The Minns Labor Government has turned its back on the needs of the Coffs Coast in today’s Budget, which fails regional communities.
Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh said the Budget showed just how removed Labor was from the realities of life in regional centres like the Coffs Coast.
“Local families, workers, small businesses, farmers and seniors are continuing to struggle with the rising cost of living and unfortunately, today’s Budget gives them no reprieve,” said Mr Singh, Shadow Minister for Tourism, Emergency Services and the North Coast.
“The NSW Opposition has been calling on the Minns Labor Government to restore vital cost of living relief like the Active Kids and Creative Kids vouchers and the Regional Seniors Travel Card, which all proved to be extremely successful under the NSW Coalition Government.
“Instead of showing its support for our regional residents, Labor has shown it simply doesn’t care about some of the more pressing needs facing country communities.
“The Government has no solutions for deep-seated problems which are continuing to bite – increasing homelessness and the housing crisis, spiralling crime rates, and the daily pressures faced by our teachers and nurses. Coffs Harbour Hospital in particular desperately needs more resources.
“The Treasurer began his Budget speech talking about housing, so it’s particularly disappointing to see no budget allocated for more social housing on the Coffs Coast, given the Minns Labor Government cancelled the Argyll Estate redevelopment last year.
“I’ll continue to fight for the Coffs Coast to ensure we get our fair share from this Sydney-centric Labor Government.”
2024-25 Coffs Harbour Electorate Budget highlights (these projects were begun by the former NSW Coalition Government):
- $412m to continue construction of the Coffs Harbour Bypass
- $2.3m for redevelopment of the Coffs Harbour Jetty Foreshore Precinct
- $34.3m for new purpose-built office hubs in Coffs Harbour and Dubbo
- $21.6m for Coffs Harbour TAFE optimisation
