POSITIVE STATE BUDGET: Phil Donato, NSW Shooters Party MP, centre, earlier this year at the Forbes Menshed funding announcement.
Member for Orange Phil Donato MP responded to the NSW Government’s 2020-21 budget last week released in New South Wales Parliament by Treasurer, The Hon. Dominic Perrottet MP.
The budget, which many consider positive, had several announcements for the Orange Electorate, including:
• $1.25m to complete upgrades to Bletchington Public School
• $28m for Parkes Special Activation Precinct
• $60m to commence construction of Parkes By Pass
• $4.3m for fast rail planning for western NSW
• $215,000 for construction of shared 575m pathway Eugowra
• $85,000 for construction of shared pathway Forbes
• $500,000 for Canowindra Health One Facility ($6m total commitment)
Other state wide announcements relevant to the Orange Electorate include:
• Free preschool 2 days p/w
• Public sector 2.5% pay rise for public sector workers
• Learn to swim $100 vouchers for children
• $150m to combat mouse plague
Overall Mr Donato commented that the budget was positive, however he was disappointed that “more funding wasn’t provided for social and affordable housing.”
“I am pleased with many of the budget initiatives, the Orange Electorate will benefit greatly overall. However, when it comes to social and affordable housing, the government really must address this urgent need,” Mr Donato said.
“I’m hearing from many members of our community who are really feeling the effects of the housing crisis. Everyone deserves a safe place to live, and this issue won’t go away on its own.”
Locally, Forbes Shire Council is taking the lead with social housing with developments for a new estate well underway with announcements imminent.