REGIONAL NSW

YOUR FAMILY, YOUR future NSW Treasury 52 Martin Place, Sydney NSW 2000

budget.nsw.gov.au treasury.nsw.gov.au

NSW BUDGET 2021-22 PUBLICATIONS INCLUDE: Budget paper no. 1 Budget Statement Budget paper no. 2 Outcomes Statement Budget paper no. 3 Infrastructure Statement Budget paper no. 4 Agency Financial Statements Budget paper no. 5 Appropriation Bills Treasurer’s Speech Overview Regional NSW How to Read the Budget Papers

FRONT COVER IMAGE: Farming, Barraba Destination NSW

First published June 2021.

This publication is protected by copyright. With the exception of (a) any coat of arms, logo, trade mark or other branding; (b) any third party intellectual property; and (c) personal information such as photographs of people, this publication is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Australia Licence. The licence terms are available at the Creative Commons website at: creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/au/legalcode NSW Treasury requires that it be attributed as creator of the licensed material in the following manner: © State of New South Wales (NSW Treasury), (2021) MUDGEE

“Regional communities across the State have proved their resilience in the face of drought, bushfires, COVID-19, flooding and the 2021 mouse plague.”

Regional NSW | 3 Acknowledgement of Country

NSW Treasury acknowledges that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are the First Peoples and Traditional Custodians of Australia, and the oldest continuing culture in human history.

We pay respect to Elders past and present and commit to respecting the lands we walk on, and the communities we walk with.

We celebrate the deep and enduring connection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to Country and acknowledge their continuing custodianship of the land, seas and sky.

We acknowledge the ongoing stewardship of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and the important contribution they make to our communities and economies.

We reflect on the continuing impact of government policies and practices, and recognise our responsibility to work together with and for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, families and communities, towards improved economic, social and cultural outcomes.

Artwork: Regeneration by Josie Rose, 2020

4 | Regional NSW Contents

Treasurer’s message 6

Strong regions with strong economies 8

Supporting our regions 10

Central Coast 22

Central West and Orana 24

Far West 28

Hunter 30

Illawarra-Shoalhaven 34

New England and North West 38

North Coast 42

Riverina Murray 46

South East and Tablelands 50

Regional NSW | 5 Treasurer’s Message

“Vibrant, resilient, future focused and ready to boom: this is a Budget to lock in a strong regional recovery, as we look to an even stronger future.”

6 | Regional NSW The NSW economy is back on the road to recovery, and with the 2021-22 NSW Budget, we’re investing to ensure regional New South Wales reaps the rewards of the rebound.

It’s a strong turnaround from the biggest We’re investing to help farming communities global health and economic crisis in a stay at the cutting edge of agricultural generation. But with a virus that has forced technology and supporting mining international borders to close (and some communities through the Resources for state borders too), one silver lining is that Regions program. we have had good reason to look more With tourists flocking to regional holiday closely at our own backyard and better destinations, we’re making the investments appreciate the treasures to be found there. that will keep them coming back, with funding For many people across our state, that has for visitor infrastructure, cultural facilities meant falling in love with regional NSW and major events. all over again. Many communities are still recovering from More holidaymakers are enjoying the local recent drought, fires and floods, so we are sights, and with a pandemic-inspired move to continuing to fund recovery for those in need more flexible working arrangements across and investing to build resilience in the future. the economy, a new generation is getting And we’re laying the foundations for future down to business in our regions. jobs and industries, investing in Special They are doing so at an exciting time, Activation Precincts around the state and because the future has never been brighter. Regional Job Precincts programs to grow our The 2021-22 Budget invests billions of regional industries including manufacturing, dollars in regional New South Wales, building agtech, freight and logistics, while building on strong foundations to create vibrant capacity in regional health, education and economies, jobs and industries of the future, transport services. centred around thriving communities. Vibrant, resilient, future-focused and ready Our COVID-safe strategy will keep regions to boom: this is a Budget to lock in a strong safe and secure, as we continue to restore regional recovery, as we look to an even regional jobs lost to the pandemic. The stronger future. $100 million Regional Job Creation Fund will leverage over half a billion dollars of private investment and create thousands of jobs in the regions. Major new infrastructure projects will keep our regions connected, including the Great Dominic Perrottet Western Highway Upgrade and the Coffs NSW Treasurer Harbour Bypass. And regional-based seniors will benefit from a two year extension of the $250 travel card.

Regional NSW | 7 01. Strong regions with strong economies

GLENDALE CITRUS AND HAZELNUT ORCHARD, SANDIGO

8 | Regional NSW Regional NSW is a key component of the State’s economic success. It accounts for around 34 per cent of the State’s population, around 25 per cent of the NSW economy and makes a very significant contribution to NSW’s exports.

The 2021-22 NSW Budget continues the The investments the NSW Government is NSW Government’s focus on vibrant and making will: dynamic economies in Regional NSW — ƒ assist businesses to expand, establish, ensuring regional communities have the invest and create more jobs additional boost they need to rebuild, recover and rebound from recent and ƒ ensure communities get the services they current challenges. need to recover, grow and thrive Regional communities across the State ƒ protect and improve the environment and have proved their resilience in the face of local character of our regions drought, bushfires, COVID-19, flooding and ƒ enable the continued response to recent now a mouse plague. The NSW Government, natural disasters of storm, flood, COVID-19 together with the Commonwealth and mouse plague Government, has supported this resilience ƒ prepare for the future with drought and with close to $10.0 billion of natural disaster regional water strategies; and response and recovery funding. ƒ improve road, rail and digital connections The NSW Government remains committed between the regions and the cities to to supporting vital regional industries, speed up the movement of goods and including agriculture and forestry, mining, improve access. fisheries, manufacturing and services This document highlights the NSW sectors. A forward-looking focus will Government’s new and existing key regional help regional economies to further investments in 2021-22. specialise in new industries and adopt innovative practices.

Regional NSW It produces around $20 billion is home to a third of a quarter of of primary industries output NSW’s population Gross State Product in 2020-21

$2 billion $32 billion $10 billion Regional Growth Fund Renewable Energy Zones natural disaster response and recovery

Regional NSW | 9 02. Supporting our regions

DUBBO FARMERS’ MARKET, DUBBO

10 | Regional NSW BOOSTING JOBS AND SKILLS Regional Job Creation Fund The NSW Government’s $4.2 billion Snowy Hydro Legacy Fund is capitalising on regional strengths and supporting $100 million committed businesses to create jobs in the regions. The recovering economy needs the right skills for today while maximising the opportunities of tomorrow. The NSW Government is $26 million project funding establishing the $2.0 billion Snowy Hydro approved to date Investment Fund for projects identified in five priority areas: water security in priority catchments; investing in digital connectivity; $75 million private investment improving passenger road and rail; freight leveraged to date linkages; and establishing Special Activation Precincts. In 2021-22, new investments and allocations include: Creating 1,000 construction jobs ƒ $50.0 million for Mobile Coverage, which Creating 1,600 ongoing jobs will invest in infrastructure and emerging technologies to deliver improved mobile coverage across regional NSW; and ƒ $ 47.9 million for an expanded Farms of jobs in renewables, recycling, advanced the Future program. This is in addition manufacturing, value-added agriculture to the $400.0 million Regional Digital and freight and logistics Connectivity program. ƒ $75.0 million for Special Activation Continuing NSW Government investment Precincts pre-delivery works includes: ƒ $ 25.4 million over three years for future ƒ $79.5 million in 2021-22 to continue Special Activation Precincts, including the $100.0 million Regional Job Creation development of the potential Narrabri Fund. This fund: precinct and continued planning for Moree and the Snowy Mountains precincts; and ƒ supports businesses in NSW regions to grow; and ƒ $5.0 million for the Regional Job Precincts initiative, an extension of the Special ƒ encourages interstate or overseas Activation Precinct program, to deliver businesses to invest in regional NSW. streamlined planning approvals across the state including in Albury, Richmond Valley, SPECIAL ACTIVATION PRECINCTS South Jerrabomberra and Namoi. The NSW Government is continuing its $462.3 million commitment over four years GETTING FUTURE READY for Special Activation Precincts, moving from development to delivery. These are a new The NSW Government’s refreshed 20-Year way of planning and delivering industrial Economic Vision for Regional NSW plan has and commercial infrastructure projects in outlined the importance of helping regional dedicated areas in regional NSW. They bring communities prepare for future challenges together planning and investment support and opportunities. Support includes: services. This Budget includes over four ƒ $259.7 million in 2021-22 (as part of a years: $1.3 billion project) to expand and enhance ƒ $185.4 million for the Parkes Special the Public Safety Network (PSN) to deliver Activation Precinct, which covers around full-state coverage, enhancing the ability to 4,800 hectares, at the only junction of respond to emergencies across the state Australia’s two rail spines, the Inland Rail and addressing recommendations from the and Trans-Australia Railway NSW Bushfire Inquiry: ƒ $157.5 million for the 4,500-hectare ƒ improving coverage of the emergency Wagga Wagga Special Activation services radio network; and Precinct, which will create up to 6,000

