THE state government has found an extra $100 million in the budget for the Hunter, thanks to the lease of Newcastle Port.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Two weeks ago the state government made several announcements that totalled $314 million for the Hunter.
They included $280 million for stage five of the Newcastle Inner City Bypass, $20 million to rebuild Hunter Sports High School at Gateshead, and $14 million for car parks at the John Hunter and Mater hospitals.
On budget day, Tuesday, June 17, there was also $11.35 million for the Lake Macquarie Police Local Area Command. Plus money for new fire stations will also be built at Lambton and Maryland.
The state government also followed through on an announcement made last year, allocating almost $9.5 million for redeveloping John Hunter Children's Hospital paediatric and neonatal intensive care units.
With $100 million still stashed away for the Hunter, funding the next stage of the Glendale interchange seems likely.
Independent Lake Macquarie MP Greg Piper said a commitment to the Glendale transport interchange would have broad regional benefits.
"It is a building budget, but the spoils should be shared across the region," Mr Piper said.
"With funding to complete the Newcastle Inner City Bypass now confirmed, the Lake Macquarie Transport Interchange must be the top priority for new infrastructure spending in the Hunter."
