THE NSW budget, Council amalgamation and funding applications were discussed with Member for Myall Lakes Stephen Bromheadduring his recent Electorate meeting in Bulahdelah.

It could have been the case that the community didn’t know Bromhead was coming to the area, however the National Party MP told the small but interested group of community members that the State Budget was “under control.”

“The 2015-16 Budget has reported a surplus of $3.4 billion and the Budget forecasts an even higher surplus in 2016-17,” he said.

“We are delivering on Roads, Hospitals and Education and we are delivering infrastructure at record levels.”

Mr Bromhead said infrastructure projects funded in the 2016-17 Budget in Myall Lakes include $16 million for roads, 1.2 million for Social Housing upgrades and $1.7 million for upgrades to facilities at Taree TAFE.

An allocation of $10million has also beenmade to Manning Base Hospital for a new purpose-built facility for improved cancer care and renal dialysis services.

For Education, Mr Bromhead said Gonski School funding would be fully funded for the next four years and RAMS funding would be significantly increased.

Reductions in stamp duty on mortgages and share transactions which came into effect on 1 July were also discussed.

Mr Bromhead said “these will have a positive effect on businesses.”

When asked about the Council amalgamation, Mr Bromhead said he was pleased with Glenn Handford’s appointment as Interim General Manager of the new MidCoast Council.

“Through effective management, Great Lakes Council changed from an underperforming one to become one of the best Council’s south of the Queensland border,” Mr Bromhead said.

“The merger will create a stronger and more efficient council which will free up money for important projects such as roads and vital infrastructure.”

Mr Bromhead will be hosting the next Bulahdelah Electorate Meeting at 9.00am on Monday 15 August at the Rural Transaction centre.

 

 

By Daniel SAHYOUN