Regional NSW | 11 TOBRUK SHEEP STATION, MAROOTA

ƒ putting all NSW emergency services ƒ $5.5 million for the Farm Business organisations onto one network Resilience program ƒ Establishing the Royalties for ƒ $4.3 million for Enhanced Drought Rejuvenation Fund, which will reach Information Systems; and around $300.0 million by 2030-31. The ƒ $5.8 million to assess groundwater and Fund will invest to support coal mining underground storage in central and far communities as their economies transition western NSW. ƒ Approximately $550.0 million Restart Mining continues to drive prosperity in NSW funding in 2021-22 granted directly New South Wales. Remediating legacy mine to local councils and organisations projects with an additional $110.4 million to enable the funding and delivery of over 10 years, while continuing to foster the infrastructure projects that improve the mining projects of tomorrow, will accelerate State’s economic growth and productivity. economic growth, support jobs and boost This includes $168.1 million in 2021-22 community liveability. through the Regional Growth: Economic Activation Fund for business enterprise Driving new investment in exploration and areas, airport upgrades, industrial and mining and forging a path for high-tech and logistics hubs, innovation precincts and critical minerals projects will also be a focus other infrastructure projects; and in 2021-22 and beyond. ƒ $ 63.4 million over four years for the Future The NSW Government is taking a balanced Ready Regions package to help regional approach to supporting responsible coal communities prepare for future droughts production whilst also considering the by investing in tools, skills and data. mineral opportunities that lay ahead and Initiatives include: to support the diversification of coal-reliant regional economies. ƒ $47.9 million for the Farms of the Future program

12 | Regional NSW BELLINGEN RIVER, FERNMOUNT

This includes: ƒ $2.2 million over two years for Round 4 of the Cooperative Drilling Program to remove funding barriers for explorers ƒ the State’s first Critical Minerals Strategy will be developed, with a goal to unlock the industry’s potential ƒ continuation of the State’s work to map mineral deposits through large scale precompetitive data acquisition; and ƒ a new Investment Development team to help make NSW the number one destination for resources investment in Australia.

FOSTERING REGIONAL GROWTH The NSW Government’s $2.0 billion Regional Growth Fund is delivering projects that facilitate regional development and deliver new and upgraded local amenities. In 2021- 22, programs within the Fund forecast spending $398.4 million to continue delivery of more than 2,100 projects. This includes: ƒ $100.0 million for Round 4 of the Stronger Country Communities Fund, including up to $50.0 million in funding to increase female participation in sport ƒ $75.0 million for Round 8 of the Resources ƒ $10.3 million in 2021-22 (as part of an $80.4 million for Regions Fund, supporting mining- capital project) for new signature walking experiences impacted communities to improve local across New South Wales, making our natural and amenities and infrastructure cultural heritage assets in our NSW national parks a must-see destination for local, national and ƒ $69.9 million for projects funded through international visitors. Rounds 1-3 of the Stronger Country Communities Fund REGIONAL DIGITAL CONNECTIVITY ƒ $ 50 million in 2021-22 to promote regional tourism and events through the A commitment to upgrading digital network $20 million Regional Events Acceleration infrastructure will enable businesses to work faster and Fund and the $30 million Regional the people of New South Wales to stay connected. Tourism Activation Fund; and This includes: ƒ $20.7 million for projects funded ƒ $100.0 million for the Gig State project to through Round 7 of the Resources upgrade digital network infrastructure to deliver for Regions Fund. metro-level internet services to regional businesses and residents OTHER REGIONAL INVESTMENT ƒ $ 50.0 million for the Mobile Coverage Project to ƒ $ 30.0 million in 2021-22 (as part of a invest in infrastructure and emerging technologies $60.0 million program) for the Creative to deliver improved regional mobile coverage; and Capital program to deliver new cultural ƒ $47.9 million for the expanded Farms of the Future infrastructure projects in Greater program, which includes constructing and operating Sydney and regional NSW, boosting Long Range Wide Area Networks and grants to community participation in the arts and farmers to stimulate adoption of agtech devices cultural tourism; and and apps.

Regional NSW | 13 RISING FROM RECENT $10 billion Natural Disaster Response CHALLENGES and Recovery The NSW Government continues to stand by farmers, their families and rural communities who have faced a series of challenges, with $4.5 billion in bushfire close to $10.0 billion in programs to repair, recovery support recover and rebuild. Support includes: ƒ $590.4 million for the 2021 NSW Storm and Flood Recovery Package, in $4.5 billion in drought assistance partnership with the Commonwealth, to and water security support support local communities to clean up and recover from the significant storms and floods that have impacted large areas of New South Wales. The Package $590 million in storm and flood includes: response and recovery, with ƒ $215.3 million to clean up storm additional Commonwealth funding and flood impacted properties, being sought essential public assets, community, cultural and recreation assets and environmental assets $150 million for the Mouse Plague ƒ $203.7 million for Recovery Programs Response Program to assist community, infrastructure, industry and environmental recovery over the medium to longer term (additional funding is being sought The NSW Government has committed from the Commonwealth); and approximately $4.5 billion in drought ƒ $171.4 million for disaster recovery assistance and water security support. grants of up to $50,000 for small In 2021-22, a new initiative is: businesses and non-profit organisations and grants of up to $75,000 for ƒ $38.2 million for Round 2 of the primary producers who have suffered Commonwealth Government’s direct damage. Emergency Water Infrastructure Rebate program, supporting innovative ƒ $140.0 million in 2021-22 ($150.0 million on-farm infrastructure investment and over two years) for the Mouse Plague drought preparedness. Response Program to expand help for rural and regional communities. This includes: This Budget also continues drought programs from existing commitments, ƒ $95.0 million for primary producer including: rebates for baits of up to 50 per cent of actual expenses incurred capped to ƒ $ 68.6 million in 2021-22 as part of the $10,000 per business $1.0 billion Safe and Secure Water Program, providing safe, secure and ƒ establishing grain treatment facilities sustainable water and wastewater services at specified locations across rural and to regional NSW regional NSW for farmers to have their grain treated, free of charge ƒ continuing the $1.0 billion Farm Innovation Fund to provide concessional loans and ƒ rebates for small businesses of up to boost drought resilience $1,000 and households of up to $500 through Service NSW to help meet the ƒ $ 310.0 million to help regional communities cost of buying bait recover from the drought; and ƒ $5.0 million for freight rebates to ƒ continuing to deliver infrastructure manufacturers to expedite the import projects under the $170.0 million of zinc phosphide concentrate; and Drought Stimulus Package. ƒ educational workshops and research projects.

