The newly announced NSW Budget is free of too many shiny surprises, in an attempt from the Labor government to cut a $10.1 billion deficit. 

Among the casualties of the budget cuts was the Department of Regional NSW, which will see capital expenditure reduced from $334 to $23 million over the next three years.

The Department of Regional NSW is responsible for advising on matters affecting local communities and championing regional causes. 

Nevertheless, the new budget promises $3.8 billion for regional health facilities, $1.4 billion for regional schools, and $1.8 billion in new investments to strengthen regional NSW. 

Here’s what might impact you:

Cost of Living

• Increasing existing energy rebates, one-off energy relief payments for eligible businesses and households
• $1.6 billion of preschool relief including $500 each year towards daycare bills for parents of three-year olds

Transport and Roads

•  $390 million Regional Emergency Road Repair Fund to provide funding certainty to regional councils damaged by recent weather events and natural disasters
• $334 million Regional Roads Fund to build new roads and restore damaged roads in rural and regional areas
• $95.5 million for the Fixing Country Rail program

A noticeably missing funding point was the Regional Seniors Travel Card, which Nationals politicians have been lobbying to save since it was put on hold earlier this year after it was found to be flawed, allowing card holders to pay for non-travel related expenses. 

Health

• 500 extra rural and regional paramedics
• $419.1 million to deliver the first steps towards Safe Staffing Levels in NSW hospitals to recruit an extra 1,200 nurses and midwives and help address the shortage of nurses

While workforce was a priority for health in the budget, the Australian Medical Association (NSW) said the investments weren’t enough to counter increasing costs. 

“Traditionally governments increase health investment, this government has effectively slashed it, when health inflation is taken into consideration,” AMA NSW President Dr Michael Bonning said. 

Housing

• $224 million Essential Housing Package to address affordable housing supply and homelessness support
• $300 million reinvested in Landcom to accelerate the construction of thousands of new dwellings, with 30 per cent for affordable housing

Homelessness NSW said the Essential Housing Package will barely scratch the surface of the state’s housing crisis. 

“NSW does not need more vehicles for housing and homelessness finance; we need direct investment - now- in housing and services at a scale that is going to make a real difference in this crisis,” Housing NSW Acting CEO Amy Hains said. 

Minister for Housing Rose Jackson said that the budget is the beginning of a long-term plan to rebuild the social and affordable housing system. 

Agriculture

• $77.2 million to support industries impacted by the varroa mite
• $13 million Feral Pig Control Program
• The appointment of an independent Agriculture Commissioner to promote and protect the industry

Member for Barwon Roy Butler pointed out no specific funding for the spread of Hudson Pear, an issue that is plaguing areas of the Western Plains. 

 A win from the budget is a commitment to existing projects, with no projects in the Western Plains being scrapped, and some to come.