Oxley MP slams city-focused budget

MEMBER for Oxley Michael Kemp has branded the Minns Government’s budget announcement on Tuesday as disappointing, claiming it fails to protect residents from cost of living pressures and provides poor road funding and reduced infrastructure provision.

“The Minns Government has delivered yet another city-focused agenda, with $5.2 billion committed to the Western Sydney road network and not a cent more spent on upgrading vital roads through Oxley, such as the dual lanes that are needed for Waterfall Way and the hazards across Giinagay Way,” Mr Kemp said.

“While I welcome the significant investment of $5.1 billion to build 8,400 social homes, half of which will be reserved for women and children fleeing domestic violence, there is no guarantee that this housing commitment will make its way to Oxley will find.

“Across the Mid North Coast, domestic abuse-related assaults have increased by 8.2 per cent over the past 12 months, with more than 1,500 incidents recorded.

“I have called for safer housing options, sanctuary and support services, and the Minns Government must commit to building these in Oxley.”

Mr Kemp also criticized the lack of new measures to ease the cost of living for “people who feel these pressures deeply”.

“An increase in utility rebates of $65 for low-income households will not support families struggling to purchase new school equipment or cover the costs of children registering for sports and outdoor activities.

“The Labor Government must reinstate measures introduced by the former Coalition Government, such as back to school and active child vouchers, as well as the regional senior travel card.

“The Oxley community deserves to be recognized in this budget.

“We need more funding for childcare, crime prevention and infrastructure, rather than all funding going to Labour-based seats.”

The state government described the budget as one that “invests in regional roads and bridges that will improve journey times for communities and support safer, more productive freight movements across the regions, including around the north coast”.

Across the state, the road safety budget will increase to $2.8 billion, and flood-damaged state and local roads on the north coast will benefit from $3.3 billion in funding across NSW for repairs.

The funding includes $926 million for the Coffs Harbor bypass and $21.3 million for Waterfall Way safety improvements.

Minister for the North Coast Rose Jackson said: “This Budget prioritizes building better communities for NSW and ensures we have the roads and transport infrastructure to improve the lives of people in our regions.

“As Minister for the North Coast, I believe that local roads are a major issue for the community.

“Our investments in the region are all part of our plan to build a better NSW for all.”

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said: “The NSW Budget 2024-25 delivers on the Government’s promise to strengthen the regions, especially here on the North Coast.

“It includes a plan to build safer, well-connected regional communities by investing in the infrastructure they need.”