14 | Regional NSW RESPONSE TO THE Hazards Research and Technology BUSHFIRE INQUIRY Program (subject to finalisation of business case and gateway review) The NSW Government is continuing to provide its $4.5 billion of recovery support, ƒ $37.6 million in 2022-23 to extend funding in partnership with the Commonwealth, for National Parks and Wildlife Service to recover from the devastating 2019-20 fire fighters and NSW Rural Fire Service summer bushfires. It has accepted all 76 mitigation crews; and recommendations of the NSW Bushfire ƒ $ 34.4 million over four years for the Inquiry. strategic fire trail network and funding for In May 2020, the Government established critical regional Private Land Fire Trail staff. Resilience NSW with $187.5 million to This funding builds on the Government’s deliver a whole-of-government approach initial commitment of $192.2 million for key to prevention, preparedness, response and initiatives in response to the NSW Bushfire recovery to disasters and emergencies. Inquiry, providing protection for communities and properties, as well as support for In this Budget, the Government is emergency service workers. committing a further $268.2 million, co-funded with the Commonwealth The Government is continuing with its Government, in response to the NSW $1.0 billion Bushfire Infrastructure Package Bushfire Inquiry. Key components of the to clean up and repair roads, bridges, response include: schools and other State assets affected by the bushfires, including upgrading ƒ $ 65.6 million over four years from 2021-22 critical communication networks used by for implementation of operational system emergency service workers. upgrades and capability improvements ƒ $ 50.9 million over two years from 2021-22 This is complemented by the $540.0 million to extend fleet replacement and vehicle Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Package, safety retrofits across the fire, rescue, co-funded with the Commonwealth forestry, and national parks fleets Government, to support job retention and creation in bushfire-impacted regions. ƒ $40.3 million over four years from 2021-22 for the Bushfire and Natural

BLACKHEATH

“The NSW Government continues to stand by farmers, their families and rural communities who have faced a series of challenges.”

Regional NSW | 15 PROTECTING OUR WILDLIFE ƒ around $30.0 million in 2021-22 to AND ENVIRONMENT continue delivery of the NSW Marine Estate Management Strategy, addressing Investing in the protection and preservation the greatest threats to the health of the of New South Wale’s natural capital NSW coast and wildlife ensures the quality of our environment is sustained for future ƒ $21.7 million in 2021-22 ($65.3 million over generations and supports regional four years) for Environmental Trust grants economies through tourism attraction. to the National Parks and Wildlife Service, Support includes: to support: ƒ An additional $47.5 million over four ƒ the acquisition of high value conservation years and $110.4 million over 10 years to land for protection in the NSW national deliver remediation projects at 20 high parks estate and extreme-risk legacy mine sites to ƒ rewilding of threatened fauna; and improve environmental and human ƒ implementation of ecological health health outcomes, and invigorate local monitoring and reporting projects. regional economies ƒ $15.0 million in 2021-22 ($75 million over ƒ in 2021-22 for Local Land $40.0 million five years) to continue the Saving Our Services to support travelling stock Species program, New South Wales’ reserves, natural resource management, flagship threatened species conservation agricultural advice, animal and plant program, to maximise the number of biosecurity and emergency management threatened species and ecological ƒ $35.0 million in 2021-22 to boost NSW’s communities that are secure in the wild early detection and response to exotic across the State. biosecurity threats

KOALA SANCTUARY, PORT STEPHENS

16 | Regional NSW MUDGEE HOSPITAL

Just over $900 million for new and upgraded hospitals and health facilities in rural and regional NSW

Of the 46 NSW hospital redevelopments or upgrades underway or set to commence in 2021-22, nearly two-thirds are located in rural and regional NSW

More than $1 billion in 2021-22 for regional schools’ major works projects

70 of more than 210 school major capital works projects are in regional NSW

DELIVERING HIGH QUALITY EDUCATION AND ACCESSIBLE SERVICES ƒ $280.4 million in 2021-22 to give over The NSW Government is making a significant 1,000 regional, rural and remote schools investment in infrastructure and services across NSW the best available digital to meet the needs of communities living teaching and learning tools and working in regional locations, including ƒ $ 110.8 million in 2021-22 to continue education, healthcare and support for rollout of the Regional School Renewal young people. Program This includes over $1.9 billion in 2021-22 for ƒ $30.0 million in 2021-22 for the ongoing major works on new and upgraded hospitals, Regional Roof Upgrade Program; and health facilities and schools in rural and ƒ $ 12.0 million in 2021-22 for refreshing regional New South Wales. regional TAFE campus ICT facilities to ƒ Almost a third of the record health enhance student experience. infrastructure spend in the 2021-22 NSW Budget will go to regional and rural areas, HEALTHCARE with just over $900.0 million allocated, ƒ Multipurpose Services Strategy Stage 5 including four new and 24 upgraded (as part of a $296.5 million program) – regional hospitals and six hospital car 17 centres delivered so far and two parks; and underway in 2021-22; and ƒ over a third of the major works spend on ƒ Rural Ambulance Infrastructure schools in the 2021-22 NSW Budget will Redevelopment Stages 1 and 2 (as part go to regional and rural areas, with just of a $232.1 million program) – 23 over $1.0 billion allocated for new and ambulance stations delivered so far upgraded regional schools. and 30 underway in 2021-22.

Regional NSW | 17 ALBURY

Other 2021-22 highlights include: SUPPORT FOR CROSS-BORDER ƒ $36.4 million over four years for COMMUNITIES 57 mental health Response and Pandemic border restrictions, in addition to Recovery Specialists to provide assertive bushfires, have created a unique challenge outreach support for communities and for close to two million Australians who live coordination with local services at the close to NSW borders. Support for these time of a disaster or crisis, and during communities includes: the ongoing recovery phase ƒ $5.0 million for the NSW Office of the ƒ $ 34.0 million over four years to convert Cross-Border Commissioner; and NSW Ambulance paramedics to Intensive ƒ $15.0 million from the Cross-Border Care Paramedics, with 203 to be located Commissioner’s Infrastructure Fund, in regional NSW; and supporting cross-border communities ƒ investments in the Fixed-wing Air that have been demonstrably impacted Ambulance Services, enhancements by the events of the past 18 months. to the specialist palliative care workforce in regional and rural NSW, and funding Tresillian for six Regional Family Care Centres and five ‘Tresillian 2U’ mobile vans.

18 | Regional NSW SUPPORT FOR VULNERABLE PEOPLE NSW Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap AND REGIONAL YOUTH ƒ $7.2 million support for domestic and family victim survivors with specialist $32 billion of private investment case management, through the expansion of Staying Home and Leaving Violence, including in regional NSW; and ƒ $ 7.4 million over three years to support 12GW of new generation the Office for Regional Youth, including the 2021 Regional Youth Taskforce and pilot programs aligned with the pillars of the Regional Youth Framework. 6,300 construction jobs POWERING OUR STATE The NSW Government is supporting New South Wales adapting to the global energy transition and improving network 2,800 ongoing jobs mostly infrastructure. This includes: in regional NSW ƒ $147.6 million in additional funding in 2021-22 ($412.9 million over four years) to implement the NSW Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap. The Roadmap PROVIDING WATER SECURITY aims to attract $32.0 billion of private investment in energy infrastructure in ƒ $ 68.6 million ($280.2 million over four regional NSW, and to support 6,300 years) under the $1 billion Safe and Secure construction and 2,800 ongoing jobs Water Program for critical local water mostly in regional NSW infrastructure to maintain and improve town water supply ƒ as part of the NSW Government’s $3.2 billion retail electricity and capacity ƒ $245.0 million for water security projects services contract, a 100-megawatt (MW) in the Lachlan Valley, Peel Valley and the battery will be installed and operated Border Rivers Region in the Riverina, which will boost local ƒ $ 25.7 million for detailed planning and employment by up to 35 jobs during site assessments for pipelines between construction Lostock Dam to Glennies Creek Dam and ƒ $128.0 million in 2021-22 (regional share) between Nyngan and Cobar (including to extend the uplift in the Energy Social $12.1 million from the Commonwealth Programs that assist low income regional Government); and households to meet their energy bills ƒ $23.6 million to improve non-urban ƒ $24.0 million in 2021-22 (as part of water metering in the State by supporting $77.6 million State funding) to support a the uptake of telemetry and upgrading new gas-fired power station in the Illawarra WaterNSW meters, plus a further that will help secure the state’s electricity $12.5 million for the Northern Murray supply, support local manufacturers, and Darling Basin metering program, as part enable a future transition to renewable of the Commonwealth Government’s hydrogen as a fuel; and 2021-22 Budget, bringing total spending to $36.1 million. ƒ a minimum of $70.0 million to develop hydrogen hubs in the Hunter and Illawarra, under the recently announced $750.0 million Net Zero Industry and Innovation Program, to support between $80.0 billion to $270.0 billion of investment by 2050.

