The 2019-20 NSW Budget was announced this week, inclusive of $93 billion investment in infrastructure, $18.5 billion in education and $26.7 billion in health. 

The final surplus of $802 million is projected for 2018-19, with an estimated surplus average of $1.7 billion over the next four years up to 2022-23. 

“This Budget delivers on our promise to provide greater opportunities and quality of life for all citizens across NSW, no matter where they live or their personal circumstances,” Premier Gladys Berejiklian said. 

“Only through a strong Budget are we able to provide cost of living relief to households, invest unprecedented amounts in infrastructure and services, and support the most vulnerable in our community,” she added. 

In the $93 billion infrastructure budget, $55.6 billion will be invested to various road and transport projects. 

This will include $6.4 billion going towards the Sydney Metro West project, with driverless trains from city to Parramatta via Sydney Olympic Park.

Also, $2 billion will be invested to another Metro line connecting the T1 Western Line to the new Western Sydney Airport, $1.5 billion on improving the M1 Pacific Highway in northern NSW, and $1.2 billion on the M1 Princes Highway in the south, 

The $18.5 billion Education Budget includes $6.7 billion in delivering 190 new and upgraded schools over the next four years, $88.4 million to hire psychologists and social workers in government high schools, $500 million to support non-government schools in building facilities over the next four years, and $120 million to expand before and after school care over the next four years. 

They will also fund for 2,300 new early childhood education places and 4,600 more teachers.

The $26.7 billion budget for health includes $10 billion going towards upgrading existing and building new hospitals, and funding for 8,300 additional nurses, midwives, doctors and medical and support staff over the next four years. 

저작권자 © 한호일보 무단전재 및 재배포 금지