ON the eve of the State budget, regional NSW waits to see how big a slice of the pie it will receive.
Deputy Premier Andrew Stoner announced last week that a billion dollars would be spent on new dams, roads and tourism infrastructure.
He said some of the highlights of tomorrow's budget could include $325 million for the Water Security for the Regions program; $110 million for a new Regional Tourism Infrastructure Fund; and $50 million for a new Western NSW Freight Productivity program.
Among the pre-announced budget wins was a major new dam, known as Needles Dam, on the Belubula River in the Central West.
“With an initial construction cost estimate of about $150 million, we will be looking to partner with the Commonwealth and local council to make this project a reality,” Mr Stoner said last week.
So far the State government has announced big ticket items in the Sydney region, including an initial $5 million in planning money to overhaul Westmead Hospital, and serious money for rail links and roads.
The Land will bring readers news of tangible budget wins for the regions from midday tomorrow as Treasurer Andrew Constance delivers his first budget.
