Mike Baird med rel: Rebuilding NSW – Budget delivers for Western Sydney

The 2014-15 Budget continues the commitment of the NSW Liberals & Nationals Government to Western Sydney, boosting investment in transport, health, roads, housing, and other services throughout the region, NSW Premier and Minister for Western Sydney Mike Baird said today.

“Western Sydney was taken for granted by NSW Labor for decades, but now we are delivering the infrastructure and services the residents of this thriving region demand and deserve,” Mr Baird said.

There is funding in the 2014-15 Budget for projects in Western Sydney including:

. $400 million for work to accelerate a Western Sydney light rail system, subject to feasibility.
. $863 million for the 36-kilometre North West Rail Link.
. $103 million to complete the South West Rail Link from Glenfield to Leppington.
. $398 million for WestConnex.
. $109 million for road upgrades to support Sydney’s second airport at Badgerys Creek.
. $5 million to commence the Westmead Hospital redevelopment.
. $81 million to continue the redevelopment of Blacktown and Mount Druitt hospitals.
. $12 million for the new $31 million The Ponds High School.
. $6 million to continue the $7.5 million upgrade of Cabramatta High School.
. $60 million for local councils to deliver essential infrastructure to support up to 3,000 new homes in Western Sydney growth areas.

“This vibrant region has formed the focus of our priorities in areas including housing, health, and transport,” Mr Baird said.

“In fact, almost one in every two transport infrastructure dollars invested by the Government has been invested in Western Sydney.

“Since 2011, there has been rezoning of land for 49,000 new homes in Western Sydney’s major growth centres, compared to just 19,800 under NSW Labor over the previous three-year period.

“In contrast to Labor, we have supported these growth areas with vital infrastructure.

“Residents in Western Sydney can look at the 2014-15 Budget and be confident that they are getting a fair go.”