The intricacies of government budgets are hard to wade through.

At Western Plains App, we have done all the hard work for you and outlined the important points of the recently laid down NSW State Government Budget for 2024/25, with a focus on how it pertains to the Western Plains.

Transport

The Central West and Orana region have received funding for a couple of main transport projects, however there are few new projects flagged further west.

Firstly, $132 million has been put aside to enable grade separations on the Inland Rail alignment south of Parkes. This amount is jointly funded by the Australian Government.

This region will also benefit from a $28.6 commitment to build new heavy vehicle rest stops that will help combat driver fatigue.

The rest stop funding also stretches across the Far West area, where long distance driving can be hazardous.

Health

It's good news for the Far West Local Health District (Wilcannia and west to Broken Hill), which serves a population of about 30,700 people across an area covering 194,949 square km.

In the budget, $15.3 million for Key Health Worker Accommodation in the Far Western region. Unfortunately however, no funding for our local area in this regard.

This Budget also delivers $188.8 million for the Bulk Billing Support Initiative, which introduces a new payroll tax rebate to medical centres in regional areas that bulk-bill over 70 per cent of eligible services.

This will incentivise bulk billing for GPs in regional communities and is touted to assist with reducing the cost of medical care.

However, in western NSW, around 90-95% of visits are already bulk billed so this initiative is expected to have minimal impact.

Environment

Funding to the tune of $25 million has been earmarked to fund critical recommendations from the Independent Review into the 2023 Mass Fish Deaths in the Darling‑Baaka River at Menindee.

An amount of $200,000 will also be provided to conduct a scoping study into the potential repatriation of carved trees at Collarenebri. These trees are of great significance to the Indigenous people of the area.

Housing

In the Barwon electorate, $2.1million has been allocated for new social housing upgrades by the NSW Land and Housing Corporation.

For teachers, $5million has been invested in an essential worker housing package to ensure that teachers continue to be employed in our regional communities. Locations of this housing is yet to be announced.

Further east the Central West Housing Program will receive $40 million to enable flood tolerance for existing houses including house raisings, repairs, retrofits and voluntary buybacks.

It is not clear if this funding will extend to homes near Carinda which were affected in the 2022/23 floods.

Education

There will be a roll out of three new public preschools as part of the NSW Government’s 100 new public preschools election commitment.

One of these is flagged for Bourke, however much of the community remains unconvinced that a new and separate preschool is needed in addition to the successful community-fun facility that has served the town for many years.

In addition Bourke, Broken Hill and Cobar will receive $10 million to establish, expand or upgrade early childhood and education care. Cobar High School will receive an upgrade.

Youth

 Specific funding for youth initiatives in the Western Plains include $40,000 to refurbish the Bourke Police Citizens Youth Club’s education/training room and $30,000 for the Walgett Police Citizens Youth Club’s Afternoon Activity Program.

Connecting Regional Communities

 While not specific as far as locations, $1.2 billion will be invested to continue delivering a new rail fleet to improve safety, accessibility, amenities and reliability of regional train journeys.

The Gilgandra to Coonamble Country Rail line will receive an upgrade to 25 tonne axle Load totalling $24 million.

This upgrade is required to rectify the constraints of efficient movement of rail freight.

Water Security and Safety

An amount of $36.3 million has been allocated for the Nyngan to Cobar Pipeline and Pumping Station and $22.9 million funded for Wilcannia Weir to improve water security and enhance cultural connection to the river for local communities.

Under the Water Security for Regions program, $1.25 million has been allocated for the Western Weir project supporting work. 

While much of the budget items require more details, it is naturally being hailed as a strong way forward by the Minns Government.

“This Budget is one that celebrates the best of regional NSW and makes considered investments in strengthening the foundations of regional communities," Stephen Lawrence, NSW Labor Government Duty MLC for Barwon, said. "It prioritises building better homes, with access to roads, hospitals and vital essential services."

Just as predictably the opposition are critical of the 2024/25 NSW Government Budget.

According to Opposition Leader, Mark Speakman the budget has not offered any cost of living support for struggling families and he called it a "shameless attempt to window dress" support measures, while declaring the coalition would restart a host of relief efforts should it win back government.