Tony Abbott hails good budget for Warringah with cash for Beaches Link tunnel

TONY Abbott has hailed a “very good” budget for the people of Warringah with money for the Beaches Link tunnel, Manly Life Saving Club and the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust.

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TONY Abbott has hailed a “very good” budget for the people of Warringah with money for the Beaches Link tunnel, Manly Life Saving Club and the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust.

He said $50 million will go towards planning for the tunnel with $5 million set aside for a young adult hospice and more than $20 million for the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust.

As previously reported $5 million has been given to the Manly Life Saving Club for its redevelopment.

“It was a good budget for the country but a very good budget for Warringah,” Mr Abbott said.

“Most importantly there is $50 million from the congestion fund to ensure better access from Balgowlah to the northern beaches tunnel.

Tony Abbott said the budget was a great result for Warringah. Picture: John Appleyard

“Yes, the State Government is building the tunnel but the Federal Government is ensuring it's the best possible tunnel for everyone.”

He said the $50 million would go specifically towards finding a solution to the problems raised regarding access to the tunnel from Balgowlah.

“What came from community consultation was that there were concerns locally in Balgowlah about the original plan.

“The $50 million will help to find an alternative to the original plan for access from Balgowlah.”

Mr Abbott said the $5 million towards the young adult hospice on the site of the former Manly Hospital completed the funding needed for the work to start.

More than $20 million is going to the Sydney Harbour Federation including for works at Middle Head. Photo: Adam Ward

He added that the $21.4 million for the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust will go towards restoring the 10 Terminal site at Middle Head.

The collection of buildings was original an Army Intelligence Centre.

The cash will also go towards building a new walking track that will link Middle Head to other parts of the Sydney Harbor Federation Trust, including Balmoral and Clifton Gardens.

An artist's impression of the young adult's hospice set to be built on the old Manly Hospital site

Elsewhere on the northern beaches $500,000 will be allocated towards a new headquarters for Manly Warringah Football Association at Cromer Park.

Mackellar MP Jason Falinski said $170,000 had also been set aside for upgrades to St Matthews Farm Reserve in Wheeler Heights with $53,000 set to go to Wakehurst Rugby Club for upgrades to their home ground.

Jason Falinski MP said it cash would go towards upgrading facilities at Cromer Park. Picture Kym Smith

“Increasing sports participation rates among kids is one of my priorities for the beaches, providing these upgrades for our local sporting clubs will help more kids engage in sport,” he said.

He also welcomed “significant investment” for youth mental health services to tackle the high suicide rates.

“I will be fighting for a new headspace available to our kids right here on the beaches,” he added.

An artist impression of the new clubhouse for Cromer Park.

He said the fact the country was back in black would also be felt by Mackellar residents.

“The $18 billion we were spending in interest repayments each year — which is equivalent to building 500 new schools — can now be spent elsewhere,” he said.

“We are lowering taxes for 75,380 taxpayers in Mackellar and 26,974 taxpayers will get $1,080 tax back.

“In this budget there is record funding for schools with $150,000 available for local school projects right her on the beaches.

“This strong economy is great news for the beaches.”