9 million for the construction of the NSW Police Dubbo Regional Education and Training Centre, with the Government investing an additional $5.9 million in this project.
- $9.4 million for the Lithgow Fire Station.
- $50.0 million for the Spatial Data and Survey Infrastructure Program.
- $31.3 million for Live NSW operating systems, based in Bathurst.
- $6.4 million for CORSnet sustaining infrastructure to improve accuracy of satellite positioning for regional users.
- $332.2 million to transform Parkes into a national freight and logistics hub, including $50 million additional investment for water infrastructure and to provide serviced lots.
Grants to boost local economies, including:
- $20.0 million for the New Serengeti Plains Visitor Experience and Eco-Accommodation Tourism Infrastructure Project.
- $5.5 million for the Coonamble Artesian Bathing Experience.
- $4.5 million for construction of the Mid-Western Regional Council Solar Array.
- $928,647 for the Positive Community Health Outcomes Program.
- $847,286 for the Regional Youth Investment Future Ready Program.
- $672,375 for the Portland Central Park Project.
- $304,716 for new amenities at Coonabarabran No 3 Oval.
- $261,265 for Bathurst Archers facilities and infrastructure upgrades.
- $150,623 for new clubhouse toilets for Grenfell Country Club.
- $121,546 for the upgrade of the Oberon Golf Club facilities.
- $120,000 for Keeping it Local: Rolling out a Wheelchair Multi-Sport Hub in Parkes.
- The Central West Orana Renewable Energy Zone around Dubbo and Dunedoo will unlock up to 6 GW intended network capacity. It is expected to support around 5,000
Regional Highlights - Far West
Highlights
- $30.0 million Wentworth Health Service Redevelopment.
- $12.3 million to complete the final section of the Silver City and Cobb Highway seal extension program.
- $222.4 million in improvements to critical water supply infrastructure for towns, including Wilcannia and Cobar, in partnership with the Australian Government.
- $39.6 million to deliver new and upgraded quality homes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders people through the Aboriginal Housing Office.
- $4.1 million to continue blood lead screening and home assessments of lead exposure pathways in Broken Hill.
- $13.3 million for major upgrades to Bourke Police Station.
- $8.0 million for the Broken Hill Fire Station.
Grants to boost local economies, including:
- $5.0 million for a Fibre Optic Symphonic Orchestra in Wentworth as part of the Light/State project.
- $5.0 million for upgrades to airside movement areas at Broken Hill Regional Airport.
- $500,000 for the Old Brewarrina Mission Redevelopment.
- $480,239 to enhance the sustainability and liveability of Milparinka.
- $306,404 to develop sustainable growth opportunities in Silverton.
- $120,000 for the It’s On! Gilgandra region ‘A Night Under the Gums’ event.
Regional Highlights - Hunter
Highlights
- $835.0 million John Hunter Health and Innovation Precinct.
- $471.0 million Maitland Hospital.
- $111.5 million Cessnock Hospital Redevelopment.
- $100.0 million Manning Hospital Redevelopment Stage 2.
- $45.0 million Muswellbrook Hospital Redevelopment Stage 3.
- The new Medowie High School.
- Gillieston Public School Redevelopment.
- Hunter River High School Upgrade.
- Irrawang High School Upgrade.
- $355.1 million in year for main works construction of the Pacific Motorway (M1) extension to Raymond Terrace (NSW and Australian Governments funded).
- $270.8 million for the Newcastle Inner City Bypass between Rankin Park and Jesmond (NSW and Australian Governments funded).
- $77.0 million in year for the Hexham Straight Upgrade between Newcastle Inner City Bypass and Hexham Bridge (NSW and Australian Governments funded).
- $33.2 million in year for the New England Highway Singleton Bypass (NSW and Australian Governments funded).
- $22.2 million to finalise Golden Highway Safety and Productivity Works (NSW and Australian Governments funded).
- $15.0 million to plan the duplication of the Thornton Rail Bridge, under the Regional Roads Fund.
- $12.1 million to continue early works activities for the New England Highway Muswellbrook Bypass (NSW and Australian Governments funded).
- $10.0 million for the Port Stephens Council to commence planning and early work for upgrades to a number of roads across Port Stephens under the Regional Roads Fund.
- Continuing planning works to deliver the Nelson Bay Road Upgrade.
