Setting children and young people up for success
A supportive and safe learning environment is integral to fostering learning and development for all children. With more and more families choosing to live in Western Sydney, this Budget recognises the need to invest in new and upgraded schools to support the success and future of children and young people.
Key investments in this Budget include $5.6 million in 2022-23 and $266.9 million over four years for new schools in Gables, Nirimba Fields, and Melonba and the redevelopment of Melrose Park Public School.
These new investments, alongside the new projects funded through WestInvest, will add to the significant program of school infrastructure works in Western Sydney which will total $624.6 million in 2022-23 and $2.8 billion over four years. This record investment includes ongoing projects such as a new primary school in Gregory Hills, an upgrade to John Palmer Public School and the Centre of Excellence in Agricultural Education in Richmond.
Supporting flood recovery
The floods and storms in February and March 2022 have had devastating impacts on communities in Western Sydney. The NSW Government has worked closely with the Commonwealth Government to swiftly put in place flood-recovery assistance to support families and businesses to recover and rebuild, including a total joint commitment of $3.5 billion in support across the State.
The NSW Government has provided a number of supports to assist the recovery of all flood-affected areas across the State, including Western Sydney. This includes immediate clean-up assistance for properties and other public, community and environmental assets and waste disposal. Council disaster recovery grants of $1.0 million have gone to all Disaster Declared LGAs to assist with immediate social, economic and environmental needs. The NSW Government's Back Home Grants are available to flood-impacted renters, landlords and homeowners in the Hawkesbury, Blacktown, Blue Mountains, The Hills and Penrith LGAs. This will aid in repairing homes and replacing essential household items.
Western Sydney residents and businesses in Disaster Declared LGAs can also apply for loans, subsidies and other support programs including:
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The Property Assessment and Demolition Program, offered to property owners for a free property assessment and for the demolition and removal of waste for properties found to be uninhabitable.
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Primary producer concessional loans of up to $130,000 and grants of up to $75,000.
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Small business concessional loans of up to $130,000 and grants of up to $50,000.
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Not-for-profit organisation concessional loans of up to $25,000.
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Sporting club concessional loans of up to $10,000 and $2,000 grants.
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Transport subsidies of up to $15,000.
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Disaster Relief Grants for eligible individuals and families whose homes have been damaged or destroyed by a natural disaster.
Protecting and enhancing communities
This Budget invests in state-of-the-art facilities and technology in emergency services, housing and community infrastructure to ensure Western Sydney residents have a high quality of life.
Key investments and initiatives include:
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Redeveloping Parramatta Police Station as part of the $107.9 million Multipurpose Police Station Program in New South Wales.
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Investing in Aboriginal Child and Family Centres (ACFCs) in Doonside, Minto and Mount Druitt as part of a state-wide investment of $98.7 million to continue and expand ACFCs. This will provide a mix of culturally safe services to support Aboriginal children and their families to be healthy, safe and to thrive.
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More than $21.4 million for Fire and Rescue NSW infrastructure to improve community safety and emergency services across the State and in Western Sydney. This includes investments in new and existing stations in Busby, Oran Park, Marsden Park, Wentworthville and Wentworth Falls.
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$8.0 million in 2022-23 for the redevelopment of the Rural Fire Service Hawkesbury Fire Control Centre.
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$7.7 million to deliver new and upgraded quality homes for First Nations families across Western Sydney.
