Local students, commuters and patients at Campbelltown Hospital will suffer for at least another year following the release of the state government’s 2019-20 budget.
Campbelltown MP Greg Warren says he is bitterly disappointed after viewing the budget handed down by the NSW Liberal Government earlier today.
The budget papers confirmed that this financial year paid parking will be introduced at Campbelltown Hospital for the first time.
It also revealed that the redevelopment of Campbelltown Hospital will not be complete for at least another five years.
“To say this budget is disappointing for Campbelltown would be quite the understatement,’’ Mr Warren said.
“This budget is certainly not kind to staff, patients and their loved ones at Campbelltown Hospital.
“Not only will they soon have to pay to park, we now know the hospital upgrades won’t be complete for at least five more years,’’ he said.
Despite several schools in Campbelltown facing maintenance backlogs in excess of $1 million, there was no funding for the upgrades of those schools – many of which are also without air-conditioning.
And there was no money in the budget for any new schools in the Campbelltown electorate.
“This budget ensures students and staff at our local schools will continue to put up with dilapidated and non air conditioned schools for at least another year, with no funding in the budget for any upgrades or new schools,’’ Mr Warren said.
“How can any child be expected to reach their full potential in an environment like that?’’
Commuters will also have to continue the daily battle for a parking spot at Campbelltown, Macarthur and Leumeah stations.
“Not a single dollar was allocated towards increasing commuter car parking at these stations,’’ the Campbelltown MP said.
It wasn’t just public transport users who were left out in the cold either with the state government refusing to undertake any serious road projects in the electorate.
Just $4.8 million was allocated for minor safety improvements to the notorious Appin Road, while only funds for planning were set aside for the Hume Highway Menangle Road link and Badgally Road widening.
“Despite the thousands of residents moving into Campbelltown and the wider Macarthur region, the government has also failed to fund major road upgrades or the construction of new roads,’’ Mr Warren said.
“It means motorists – like those who travel on Appin Road – will continue to risk their safety while navigating the notorious and outdated road.
“Other motorists meanwhile, will just be stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic.
Other notable absences from the budget included:
- No commitment for the Badgerys Creek-Macarthur rail connection;
- No funding towards the preservation of Campbelltown’s disease free koala colony;
- No commitment of funding for a Service NSW centre in Campbelltown
- No restoration of direct train services from Campbelltown to Parramatta.
“This budget really does prove the government has no interest in providing the services and infrastructure our growing region needs,’’ Mr Warren said.