- $106.0 million to maintain and repair the Hunter Valley Flood Mitigation Scheme to help minimise flood risk across the Newcastle and Hunter regions.
- $11.8 million to deliver new and upgraded quality homes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people through the Aboriginal Housing Office.
- $40.0 million New Lake Macquarie Sport and Recreation Centre Project.
- $6.3 million Cessnock Fire and Rescue NSW Station.
- $3.9 million Muswellbrook Land and Fire and Rescue NSW Station.
- $2.8 million Dungog Fire Station.
Grants to boost local economies, including:
- $2.7 million for the new community play space and events lawn at Harold Gregson Reserve Maitland Regional Sports Complex.
- $602,421 for the Hunter Valley Visitor Information Centre Park.
- $438,515 for the Connected to Care program to provide support services to young people experiencing disadvantage.
- $182,040 to upgrade community amenity infrastructure at Barkuma Neighbourhood Centre’s Cultural Farm.
- $50,000 for the Aim High project through the Forster Neighbourhood Centre.
- The Hunter-Central Coast Renewable Energy Zone is located around Newcastle and Muswellbrook. The recent Registration of Interest attracted almost 40 GW of renewable generation and storage capacity.
Regional Highlights - Illawarra-Shoalhaven
Highlights
- $721.9 million New Shellharbour Hospital and Integrated Services and car park.
- $438.0 million Shoalhaven Hospital Redevelopment.
- $21.9 million allocated for Wollongong Hospital Upgrades.
- $7.5 million Milton Ulladulla Hospital Upgrades.
- $34.4 million Budawang School Relocation.
- Vincentia High School Upgrade.
- A new Nowra Primary School.
- Ulladulla High School Upgrade.
- $277.8 million to replace the existing intersection of the Princes Highway and Mount Ousley Road (NSW and Australian Governments funded).
- $135.6 million for the Jervis Bay Road Intersection on the Princes Highway.
- $55.2 million to continue the Nowra Bridge over the Shoalhaven River (NSW and Australian Governments funded).
- $20.0 million to investigate extending Memorial Drive from Bulli.
- $12.0 million for Shoalhaven council to commence planning on the East Nowra Sub Arterial Road project.
- $10.0 million to commence planning additional entry and exit ramps on the M1 Princes Motorway, around Dapto, under the Regional Roads Fund.
- $9.3 million for planning and assessments to upgrade Picton Road.
- $5.0 million to assist Shoalhaven Council to build shared pathways in Kioloa, Callala, Dolphin Point, Myola, Narrawallee and Nowra.
- $4.9 million to deliver new and upgraded quality homes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people through the Aboriginal Housing Office.
Grants to boost local economies, including:
- $10.0 million for The International Boathouse Tourism Precinct Development.
- $2.4 million for the Illawarra Performing Arts Centre Upgrade.
- $1.0 million for the Hindmarsh Park Redevelopment Stage 2.
- $982,556 for upgrades to Reddall Reserve public amenities.
- $250,000 for the Changing Tides food and music festival.
- $153,000 for a playground replacement for Bawley Point Reserve.
- $100,268 for the Shimano Husky Triathlon Festival 2023.
- $49,903 for the Illawarra Young Women’s Program.
- $48,400 for Aboriginal cultural mentoring for disengaged youth.
- The Illawarra Renewable Energy Zone is located around Wollongong and Shellharbour and will utilise rehabilitated industrial land, port and transport infrastructure. The recent Registration of Interest attracted a significant response with more than 17 GW of generation and storage capacity.
Regional Highlights - New England and North West
Highlights
- $80.0 million Moree Hospital Redevelopment.
- $53.0 million Gunnedah Hospital Redevelopment.
- $50.0 million Glen Innes Hospital Upgrade.
- $2.5 million Early Childhood Education Centre at Gunnedah Campus.
- Wee Waa High School Upgrade.
- $195.1 million for the Heavy Duty Pavement Program to deliver new pavement, intersection improvements, widening of road shoulders and the provision of five additional overtaking lanes between Narrabri and Moree (NSW and Australian Governments funded).
- $26.2 million to deliver new and upgraded quality homes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders people through the Aboriginal Housing Office.
- $6.0 million for planning to improve water security for Tamworth.
- $5.0 million for the Reconnecting Watercourse Country Program.