Regional NSW | 19 TRANSFORMING COMMUNITY This includes: INFRASTRUCTURE ƒ $549.5 million in 2021-22 to accelerate ƒ $66.6 million over three years for a range of regional transport programs infrastructure upgrades at racecourses and projects, including: replacing ageing across regional NSW timber bridges through the Fixing Country Bridges program; rollout of real- ƒ $60.0 million (as part of a $107.9 million time tracking on regional bus services; program) to continue redeveloping continued planning and delivery of the metropolitan and regional police stations 16 Cities program, which is boosting bus across New South Wales, including at services in key regional areas; and regional Broken Hill as well as land acquisition road projects, aimed at supporting jobs and planning for Port Macquarie Police and stimulating the economy in regional Station; and New South Wales ƒ $ 54.5 million (as part of a $100.0 million ƒ in 2021-22 ($344.8 million program) to continue investment to build $117.2 million over four years) for the Regional and upgrade police stations in Bega, Seniors Travel Card Scheme, providing Goulburn, Jindabyne area (including $250 prepaid cards towards fuel, taxi Jindabyne, Perisher and Thredbo), Bourke travel or NSW TrainLink tickets for eligible and Bathurst, and a new police education seniors living in regional New South Wales. and training facility at Dubbo. This includes an additional $246.3 million to extend the program for two more years CONNECTING OUR REGIONS ƒ $320.0 million in 2021-22 (as part of a The NSW Government is delivering $1.3 billion commitment) to deliver a productivity-boosting projects to improve modern, new Regional Rail Fleet to replace the movement of goods and people around the ageing XPT, XPLORER and Endeavour NSW regions and cities. trains, and construct a purpose-built maintenance facility in Dubbo

NEWELL HIGHWAY, TAP HILL

20 | Regional NSW ƒ $250.0 million over three years for a new New and existing projects include: fund to support the upgrades of regional ƒ $156.3 million in 2021-22 (as part of roads transferred to the State, as part of $259.6 million over four years) to deliver the NSW Government’s Regional Road new and upgraded social and affordable Transfer and Road Classification Review housing for Aboriginal communities across ƒ $63.8 million in 2021-22 in capital a range of major regional and metropolitan expenditure for the Fixing Country Rail locations, supporting employment in the program, to continue to deliver targeted local construction and trade industries infrastructure projects to upgrade parts of ƒ $ 5.8 million in 2021-22 (as part of the regional rail network which constrain $11.6 million over two years) for the the efficient movement of rail freight and extension of the Services Our Way passenger services in regional NSW program, providing a critical connection ƒ $52.0 million in 2021-22 to complete the between government and non government NSW Government’s Seatbelts on School services and on-the-ground, practical Buses program, improving school student support and skills development for safety through the installation of seatbelts Aboriginal people and families with on all dedicated school buses in rural and complex needs; and regional NSW ƒ $1.5 million in 2021-22 (as part of ƒ $45.0 million in 2021-22 to continue $34.1 million over three years) to expand planning and early works for the Fast the Roads to Home Program, providing Rail program, to deliver faster planning and infrastructure upgrades to connections between Sydney, Canberra, up to 10 additional Aboriginal Bomaderry, Newcastle, the Central communities. This brings the Government’s Coast and the Central West, including commitment to the Roads to Home duplication of the line between Berry Program to $108.9 million for up to and Gerringong (State and Federal 31 Aboriginal communities since 2019-20. funded); and ƒ $4.0 million (as part of $20.0 million over three years) to support investment in regional tourism electric vehicle BROKEN HILL infrastructure.

EMPOWERING ABORIGINAL COMMUNITIES Aboriginal communities across regional New South Wales are rich in diversity and hold critical traditional knowledge that enables ongoing Connection to Country. The NSW Government recognises that initiatives targeting any improvement in outcomes for Aboriginal people and communities need to acknowledge and consider their regional distinctiveness. NSW Treasury has established an Aboriginal Economic Wellbeing branch to develop new investment frameworks that can be used to assess initiatives that impact Aboriginal people and communities. The Department of Regional NSW has also established an Aboriginal Partnerships team with staff based across regional NSW. These staff will work with Aboriginal businesses and communities to support job creation and Aboriginal economic development.

Regional NSW | 21 02. Regional highlights Central Coast

AVOCA BEACH, CENTRAL COAST

22 | Regional NSW EDUCATION ƒ $ 6.7 million in 2021-22 to LOCAL GOVERNMENT continue planning for the ƒ $16.1 million in 2021-22 to AREAS upgrade of Manns Roads complete the new Porters Creek Central Coast between Stockyard Place and Public School in Warnervale. Narara Creek Road (State and Federal funded) HEALTH ƒ $6.0 million in 2021-22 to ƒ $32.9 million in 2021-22 (as part continue planning for the of a $200 million project) for the upgrade of the Central Coast Wyong Hospital Redevelopment. Highway, between Tumbi Road, Wamberal and Bateau Bay REGIONAL NSW Road; and ƒ $11 million in 2021-22 to improve ƒ $4.0 million in 2021-22 to sports ground infrastructure at continue planning for the 16 sites across the Central Coast, upgrade of the Pacific Highway including lighting upgrades, new through Wyong Town Centre. drainage, and irrigation.

RESTART FUNDING POPULATION CUSTOMER SERVICE ƒ $28.0 million Restart funding ƒ $5.4 million in 2021-22 for commitments in 2021-22 the Critical Communications (as part of a $62.0 million 345,800 343,900 Enhancement Program, creating Restart package) allocated 341,700 a single, interoperable Public directly to Central Coast Safety Network for all emergency Council and organisations service organisations. for infrastructure building, renewal and upgrade, including: TRANSPORT ƒ $13.5 million in 2021-22 (as ƒ $27.8 million in 2021-22 to part of a $30.0 million Restart continue construction for package) for Gosford city widening the Pacific Highway to centre sewerage infrastructure four lanes between Parsons Road ƒ $5.6 million in 2021-22 (as and Ourimbah Street at Lisarow part of a $8.5 million Restart ƒ $12.7 million in 2021-22 to package) for Warnervale town 2018 2019 2020 continue planning for a new rail centre water and sewer; and alignment between Woy Woy ƒ $2.1 million in 2021-22 (as and Northern Sydney to improve part of a $6.9 million Restart travel times between Sydney, package) for Mardi Water Newcastle and Port Macquarie Treatment Plant upgrade. (State and Federal funded) 0.5% 2019-20 GROWTH RATE

KEY INDUSTRIES

Manufacturing Retail trade Construction Health care & social assistance

Regional NSW | 23 03. Regional highlights Central West and Orana

COWRA

24 | Regional NSW EDUCATION ƒ $8.0 million in 2021-22 (as part LOCAL GOVERNMENT of an $8.8 million project) for a AREAS ƒ in 2021-22 for $18.7 million world-class Platypus Visitor and ongoing major upgrades and Bathurst Regional, Education Facility at Taronga refurbishments to Bletchington Blayney, Bogan, Cabonne, Western Plains Zoo. Public School; and Coonamble, Cowra, Dubbo Regional, Forbes, Gilgandra, ƒ $ 10.2 million in 2021-22 for REGIONAL NSW Millthorpe Public School Lachlan, Lithgow, Mid-Western ƒ $78.1 million in 2021-22 (as part continuing delivery of a new Regional, Narromine, Oberon, of a $185.4 million capital funding learning hub, library and major Orange, Parkes, Warren, package) towards delivery of the refurbishments. Warrumbungle and Weddin. 4,800 hectare Parkes Special Activation Precinct HEALTH ƒ $14.0 million in 2021-22 (as ƒ in 2021-22 (as $26.7 million part of a $29.0 million funding part of a $306.3 million project) package) for grants administered for the Dubbo Health Service by the Department of Regional redevelopment (Stages 1 to 4, NSW to boost local economies car park and the Western including: Cancer Centre) ƒ $1.0 million in 2021-22 (as part ƒ in 2021-22 (as part $2.3 million of a $3.8 million State funding of a $70.2 million project) for the commitment) for the Mudgee Cowra Hospital redevelopment; Cultural Precinct; and and POPULATION ƒ $0.9 million in 2021-22 (as ƒ in 2021-22 (as part $0.5 million part of a $1.8 million State of a $6 million project) for the funding commitment) for the establishment of Canowindra 290,000 CentrePoint Sport and Leisure 289,600 HealthOne. 288,300 Centre in Blayney.

