Wagga will be hoping to see its fair share of the state government’s funding in health, education and infrastructure funding when the budget is handed down tomorrow.
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Liberal member for Wagga Daryl Maguire expects “a lot of money will make its way to the Riverina”.
“After eight years, we’ve managed to pay off the debts so we can continue to invest in what’s needed across the state and the Riverina,” he said.
“The government has delivered a lot of funding commitments outside of the budget, so there won’t be too many surprises with the budget.”
Labor’s spokesperson for Wagga Daniel Mookhey agrees, there is no doubt that there will be plenty of money to go around.
“There’s going to be a lot more funding promises for education, health, and infrastructure, and I would welcome that if the Government wasn’t spending over $2 billion on stadiums,” he said.
“The question that should be answered though, and what taxpayers should be asking ahead of the election is, what has been achieved over eight years, and what do they plan to do in particular for jobs and wages?”
The budget will likely introduce policies aimed at reducing the cost of living by applying downward pressure on energy prices, and lowering the price of green slips.
But Mr Mookhey would prefer to see a comprehensive action plan for improving wages and job security.
“The Riverina has hit a four year high unemployment record which should be a warning to Macquarie Street that more needs to be done to channel funding to the region,” Mr Mookhey said.
“I’d like to see a regional economic job plan with some sort of a stimulus package that will provide jobs and grow the economy.”
It is expected that a third of the state’s budget will go towards health, with an additional hospital for Tumut likely to get a mention.
Mayor Greg Conkey hopes it will translate to a firm commitment to stage three of Wagga’s hospital redevelopment. It is estimated to cost $170 million and is due to begin early next year.
“I’ve had some encouraging conversations with the premier and deputy saying they do support the redevelopment,” Mayor Conkey said.
“I want to see the commitment to building the community health and rehabilitation services
“Health services and education are the foundation stones for our city, people come from all over the state to use our facilities, so those upgrades are really very important.”