- $224.8 million to support Moree becoming a northern gateway and thriving business hub, building on sustainable water endowments and new technologies such as protected cropping and innovative solutions.
- $2.3 million for the Chickpea Breeding Program.
Grants to boost local economies, including:
- $5.6 million for the Gunnedah Koala Sanctuary.
- $4.2 million to make Tenterfield a mountain bike destination town.
- $1.3 million for the Keep on Track program to support young people.
- $904,968 for Jubilee Park facilities improvements.
- $892,000 for upgrades to Moree Artesian Pools.
- $888,685 for new musical studios at the Music Education Culture Community Armidale.
- The New England Renewable Energy Zone is located around Armidale and has an intended network capacity of 8 GW. It is expected to support around 830 operational and 1,250 construction jobs.
Regional Highlights - North Coast
Highlights
- $723.3 million Tweed Hospital and Integrated Ambulatory Services Redevelopment.
- $312.8 million Lismore Hospital Redevelopment Stages 3A, 3B, and 3C.
- $263.8 million Grafton Base Hospital Redevelopment.
- $194.0 million Coffs Harbour Hospital Expansion.
- $51.2 million for major upgrades at the Tweed River High School and the Tweed River South Public School.
- $16.7 million for major upgrades at the Bangalow Public School.
- Major upgrades at the Kingscliff Public School and Kingscliff High School.
- Expansion of the Kingscliff TAFE Campus.
- Relocation of Lennox Head Public School.
- $1.3 billion for the Coffs Harbour Bypass, which will improve safety and reduce travel time (NSW and Australian Governments funded).
- $35.2 million to continue the safety, traffic and pavement improvements on the Waterfall Way.
- $150.0 million for NSW Land and Housing Corporation to deliver replacement, substitute and new social housing in flood impacted locations.
- $80.0 million to assess and establish the Great Koala National Park on the Mid North Coast to preserve large tracts of koala habitat.
- $70.0 million to continue to repair and replace flood-damaged housing for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
- $56.4 million Dorrigo Escarpment Walk and Arc Rainforest visitor experience.
- $55.1 million for an office hub in Coffs Harbour to improve cross-agency collaboration and service delivery.
- $30.7 million to enhance biosecurity for Lord Howe Island to protect the ecological values of this World Heritage listed site.
- $20.0 million to redevelop the Coffs Harbour Jetty Foreshore Precinct.
- $5.0 million to help flood survivors get back into their homes following the 2022 floods in Lismore by supporting the Two Rooms Project.
- $2.0 million in grant funding to Tweed Shire Council to fund urban flood resilience and mitigation projects.
- $400,000 to install and maintain disability-friendly amenities at Nimbin Peace Park.
Grants to boost local economies, including:
- $1.2 million for the Byron Community Hub.
- $1.2 million for inclusive upgrades at Lloyd Park, Crescent Head.
- $798,121 for the Heritage Park Improvements Project in Lismore.
- $450,000 for a new Skate Park at Kendall Recreation Reserve.
- $404,665 for the Wyuna foreshore community access masterplan.
- $273,586 for the Malabugilmah Community Playground.
- $143,055 for upgrades and activation of Lord Howe Island Community Centre.
- $130,698 for the construction of a car park, toilet facilities and shelter within Kalateenee Mountain Bike Park.
- $117,255 for modern and accessible toilets and showers at Lawrence Golf and Sports Club.
Regional Highlights - Riverina Murray
Highlights
- $538.0 million Albury Wodonga Regional Hospital.
- $431.4 million Wagga Wagga Base Hospital Redevelopment.
- $250.0 million Griffith Hospital Redevelopment.
- $80.0 million Temora Hospital Redevelopment.
- $50.0 million Tumut Hospital Redevelopment.
- $30.0 million Wagga Wagga Base Hospital Car Park.
- $25.0 million Finley Hospital Upgrade.
- $1.2 million Leeton Hospital Upgrade.
- $29.3 million to deliver Yanco Agricultural High School upgrades.
- A new Albury Thurgoona Primary School.
- $19.4 million plan for the upgrade of the Sheahan Bridge on the Hume Highway at Gundagai to allow larger and heavier freight vehicles.
- $5.6 million to complete planning of the Marshalls Creek Bridge widening project.
- $8.0 million for the construction of a new Moama Police Station on a new site.