PLANNING CUSTOMER SERVICE ƒ Supporting the establishment ƒ $35.7 million in 2021-22 for of the Renewable Energy Zone the Critical Communications in Central West and Orana as Enhancement Program, creating part of the NSW Electricity a single, interoperable Public Infrastructure Roadmap Safety Network for all emergency ƒ $ 10.5 million in 2021-22 service organisations. ($48.1 million over three years) for a new office hub in Dubbo to STRONGER COMMUNITIES consolidate existing tenancies ƒ $27.9 million over four years 2018 2019 2020 and provide a modern, efficient for the Dubbo Court expansion, office space to attract and retain to help impacted offenders regional government workers; and by undertaking a 12-month rehabilitation program. This will help rural communities with the 0.2% tools and resilience they need to combat illicit drugs. 2019-20 GROWTH RATE

KEY INDUSTRIES

Construction Manufacturing Logistics Tourism Agriculture Mining

Regional NSW | 25 TRANSPORT ƒ $25.0 million in 2021-22 for projects including new passing loops to improve ƒ $ 107.0 million in 2021-22 to continue the capacity and efficiency of the Main planning for the duplication of the Great Western Rail Line Western Highway between Katoomba and Lithgow (State and Federal funded) ƒ $24.7 million in 2021-22 to continue safety and traffic efficiency improvements along ƒ $60.0 million in 2021-22 to commence the Great Western Highway and Bells Line construction of the Parkes Bypass, as of Road corridors, including overtaking part of upgrades to the Newell Highway lanes and widening existing lanes to improve connectivity, road transport efficiency and safety (State and Federal ƒ $20.0 million in 2021-22 to continue funded) detailed design of the new Dubbo Bridge on the Newell Highway over ƒ $36.4 million in 2021-22 to continue the Macquarie River, Dubbo (State delivery of 40 new overtaking lanes and Federal funded); and on the Newell Highway (State and Federal funded)

26 | Regional NSW ƒ $ 4.3 million in 2021-22 to continue planning ƒ $4.0 million in 2021-22 (as part of for a Fast Rail route to the Central West. a $10.0 million Restart package) for The NSW Government is working closely Destination Dubbo: International with the National Faster Rail Agency to Ready; and develop a business case for fast rail on the ƒ $5.0 million in 2021-22 (as part of Sydney to Bathurst, Orange and Parkes a $8.0 million Restart package) for corridor (State and Federal funded). Nyngan Cobar Water Security.

RESTART FUNDING ƒ $84.0 million Restart funding commitments in 2021-22 (as part of a $227 million Restart package) allocated directly to Central West and Orana local councils and organisations for infrastructure building, renewal and upgrade, including:

ORANGE

Regional NSW | 27 04. Regional highlights Far West

BROKEN HILL

28 | Regional NSW HEALTH CUSTOMER SERVICE LOCAL GOVERNMENT ƒ Commence construction of the ƒ $7.1 million in 2021-22 for AREAS Buronga HealthOne facility, the Critical Communications Balranald, Bourke, as part of the $100.0 million Enhancement Program, creating Brewarrina, Broken Hill, HealthOne Strategy a single, interoperable Public Central Darling, Cobar, ƒ $0.5 million in 2021-22 (as part Safety Network for all emergency Walgett and Wentworth. of a $30.0 million project) for service organisations. the commencement of the Wentworth Health Service TRANSPORT redevelopment; and ƒ $27.4 million in 2021-22 to ƒ $250,000 in 2021-22 for the continue sealing the Cobb refurbishment of the Dareton Highway and the Silver Health Facility. City Highway; and ƒ $4.5 million in 2021-22 for PLANNING sealing Pooncarie Road ƒ $3.4 million in 2021-22 in far west NSW, delivering ($5.7 million over four years) to safer, faster and more reliable deliver new and upgraded quality journeys and boosting tourism social and affordable housing for and freight productivity (State Aboriginal communities in Walgett, and Federal funded). POPULATION Wilcannia and Broken Hill; and ƒ $ 1.0 million for the detailed RESTART FUNDING ƒ $54.0 million Restart funding business case for the Nyngan 43,900 to Cobar Pipeline project (as part commitments in 2021-22 (as 43,400 42,900 of a Commonwealth agreement). part of a $143.0 million Restart package) allocated directly to REGIONAL NSW Far West local councils and organisations for infrastructure ƒ $4.5 million in 2021-22 (as part of building, renewal and upgrade a $12.8 million funding package) including: for grants administered by the Department of Regional NSW to ƒ $16.0 million in 2021-22 (as boost local economies including: part of a $29.0 million Restart package) for the Goodooga ƒ $1.6 million in 2021-22 (as part Road upgrade of $4.5 million State funding) for the Cobar Ward Oval and ƒ $ 6.0 million in 2021-22 Community Hub project (as part of a $7.0 million 2018 2019 2020 Restart package) for the ƒ $1.5 million in 2021-22 (as part reconstruction and sealing of $3.0 million State funding) of Come by Chance Road for the Cobar Water Reticulation between Walgett and Pilliga; Upgrade project; and and ƒ $0.5 million in 2021-22 (as part ƒ -1.2% $3.3 million in 2021-22 (as part of $0.9 million State funding) of a $8.4 million Restart 2019-20 GROWTH RATE for the relocation project package) for the Wentworth of the Wentworth Visitor Aerodrome Upgrade. Information Centre.

KEY INDUSTRIES

Agriculture Mining Education Health care & training & social assistance

Regional NSW | 29 05. Regional highlights Hunter

MURCHESSONS HORSEBACK WINE AND DINE TOURS, POKOLBIN

30 | Regional NSW EDUCATION PLANNING LOCAL GOVERNMENT ƒ $5.6 million in 2021-22 to ƒ $24.7 million for detailed AREAS commence works on the planning and site assessments Cessnock, Dungog, Newcastle Education Campus for a pipeline between Lostock Lake Macquarie, Maitland, ƒ $ 3.3 million in 2021-22 for major Dam to Glennies Creek Dam MidCoast, Muswellbrook, upgrades at Muswellbrook South (including $11.1 million from the Port Stephens, Public School Commonwealth Government) Singleton and Upper Hunter. ƒ ƒ $ 2.0 million in 2021-22 for phase $3.1 million in 2021-22 two of design and construction ($3.3 million over two years) to of a multi-trades workshop deliver new and upgraded quality and storage facility at Scone social and affordable housing Connected Learning Centre; and for Aboriginal communities in Blacksmiths, Bolton Point ƒ $1.9 million and $1.6 million in and Wallsend; and 2021-22 to commence major upgrades and refurbishments ƒ $1.0 million in 2021-22 at Hunter River High School ($3.0 million over three years) and Irrawang High School for grants to residents who have respectively, delivering upgrades been adversely impacted by to core facilities and provision lead contamination, particularly POPULATION* of dedicated support learning in the Boolaroo region. spaces. REGIONAL NSW 756,300 ƒ $50.0 million in 2021-22, and HEALTH 747,300 ƒ $59.1 million in 2021-22 (as part $75.0 million in total, for Special of a $500.0 million project) for Activation Precincts pre-delivery 739,900 the New Maitland Hospital and works, shared across the car park Williamtown, Moree, and Snowy Mountains Special Activation ƒ $34.4 million in 2021-22 (as Precincts part of a $835.0 million project) for the John Hunter Health and ƒ $9.4 million in 2021-22 (as part Innovation Precinct project and of a $19.0 million funding car park package) for grants administered by the Department of Regional ƒ $ 8.6 million in 2021-22 (as part NSW to boost local economies of a $100.0 million project) including: 2018 2019 2020 for the Manning Base Hospital Redevelopment Stage 2 ƒ $4.9 million in 2021-22 (as part of a $6.3 million State ƒ $ 7.0 million in 2021-22 (as funding commitment) for the part of a $45.0 million project) Madoo Museum Cultural Hub in for the commencement of Cessnock 1.2% the Muswellbrook Hospital Redevelopment Stage 3; and 2019-20 GROWTH RATE ƒ Continue planning for the Forster-Tuncurry Health Facility. * The metropolitan Newcastle LGA is included in population numbers but is not considered part of Regional NSW.

