Mr Scully welcomed $12.3 million in funding to upgrade the station saying, “People have rightly been sceptical about progressing Unanderra Station but my continual lobbying, backed by the strong support of our community, has seen the Government cave in and the lifts will be built – a decade late but certainly better than never.”
Funding has also been provided to commence the upgrade of Towradgi Station.
There is also small funding amounts included in the Budget for the Cringila Hills Pump Track Masterplan; upgrade of the “Snakepit” and for Video History Stories and Wollongong History Tours.
However, overall the NSW Budget handed down today was another great disappointment for the people of Wollongong.
“I think the residents of Wollongong will be thinking we pay all this tax, pay our fees and make a significant contribution to the NSW economy, but we really do not get our fair share under the NSW Liberals and Nationals Government.”
Mr Scully was scathing that the Wollongong Entertainment Centre had missed out on any funding in yet another NSW budget.
“While Newcastle gets $6.7 million to start planning the overhaul of their Centre and suburban stadiums in Sydney have business cases funded, but we get absolutely zero again.
“The NSW Liberals and Nationals are just not serious about looking after their own assets or the contribution it can make to the visitor economy, hospitality and tourism jobs, and the region’s cafes, restaurants and hotels.”
Mr Scully said it was very unclear from the budget papers just how many of the 1800 more nurses, midwives, doctors and allied health staff will come to Wollongong.
“I’ll be holding the Government to account to make sure we get our fair share of dedicated health professionals at Wollongong Hospital.”
Mr Scully was also disappointed the budget did not include projects to develop a hydrogen industry in the Illawarra.
“We’re ready to press the play button on hydrogen in the Illawarra after making a comprehensive submission to the Government on the development of the industry.”
He said it was outrageous that Wollongong cafes and restaurants would be excluded from the $100 voucher Sydney Friday lunches.
“This Governments likes to lavish a long Friday lunch in Sydney but leaves crumbs for cafes and restaurants in other major centres, like Wollongong.”