- $189.7 million from the Australian Government to deliver projects and new planning effort to drive towards targets set in the Murray Darling Basin Plan.
- $43.2 million to deliver new and upgraded quality homes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people through the Aboriginal Housing Office.
- $31.0 million from the Australian Government for water efficiency measures.
- $212.2 million for Wagga Wagga to be a hub of high-value agricultural production and food manufacturing supporting industries and businesses to connect to the world.
- $6.0 million for the Narrandera Fisheries Centre upgrade.
Grants to boost local economies, including:
- $800,000 for Tumut’s Riverglade Oval infrastructure upgrades.
- $740,000 for a play space and exercise area at the World War II Memorial Bowl.
- $660,000 for recreational upgrades at the Narrandera water tower area.
- $392,524 for the Hay Hydrotherapy Pool.
- $300,000 for the Festival of W at Victory Memorial Gardens, Wagga Wagga.
- $225,885 for the Deniliquin Town Hall Revitalisation Project.
- $223,523 for upgrades of buildings involved in the Coleambally Preschool Early Learning Centre project.
- $186,268 for an outdoor all-weather fenced arena at Corowa Pony Club.
- $123,800 for the Bush Eco Art Therapy project.
- The South West Renewable Energy Zone is located around Balranald and Hay. It is expected to support more than 2,000 construction jobs.
Regional Highlights - South East and Tablelands
Highlights
- $260.0 million Eurobodalla Regional Hospital Redevelopment.
- $165.0 million Goulburn Hospital Redevelopment.
- $26.6 million Cooma Hospital Redevelopment.
- $250,000 for the Yass Hospital feasibility study.
- $71.0 million for Bungendore High School.
- A new Googong High School.
- Upgrade to the Jindabyne Education Campus.
- Upgrade to the Jerrabomberra High School.
- $19.0 million to plan for signal upgrades at the Yass Road, Bungendore Road and Ellerton Drive roundabout intersection to ease congestion and improve safety at Queanbeyan East Public School.
- $15.1 million in year to continue construction on the Monaro Highway upgrade program.
- $15.0 million for Bega Valley Shire Council to commence planning and restoration of the Cuttagee Bridge, under the Regional Roads Fund.
- $10.0 million to continue pavement replacement on the Hume Highway at Marulan.
- $10.0 million for Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council to finalise sealing Nerriga Road under the Regional Roads Fund.
- $4.2 million to continue planning for Stage 2 of the Barton Highway duplication from ACT towards Murrumbateman (NSW and Australian Governments funded).
- $60.0 million for major upgrades to the Goulburn Police Academy.
- $25.0 million for major upgrades to the Goulburn Police Station.
- $19.1 million for major upgrades to the Bega Police Station, including a new forensic facility.
- $14.0 million to deliver the Jindabyne Area Police Stations Program.
- $27.9 million upgrade to the Snowies Iconic Walk.
- $9.9 million for the Thredbo Valley Track Extension.
- $9.6 million Wombeyan Caves experience and new nature based tourism opportunities.
- $7.7 million to deliver new and upgraded quality homes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people through the Aboriginal Housing Office.
- $1.0 million to reopen the Wakefield Park Raceway including supporting noise mitigation works to ensure key driver training and safety programs can resume.
- $196.3 million for infrastructure in the Snowy Mountains region to support housing supply and economic activation including utilities, which will also support private investment opportunities.
- $7.5 million for new sporting facilities in Queanbeyan.
Grants to boost local economies, including:
- $14.0 million for the National Circularity Centre, an education, research, and visitor experience.
- $8.0 million for the Merimbula Lake Boardwalk and Foreshore Path.
- $500,000 for the Victoria Park Skate Park extension.
- $449,020 to resurface six synthetic grass tennis courts at the Cooma Royal Tennis Club.
- $212,374 for cricket practice nets upgrades at Todkill Park.
- $200,000 for an inclusive play space in the eastern precinct of Bong Bong Common.
- $121,000 for Keeping it Local: Rolling out a Wheelchair Multi-Sport Hub in Goulburn.
- $14,971 for the Bribbaree Show.
Image credits: Destination NSW, NSW Department of Education, NSW Health, Department of Regional NSW, New South Wales (Transport for NSW), Grenfell Shire Council, Weddin Shire Council