KEY INDUSTRIES

Coal mining Wine and other alcoholic Energy Agriculture, Defence Tourism beverage manufacturing generation forestry & fishing

Regional NSW | 31 ƒ $0.4 million in 2021-22 (as part of a $0.9 ƒ $14.0 million in 2021-22 to continue million State funding commitment) for planning and pre-construction for the the shared pathway linking Morpeth to $700.0 million Singleton Bypass which Walka Water Works in Maitland; and will deliver safer, more efficient journeys ƒ $0.4 million in 2021-22 (as part of a for thousands of motorists every day $0.7 million State funding commitment) (State and Federal Funded) for the White Park power upgrade in the ƒ $ 2.9 million to continue planning and Upper Hunter. commencing Stage 1 works to upgrade Hillsborough Road between Warners CUSTOMER SERVICE Bay and the Newcastle Inner City Bypass to improve traffic flow, travel times and ƒ $21.9 million in 2021-22 for the Critical safety for motorists; and Communications Enhancement Program, creating a single, interoperable Public ƒ $2.3 million in 2021-22 for planning costs Safety Network for all emergency service for commuter car parks at Morriset, organisations. Fassifern and Cardiff stations.

STRONGER COMMUNITIES RESTART FUNDING ƒ $2.5 million in 2021-22 ƒ $58.0 million Restart funding ($12.0 million over two years) commitments in 2021-22 (as part of a for a new Singleton Police Station to $168.0 million Restart package) allocated accommodate increasing police numbers directly to local councils and organisations in the Hunter Valley Police District and in the Hunter region for infrastructure provide modern policing facilities. building, renewal and upgrade including: ƒ $5.0 million in 2021-22 (as part of TRANSPORT a $8.1 million Restart package) for ƒ $29.0 million in 2021-22 to finalise Raymond Terrace Road and Government planning for Stage 5 of the Newcastle Road intersection in Thornton Inner City Bypass between Rankin Park ƒ $4.4 million in 2021-22 (as part of a and Jesmond and continue construction of $5.4 million Restart package) for the early works (State and Federal funded) Birubi Point Aboriginal Place Tourism ƒ $ 28.1 million in 2021-22 to continue Transport Interchange; and planning for the Pacific Motorway (M1) ƒ $3.6 million in 2021-22 (as part of a Raymond Terrace and Hexham Straight $6.6 million Restart package) for the (State and Federal Funded) Cessnock Airport Upgrade. ƒ $26.2 million in 2021-22 to commence construction of the New England Highway upgrade between Belford and the Golden Highway, including grade separation of the Golden Highway intersection ƒ $ 25.0 million in 2021-22 for local road upgrades and improvements in the Dungog Shire local government area ƒ $14.1 million to continue planning, design and pre-construction for the Muswellbrook bypass to improve travel times for long haul freight movements, and safety for all road users on the New England Highway.

32 | Regional NSW MOUNT THORLEY WARKWORTH MINE NEAR SINGLETON, HUNTER

“The 2021-22 NSW Budget continues the NSW Government’s focus on vibrant and dynamic economies in Regional NSW.”

Regional NSW | 33 06. Regional highlights Illawarra-Shoalhaven

AUSTINMER BEACH, AUSTINMER

34 | Regional NSW EDUCATION CUSTOMER SERVICE LOCAL GOVERNMENT ƒ $13.7 million in 2021-22 to ƒ $5.0 million in 2021-22 for AREAS complete major upgrades at the Critical Communications Kiama, Shellharbour, Dapto Public School Enhancement Program, creating Shoalhaven. ƒ $ 5.3 million in 2021-22 to a single, interoperable Public establish a new primary school Safety Network for all emergency in South Nowra/Worrigee; and service organisations. ƒ $2.1 million in 2021-22 to commence major upgrades at TRANSPORT Bomaderry High School. ƒ $88.0 million in 2021-22 to continue the transformation of HEALTH the State and Federal funded Princes Highway program from ƒ $40.2 million in 2021-22 (as part south of Nowra to the Victorian of a $721.9 million project) for border including to continue the New Shellharbour Hospital planning on the Milton Ulladulla and Integrated Services and car Bypass, Jervis Bay to Sussex park; and Inlet Upgrade, Jervis Bay Road POPULATION* ƒ $11.7 million in 2021-22 (as part Intersection and Moruya Bypass of a $438.0 million project) ƒ $ 72.0 million in 2021-22 to for the Shoalhaven Hospital continue construction for 425,300 redevelopment. the Nowra Bridge over the Shoalhaven River on the Princes 420,300 PLANNING Highway (State and Federal 415,300 ƒ $77.6 million of State funding funded) to support a new gas-fired ƒ $61.0 million in 2021-22 to power station in Yallah that complete construction of the will help secure the state’s Princes Highway upgrade from electricity supply, support local Berry to Bomaderry manufacturers, and enable a ƒ $55.0 million in 2021-22 to future transition to renewable complete construction of the hydrogen as a fuel Albion Park Rail Bypass, Yallah to ƒ $3.1 million ($31.0 million capital Oak Flats, Princes Highway expenditure over three years) for 2018 2019 2020 ƒ $ 14.0 million in 2021-22 to the Great Southern Walk, a four- continue planning for upgrades to-five day walk from Bulli Tops of Picton Road to improve safety to Kamay Botany Bay National and connectivity as a key link Park, including the Illawarra for the Illawarra Region, South Mountain Biking Network; and Coast, Sydney, Canberra, and 1.2% ƒ $2.8 million in 2021-22 (as part Melbourne; and of a $3.6 million project) to 2019-20 GROWTH RATE ƒ $6.3 million in 2021-22 to continue improvements to the continue planning for the Mount Murramarang South Coast Walk. Ousley Interchange on the M1 * The metropolitan Wollongong LGA is Princes Motorway (State and included in population numbers but is Federal funded). not considered part of Regional NSW.

KEY INDUSTRIES

Defence Advanced Health care Dairy cattle Tourism Retail manufacturing & social assistance farming

Regional NSW | 35 NOWRA BRIDGE, NOWRA

36 | Regional NSW RESTART FUNDING ƒ $4.0 million in 2021-22 (as part of a $5.0 million Restart package) for the ƒ $21.0 million Restart funding Albatross Aviation Technology Park; and commitments in 2021-22 (as part of a $41.0 million Restart package) allocated directly ƒ $3.0 million in 2021-22 (as part of a to Illawarra-Shoalhaven local councils and $16.0 million Restart package) for the organisations for infrastructure building, Illawarra Regional Airport. renewal and upgrade including: ƒ $4.8 million in 2021-22 (as part of a $5.3 million Restart package) for the Shoalhaven Sustainable Tourism Infrastructure Package

