The NRMA has today welcomed $72.2 Billion over four years in funding for road, infrastructure and public transport projects across the state – a $16.5 billion increase from last year year’s commitment.
The NSW Budget includes $33 billion for transport projects in 2020/21, as well as $200 million to drive domestic tourism spending to pre-COVID levels by 2024.
Projects in Regional NSW also received much needed funding to better connect communities still struggling after COVID-19, drought and bushfires. The Fixing Local Roads program that mainly focuses on country roads received $312 million, while the Fixing Country Bridges program was allocated $108 million.
Important road and public transport projects to receive funding in today’s budget include completion of the WestConnex final stage, completion of the Pacific Highway Duplication, projects on the Princes Highway and funding for other important infrastructure in Regional NSW.
The NRMA has also welcomed $500 million for the Out & About Digital Voucher program to encourage NSW residents to spend on tourism and leisure activities within Sydney and Regional NSW.
NRMA Spokesperson Peter Khoury said the strong funding commitment across infrastructure projects and tourism across the state was vital to ensure the NSW economy bounced back post-COVID.
“It’s never been more important for the NSW Government to invest in the state’s future, and these projects go a long way to ensure the crippling effects of COVID-19 aren’t felt by generations to come,” Mr Khoury said.
“This budget continues investment in important road and public transport projects that will help keep Sydney moving and ease congestion such as the completion of the WestConnex Project and the continued roll-out of the Sydney Metro.
“It’s also encouraging to see Regional NSW hasn’t been forgotten in today’s budget. Drought, bushfires and COVID-19 have all hit regional NSW hard, however there is growing confidence that regional tourism can play a key role in the state’s recovery.
“It’s important Regional NSW gets funding to fix local roads and improve infrastructure connections so that Sydneysiders and interstate visitors can easily access and get around the regions.”
Today’s budget includes important projects that have been previously identified by the NRMA as priority areas, particularly those in Regional NSW.
Image credit: Maksym Kozlenko
