While saying “there’s always more to be done”, Mrs Dalton said investment in Murray had improved in the past few years.
Murray region projects funded in this budget are not specific to the Deniliquin district, but should have far-reaching benefits, Mrs Dalton said.
“This budget has a big focus on rail and road maintenance, with Murray expected to receive about $49 million for rail and about $46 million for roads,” she said.
“It's great to see that kind of attention because it is needed, but I am still advocating for a new Tooleybuc bridge. The existing one was built in 1925.
“There’s an investment in Sturt Hwy upgrades near Maude, including for restroom facilities and highway upgrades, and I will continue to request more overtaking lanes and rest areas throughout the electorate.
“Finding has also been allocated for a fish passage near Pooncarie.”
Mrs Dalton also specifically welcomed the budget’s commitment to increase payments to foster carers by $4500 a year.
She said this was a key win for the Committee on Children and Young People, which she chaired.
“It means a great deal of difference,” she said.
“There have been foster children living in hotels, and this increase will help existing foster carers and incentivise others to take it on to help house those children.”
Outside the immediate local area, Mrs Dalton also welcomed an additional $3 million for Wentworth hospital and investment in bridge works in the Griffith area.
Mrs Dalton said she would have liked to have seen consideration for Deniliquin hospital in the budget, but said she would keep lobbying on behalf of the community.
“I’ll keep working on Deni hospital. They are talking about it, I hear it,” she said.
Mrs Dalton said she would not “take my foot off the pedal” on the hospital, or other needs for the electorate.
“The budget may look disappointing, but we have seen some massive investment in Murray in recent years,” she said.
“The electorate was well behind when I first took office (in 2019), but we’re slowly working towards what we need.
“And I will continue to shake the government’s pockets.”
Some of the other key items in the NSW budget, handed down on Tuesday, June 24, are:
• The extension of the $150 National Energy Bill Relief Fund for households and selected small business to the end of 2025.
• $40.2 million to continue Fee Free Apprenticeships and Traineeships for priority qualifications.
• $20 million to ease pressure on the crisis accommodation system.
• A 50 per cent reduction in land tax for built-to-rent developments
• $41.2 million to enhance and modernise primary industries research
• $100 million to sustain critical biosecurity functions.
• The rollout of minimum staffing levels in hospitals.
• Better pay and conditions provide certainty and financial security to our essential public sector workforces. This includes public school and TAFE teachers, police and paramedics.
Full details of the budget can be viewed at budget.nsw.gov.au
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