KIAMA FARMERS’ MARKET, KIAMA

Regional NSW | 37 07. Regional highlights New England and North West

ARMIDALE

38 | Regional NSW EDUCATION PLANNING LOCAL GOVERNMENT ƒ $37.8 million in 2021-22 for a ƒ $1.9 million in 2021-22 AREAS new Wee Waa High School, ($2.0 million over two years) Armidale Regional, providing a modern and safe to deliver new and upgraded Glen Innes Severn, environment for students quality social and affordable Gunnedah, Gwydir, Inverell, and staff housing for Aboriginal Liverpool Plains, Moree Plains, ƒ $10.4 million in 2021-22 communities in Armidale, Narrabri, Tamworth Regional, to complete the Armidale Boggabilla, Inverell and Moree. Tenterfield, Uralla and Walcha. Secondary College upgrade; and ƒ $2.8 million in 2021-22 for the REGIONAL NSW TAFE NSW Shared Services ƒ $50.0 million in 2021-22, Centre in Tamworth, a modern and $75.0 million in total, for and fit-for-purpose vocational Special Activation Precincts training centre that will also pre-delivery works, shared provide 60 new jobs. across the Moree, Snowy Mountains and Williamtown HEALTH Special Activation Precincts ƒ ƒ A new 33 bed Banksia Mental $ 20.0 million in 2021-22 Health Unit at Tamworth (as part of a $28.0 million Base Hospital (as part of the funding package) for grants $700.0 million Statewide Mental administered by the Department of Regional NSW to boost local Health Infrastructure Program). POPULATION economies including: ƒ $4.7 million in 2021-22 (as part of a $60.0 million project) for ƒ $12.0 million in 2021-22 (as part the completion of the Inverell of a $14.0 million State funding 187,100 186,700 186,400 Hospital redevelopment commitment) to redevelop Gunnedah Saleyards ƒ $2.3 million in 2021-22 (as part of a $20.0 million project) for the ƒ $6.7 million in 2021-22 (as Glen Innes Hospital upgrade part of a $9.5 million State funding commitment) for the ƒ $1.0 million in 2021-22 (as part of International Crop and Digital a $80.0 million project) for the Agricultural Research Centre in commencement of the Moree Narrabri; and Hospital redevelopment; and ƒ $1.3 million in 2021-22 (as part ƒ $ 0.5 million in 2021-22 (as part of a $2.6 million State funding of a $53.0 million project) for the commitment) to replace Boston commencement of the Gunnedah Street Bridge in Narrabri. Hospital redevelopment. 2018 2019 2020 -0.4% 2019-20 GROWTH RATE

KEY INDUSTRIES

Sheep, beef cattle Education Food product Road freight Tourism Mining & grain farming & training manufacturing transport

Regional NSW | 39 CUSTOMER SERVICE RESTART FUNDING ƒ $43.4 million in 2021-22 for the Critical ƒ $88.0 million Restart funding Communications Enhancement Program, commitments in 2021-22 (as part of a creating a single, interoperable Public $274.0 million Restart package) allocated Safety Network for all emergency service directly to New England and North organisations. West local councils and organisations for infrastructure building, renewal and TRANSPORT upgrade including: ƒ $58.1 million in 2021-22 to continue ƒ $10.0 million in 2021-22 (as part of delivery of heavy duty pavement upgrades a $20.0 million Restart package) for on the Newell Highway (State and Federal the Tamworth Enterprise Area and Funded); and Intermodal Activation project; and ƒ $16.0 million in 2021-22 to continue ƒ $9.0 million in 2021-22 (as part of construction of the upgrade of the New a $20.0 million Restart package) to England Highway at Bolivia Hill (State and upgrades and improvements along Federal funded). the Thunderbolts Way.

OPEN AIR GALLERY, WALCHA

40 | Regional NSW BELLINGEN

Regional NSW | 41 08. Regional highlights North Coast

BANGALOW

42 | Regional NSW EDUCATION ƒ $3.8 million in 2021-22 (as part LOCAL GOVERNMENT of a $11.5 million project) for the ƒ $ 21.6 million in 2021-22 to AREAS completion of the Port Macquarie continue delivery of the new Ballina, Bellingen, Byron, Hospital car park; and Murwillumbah Education Campus Clarence Valley, Coffs Harbour, ƒ continue planning activities ƒ $8.7 million in 2021-22 to deliver Kempsey, Kyogle, Lismore, for the Grafton Base Hospital skills facilities at Tweed River Nambucca, Port Macquarie- Redevelopment. High School for the VET Pilot Hastings, Richmond Valley Program, in conjunction with and Tweed. ongoing major upgrades PLANNING ƒ $ 0.5 million in 2021-22 to ƒ $ 8.4 million in 2021-22 (as part start construction of a Police of a $55.1 million project) for a and Community Youth Club new office hub in Coffs Harbour (PCYC) facility co-located at to consolidate existing tenancies Hastings Secondary College, and provide a modern, efficient Port Macquarie Campus, in office space to attract and retain conjunction with continued regional government workers delivery of major upgrades; and ƒ $15.0 million in 2021-22 (as part ƒ continuing delivery of major of a $20.0 million project) for upgrades at Lennox Head civil infrastructure and public Public School, Tweed Heads facilities in the Coffs Harbour South Public School, Kingscliff Jetty Foreshore precinct; and Public School, and Kingscliff ƒ $ 2.2 million in 2021-22 POPULATION High School. ($4.0 million over four years) to deliver new and upgraded quality social and affordable housing for HEALTH 533,600 Aboriginal communities in Coffs ƒ $288.6 million in 2021-22 (as Harbour, Goonellabah, Lismore part of a $723.3 million project) 528,600 and Tweed Heads. 524,300 for the Tweed Hospital and Integrated Ambulatory Services redevelopment and car park REGIONAL NSW ƒ $29.0 million in 2021-22 (as ƒ $ 4.0 million in 2021-22 (as part part of a $194.0 million project) of a $5.8 million State funding for the expansion of Coffs commitment) under the NSW Harbour Hospital Premier Aboriginal Experience to deliver an Aboriginal ecotourism ƒ $28.4 million in 2021-22 (as part experience in Coffs Harbour. of a $312.8 million project) for the Lismore Hospital redevelopment (Stages 3A, B, and C) STRONGER COMMUNITIES 2018 2019 2020 ƒ $ 4.5 million in 2021-22 to ƒ $9.9 million in 2021-22 (as complete the knockdown and part of a $10.0 million project) rebuild of Kingscliff fire station, for the new helipad at Port which will provide a modern Macquarie Hospital two-storey station for firefighters 0.9% to effectively prepare for emergencies across the district. 2019-20 GROWTH RATE

KEY INDUSTRIES

Tourism Agriculture, Manufacturing Forestry & Fishing

Regional NSW | 43 DANGAR FALLS, NEAR DORRIGO

“Investing in the protection and preservation of NSW’s natural capital and wildlife ensures the quality of our environment is sustained for future generations.”

44 | Regional NSW TRANSPORT RESTART FUNDING ƒ $ 100.0 million in 2021-22 to commence ƒ $52.0 million Restart funding commitments construction of the Coffs Harbour Bypass, in 2021-22 (as part of a $111.0 million which will improve safety and reduce travel Restart package) allocated directly to North time (State and Federal funded) Coast local councils and organisations ƒ $32.8 million in 2021-22 for local council for infrastructure building, renewal and stimulus road upgrades at Ocean Drive upgrade including: and Woodburn Road ƒ $4.8 million in 2021-22 (as part of a ƒ $14.1 million in 2021-22 to continue safety, $10.0 million Restart package) for the traffic and pavement improvements on Coffs Harbour Airport Enterprise Park Waterfall Way ƒ $3.5 million in 2021-22 (as part of a ƒ $1.8 million in 2021-22 to complete $6.7 million Restart package) for the intersection improvement works on the Calypso Holiday Park redevelopment Oxley Highway at Wauchope; and in Yamba; and ƒ ƒ $0.5 million in 2021-22 to continue planning $2.0 million in 2021-22 (as part of for the New England Highway heavy vehicle a $4.0 million Restart package) for bypass of Tenterfield (Federal funded). the Southern Cross Expansion and Innovation Precinct in Ballina.

