Port Macquarie Hastings Council (PMHC) is continuing to advocate on behalf of the community for much-needed government funding to progress priority infrastructure projects, ahead of the NSW Budget to be announced next week.
Over the past 12 months Mayor Adam Roberts and General Manager Robert Fish have held a number of meetings with Ministers responsible for Transport, Water and Sport, and also the Premier Chris Minns and Treasurer Daniel Mookhey.
With the support of Local MPs and the combined voice of our region through the Mid North Coast Joint Organisation has further amplified this common need.
Key infrastructure needs highlighted include the urgent need to upgrade the Oxley Highway between Wrights and Lake Roads, water security through the Cowarra Water Supply Scheme, sewage treatment capacity provided by the Thrumster Wastewater Scheme and progressing the Port Macquarie Aquatic Centre.
The importance of investment in local roads and bridges through consistent annual funding programs to assist Councils with renewal, safety and resilience needs, and programs to support sportsfield drainage and facilities provision, has also been raised.
"These important discussions gave us the opportunity to emphasise to the NSW Government the urgency of these projects in managing the region's current and future growth, and how we as a region may support the NSW Government's housing goals," Mayor Adam Roberts said.
"Our region is competing with many others across the state for crucial government funding that is needed for priority infrastructure that will improve local traffic congestion, expand our water and sewage capabilities and contribute to the liveability to our region enabling our population to participate and be active.
"We have been tirelessly advocating for the funding required for these projects and hope to see some good news for the Port Macquarie Hastings region in the NSW Government State Budget next week."
General Manager Robert Fish said a "simple and consistent message" to government that outlines the region's focus on transport, utilities and sporting fields has occurred.
"Remedying traffic congestion and safety, especially on the Oxley Highway Corridor, requires urgent attention and with our population expected to exceed 100,000 in the coming years, we need to progress the Cowarra Water Supply Scheme and Thrumster Wastewater Scheme," Mr Fish said.
"We have also heard the community loud and clear on local sporting fields - on issues with capacity, drainage and conditions - and we are actively pursuing this.
"Our Airport is also an area of focus in terms of service reliability, frequency, affordability and routes. The recent event hosted by Business NSW demonstrated we are not alone advocating for government intervention when it comes to regional and rural airports."
"Everything we are advocating for supports our local economy and is viewed through a lens of growth, existing capacity issues, overall liveability, resilience and supporting community in recovery," Mr Fish added.
The NSW State Budget is announced Tuesday June 23.
