Maitland was not forgotten in Treasurer Michael Costa’s budget yesterday with $25 million allocated to major infrastructure projects, health and public services in the city.
The third Hunter River crossing was the biggest winner as the State Government pushed ahead with the $65 million project, allocating $10 million for the start of construction.
Regionally, a further $26 million was included for the Tillegra Dam project.
Mr Costa said the 2008-09 budget delivered record spending on services and infrastructure and $3.6 billion in tax cuts.
But the government’s increased spending is part funded by an increase in net debt of $6.4 billion in the next financial year and totalling $20.9 billion in extra debt in 2011-12.
Maitland MP Frank Terenzini said good financial management meant the Government was in a position to increase its borrowings, as well as deliver tax cuts.
He said the city received a “healthy share” of a record $13.9 billion for infrastructure spending and $46.7 billion for vital services, delivering on ongoing works for Maitland Hospital’s emergency department and the construction of the third Hunter River crossing.
Other roads projects included $2.9 million for the approaches to Morpeth Bridge and $2.3 million for the Dunmore bridge.
“It’s a very good budget for us here in Maitland,” Mr Terenzini said.
“We are certainly addressing roads issues: when you consider we have funding for studies on the bypass and roundabouts on the New England Highway; $2.9 million for Morpeth Bridge, a major tourist attraction that is in need of repair; the third river crossing project is progressing and we’ve spent $5 million on road improvements in the past six months.
“I’m pleased with the progress we are making across other sectors, but I will continued to lobby for more health services and improved maintenance in our schools.”
Maitland Mayor Peter Blackmore said it was “not a bad budget, but there are a lot of people in Maitland and groups who would say it could have been a better budget”.
He said he expected the funding for the third river crossing, but was still doubtful about the proposed location between Flat Road, Bolwarra and Pitnacree Road, East Maitland.
“We definitely need it,” he said.
“When we see construction taking place, that’s when the community will be reassured that it is happening.
“But I want to be assured by the RTA that this is the best position for the bridge, after damage to the river bank in last year’s long weekend flood.”
Maitland Business Chamber president Jennifer Nichols was disappointed with the lack of commitment to infrastructure as the city’s population continued to surge ahead.
“It is interesting to note, that apart from a $15.8 million commitment to complete the Weakleys Drive interchange and $10 million for the continuation of the third river crossing, Maitland is basically still in the same place with regards to fixing our road infrastructure,” she said.
“Again, this is just a token gesture given to the people of Maitland and we are expected to take it with gratitude.
“If the current Government was truly interested in providing Maitland with the infrastructure befitting of its growth status, a greater commitment could have been shown.”
Hunter-based Liberal MLC Robyn Parker also criticised the level of roads funding.
“The NSW Government has again failed to listen to the Hunter region and the infrastructure required to support our growing population.,” she said.
“Labor was clearly all talk during their regional Cabinet visit and promises of road funding to alleviate traffic problems were just for media appearances.”