CALYPSO YAMBA HOLIDAY PARK, YAMBA

Regional NSW | 45 09. Regional highlights Riverina Murray

MURRAY RIVER, PERRICOOTA

46 | Regional NSW EDUCATION PLANNING LOCAL GOVERNMENT ƒ $1.3 million in 2021-22 for ƒ As part of the NSW Government’s AREAS Stage 2 of major upgrades at $3.2 billion retail electricity and Albury, Berrigan, Bland, both Murrumbidgee Regional capacity services contract, a Carrathool, Coolamon, High School sites to complete 100-megawatt (MW) battery will Cootamundra-Gundagai, the transition into the new be installed and operated in the Edward River, Federation, educational model, including Riverina, which will boost local Greater Hume, Griffith, a library upgrade and a new employment by up to 35 jobs Hay, Junee, Leeton, Lockhart, multipurpose space at the Griffith during construction. Murray River, Murrumbidgee, site and a new gymnasium and Narrandera, Snowy Valleys, assembly space at the Wade REGIONAL NSW Temora and Wagga Wagga. site; and ƒ $22.1 million in 2021-22 (as part ƒ $ 1.1 million in 2021-22 to deliver of a $150.6 million capital funding upgrades to boarding facilities package) towards delivery of the at Yanco Agricultural High 4,500 hectare Wagga Wagga School, providing an improved Special Activation Precinct residential experience for student ƒ $0.3 million in 2021-22 (as part of accommodation. $3.1 million State funding) for the Henty highway intersection and HEALTH rail crossing project ƒ A new 32 bed Nolan House ƒ $8.0 million in 2021-22 (as part of mental healthcare unit at Albury a $19.0 million funding package) POPULATION Base Hospital (as part of the for grants administered by the $700.0 million Statewide Mental Department of Regional NSW to Health Infrastructure Program) boost local economies including: 280,500 ƒ 279,100 $22.4 million in 2021-22 (as part ƒ $5.4 million in 2021-22 (as part 277,600 of a $461.4 million project) for of a $9.2 million State funding the Wagga Wagga Base Hospital commitment) to redevelop the redevelopment and car park Corowa Saleyards ƒ $ 20.0 million in 2021-22 ƒ $0.3 million in 2021-22 (as part (as part of a $250.0 million of a $1.0 million State funding project) for the Griffith Hospital commitment) for the Deniliquin redevelopment Town Hall Revitalisation ƒ $14.5 million in 2021-22 (as part project; and of a $50.0 million project) for the ƒ $0.3 million in 2021-22 (as Tumut Hospital redevelopment part of $0.6 million State ƒ $9.5 million in 2021-22 (as part funding commitment) for the of a $30.0 million project) for the West Wyalong Aerodrome 2018 2019 2020 completion of the Albury Base Upgrade. Hospital Emergency Department expansion; and ƒ $5.3 million in 2021-22 (as part of a $5.7 million project) for the 0.5% completion of the Deniliquin and Leeton Hospital upgrades. 2019-20 GROWTH RATE

KEY INDUSTRIES

Manufacturing Defence Agriculture Tourism Transport & Forestry & logistics

Regional NSW | 47 CUSTOMER SERVICE RESTART FUNDING ƒ $43.8 million in 2021-22 for the Critical ƒ $68.0 million Restart funding Communications Enhancement Program, commitments in 2021-22 (as part of a creating a single, interoperable Public $193.0 million Restart package) allocated Safety Network for all emergency directly to Riverina Murray local councils service organisations. and organisations for infrastructure building, renewal and upgrade including: TRANSPORT ƒ $23.0 million in 2021-22 (as part of a ƒ $8.8 million in 2021-22 to continue $29.0 million Restart package) for the construction of the new Murray River Bomen Enterprise Area Bridge between Echuca in Victoria and ƒ $4.3 million in 2021-22 (as part of a Moama. Works include the intersection $10.0 million Restart package) for the upgrade of the Cobb Highway and NEXUS Industrial Precinct in Albury; and Link Road ƒ $4.5 million in 2021-22 (as part of a ƒ $6.7 million in 2021-22 to commence $11.0 million Restart package) for the construction of the replacement bridge Wagga Wagga Cycling Towns project. at Marshalls Creek, Wagga Wagga; and ƒ $1.1 million in 2021-22 to continue planning for upgrades to Olympic Highway Intersections at Travers St and Old Narrandera Road.

WIRADJURI TRAIL, WAGGA WAGGA

48 | Regional NSW ALBURY

Regional NSW | 49 10. Regional highlights South East and Tablelands

KOSCIUSZKO NATIONAL PARK

50 | Regional NSW EDUCATION PLANNING LOCAL GOVERNMENT ƒ $ 34.7 million in 2021-22 to ƒ $5.1 million in 2021-22 (as part AREAS construct a new high school of a $17.2 million project) to Bega Valley, Eurobodalla, in Bungendore continue improvements to the Goulburn Mulwaree, ƒ $31.3 million in 2021-22 to Snowies Iconic Walk Hilltops, Queanbeyan Palerang, continue delivery of a new ƒ $3.7 million in 2021-22 (as part Snowy Monaro Regional, primary school in Googong of a $9.9 million project) to Upper Lachlan, Wingecarribee and Yass Valley. ƒ $25.9 million in 2021-22 to continue the Thredbo Valley construct a new high school in Track extension Jerrabomberra ƒ $2.3 million in 2021-22 (as part of ƒ $20.1 million in 2021-22 a $7.9 million project) to continue to continue delivery of improvements to the Light to a new primary school in Light Walk; and Murrumbateman ƒ $ 2.3 million in 2021-22 (as part ƒ $13.7 million in 2021-22 to of a $9.5 million project) to continue works at Young High reinvigorate the Wombeyan School including a new joint-use Caves experience and deliver library and community facility; and new nature-based tourism opportunities. ƒ Delivery of hall upgrades at Queanbeyan West Public School and Yass High School. REGIONAL NSW ƒ $50.0 million in 2021-22, and POPULATION HEALTH $75.0 million in total, for Special Activation Precincts Pre-Delivery ƒ $28.5 million in 2021-22 (as Works, shared across the 284,400 part of a $165.0 million project) Snowy Mountains, Moree, for the Goulburn Hospital and Williamtown Special 280,900 278,100 redevelopment and additional Activation Precincts clinical services enhancement ƒ $7.2 million in 2021-22 for the ƒ $14.3 million in 2021-22 (as part Bundian Way walking track from of a $200.0 million project) for Jigamy Farm to Fisheries Beach the Eurobodalla Health Service redevelopment ƒ $ 2.9 million in 2021-22 for the Jigamy Farm Campground ƒ $8.9 million in 2021-22 (as part Upgrade; and of a $55.0 million project) for the Bowral Hospital redevelopment ƒ $10.0 million in 2021-22 for the Stage 2; and Monaro Street Upgrade in Queanbeyan. ƒ $6.3 million in 2021-22 (as part 2018 2019 2020 of a $24.2 million project) for the Cooma Hospital Redevelopment. 1.3% 2019-20 GROWTH RATE

KEY INDUSTRIES

Agriculture Advanced Electricity Tourism manufacturing generation

Regional NSW | 51 CUSTOMER SERVICE RESTART FUNDING ƒ $ 26.1 million in 2021-22 for the Critical ƒ $ 83.0 million Restart funding commitments Communications Enhancement Program, in 2021-22 (as part of a $192.0 million creating a single, interoperable Public Restart package) allocated directly to Safety Network for all emergency South East & Tablelands local councils and service organisations. organisations for infrastructure building, renewal and upgrade including: TRANSPORT ƒ $13.0 million in 2021-22 (as part of a ƒ $74.8 million in 2021-22 to continue $26.0 million Restart package) for the construction of the Nelligen Bridge Eurobodalla Southern Storage project Replacement on the Kings Highway, Nelligen ƒ $8.7 million in 2021-22 (as part of a ƒ $ 52.6 million in 2021-22 to continue $23.0 million Restart package) for construction of the Barton Highway the South Jerrabomberra Innovation Duplication from the ACT towards Precinct; and Murrumbateman (State and Federal Funded) ƒ $4.6 million in 2021-22 (as part of a ƒ $ 35.3 million in 2021-22 to continue the $5.2 million Restart package) for the removal of the old Batemans Bay Bridge and Southern Regional Livestock Exchange continue improvements to the foreshore in Moss Vale. ƒ $ 20.0 million in 2021-22 to commence construction on the Monaro and Kings STRONGER COMMUNITIES Highway upgrade program ƒ $19.0 million (as part of a $60.0 million ƒ $18.4 million in 2021-22 to continue project) to continue the upgrade of construction of the Hume Highway Heavy the Goulburn Police Academy which Duty Pavement upgrade at Marulan; and incorporates contemporary technology and training facilities and refurbishes ƒ $19.8 million in 2021 for local council road student accommodation and classrooms. upgrades at Bobeyan Road, Dunns Creek Road and Captains Flat Road.

THREDBO, SNOWY MOUNTAINS

52 | Regional NSW QUEANBEYAN RIVER, QUEANBEYAN

Regional NSW | 53 IMAGE CREDITS: Destination NSW, Regional NSW, Shutterstock, B. Wright, Department of Planning, Industry and Environment, C. Smith, D.Finnegan and W. Quilliam.

54 | Regional NSW

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