NorthConnex, Hornsby Hospital secures funding; no major new projects
HORNSBY MP Matt Kean has championed wins for NorthConnex, Hornsby Hospital and black spot funding, but Labor candidate Katie Gompertz has hit out over a lack of new projects announced.
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MILLIONS of dollars were invested in roads and transport across Hornsby as part of the State Budget — however, no new major projects were announced for the region.
NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet handed down yet another multimillion-dollar cash bonanza for the NorthConnex project, as part of a record statewide infrastructure fund of $3 billion over four years to complete the missing arterial link between the M1 and M2 motorways.
The funding was among several other ongoing projects, including stage two plans for the redevelopment of Hornsby Hospital.
But Hornsby state Labor candidate Katie Gompertz has hit out at the government, claiming it was a disappointing budget for the “forgotten seat of Hornsby”.
Ms Gompertz slammed the fact that a $6 billion education infrastructure plan failed to include any school upgrades for the Hornsby shire.
“Our schools are in desperate need of attention, particularly our lack of high school choices in the Berowra and Cowan area and this won’t happen as long as this remains a safe, blue ribbon seat,” she said.
“It’s noted that funding for libraries has been slashed by $5 million — Hornsby Library is in desperate need of a permanent home to make it the world class learning centre that its residents deserve.”
She said the major funding in the Budget — including $85 million for Hornsby Hospital — came from rehashed announcements on existing projects.
But Hornsby state Liberal MP Matt Kean argued the Budget was a “bonanza” for Hornsby.
“We have secured the final stages of funding, $83 million worth, for the competition of NorthConnex which is expected to be open in December 2019,” Mr Kean said.
“A further $4.1 million will help fund the transfer of spoil to Hornsby Quarry.”
Funding was also allocated to fixing accident black pots across the shire, with safety upgrades for the George St intersection in Hornsby as well as the installation of pedestrian refuge islands at Gully Rd, Berowra, and Old Northern Rd, Dural.
“I am also very excited to announce $230,000 will be spent to upgrade the Brooklyn Jetty over the next financial year, as well as $324,000 secured for a bike shed at Asquith train station,” he said.
Mr Kean championed the government’s Creative Kids Rebate, a $100 voucher for every school-aged child to spend on music lessons, language classes art and drama.
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