18 June 2024
Speaking from NSW Parliament House today, Independent Member for Wollondilly has welcomed the positive aspects of the budget and asks that the work continue to close the gap for Wollondilly
“Wollondilly is a beautiful area, an area sometimes forgotten due to the lack of transport and being just that far from the city that we seem to always not be eligible for metro funding and often we can’t go for regional funding either.”
“With this in mind my team and I set about our requests to the Government to try bridge the gap of the lack of infrastructure that we have had to live with for decades. The job is monumental, I can tell you the scores of projects cut down to a small list on what is ready to go is no easy task. But I believe my team struck this balance right, even if we didn't get all we were after.”
“Wollondilly is also home to many idyllic sports grounds that are overlooked by bushland and hills. Unfortunately these sports grounds are often under-resourced and I am very pleased that two sports grounds have found an increase of funding after my requests. Both Warragamba Sportsground and Dudley Chesham will receive $5.2 million each on upgrades. These upgrades will give a boost to the local clubs that are much needed and will free up funding and resources now to complete the work needed in Thirlmere that Council has identified, including providing the hall they have funding for from WestConnex. Without of course ripping up the Thirlmere tennis courts, I also hope this will lead to Council listening to the community and their needs in all of the Wollondilly Shire Council area townships.”
“There is no funding for a High School, that conversation is ongoing but I welcome the announcement of the new Wilton Junction Public School and the Upgrades to the Wilton School. I also welcome the commencement of this work which we are yet to see.”
”While not as glamorous, I also look forward to seeing the upgrade of the $88.7 million spent on the Picton Tahmoor Sewer Treatment Works. These works don’t increase the growth capacity, it just meets the target and estimated need approved by the former Government in one small section of my community. There is a deficit of over $1 billion and I am hopeful the discussions with Government and Developers will lead to a better outcome.”
”Our final big ticket item and one I know so many care about is the Picton Bypass. The finalisation of the study during this term at the cost of $18.3 million will frustrate many. It frustrates me that this work was not done prior, no plans, no money and nothing but novelty cheques in the past. Today the amount in the budget is testament to hard work and not giving up. With this funding the project moves another step to completion and I cannot wait to turn dirt on this necessary piece of infrastructure.”
“There are some opportunities that I think are overlooked. The budget identifies over $300 million for bus services between Campbelltown and the new Western Sydney, but this overlooks the growth in Wollondilly. The connection for the growth area is logical, 20 minutes from the airport but no chance to work there is ridiculous and I look forward to the new bus services which must come with growth. “
“Finally, investing in services to reduce domestic family violence is welcomed, it has been called for by all voices in this place. But without any details on where, how and if this will be funded in the regions is not what we need. We need more services in Wollondilly and I will be working more in this space in the years to come.”
Full speech and budget wrap up is available here: https://www.judyhannan.com.au/news_budget_2024_25
Media: [email protected] or Benn Banasik 0434 832 636