The Special Activation Precinct and Parkes Bypass are the two biggest local features in the 2021-2022 NSW Budget, handed down on Tuesday night.
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There's $78.1 million in the Parkes Special Activation Fund towards delivery of the 4800 hectare Special Activation Precinct, this year's share of a $185 million announcement made by Deputy Premier John Barilaro a year ago.
There's also $60 million of State funding this financial year to progress the Newell Highway bypass.
Transport is a big part of the budget overall, with $107 million allocated to continue planning for the duplication of the Great Western Highway between Katoomba and Lithgow.
There's also $24.7 million for improvements along the Great Western Highway and Bells Line of Road, including overtaking lanes and widening of existing lanes.
Planning for a fast rail route to the Central West has been funded to the tune of $4.3million. The NSW Government is working with the National Faster Rail Agency to develop a business case for fast rail on the Sydney to Bathurst, Orange and Parkes corridor according to the budget papers.
Deputy Premier John Barilaro said more jobs and infrastructure builds will be delivered through the 2021-22 NSW Budget, to help our regions move through recovery and build on the benefits of regional living.
"Off the back of devastating drought, bushfires and floods, there has never been a more crucial time to support regional NSW by providing job opportunities, new and improved infrastructure and community-backed projects," Mr Barilaro said.
"This budget has a strong focus on job creating infrastructure builds to ensure local economies remain strong and regional NSW continues to be a fantastic place to live and work."
In announcements that will have an individual impact, the Regional Seniors Travel Card - a $250 prepaid VISA card designed to ease the burden of travel costs for eligible seniors in rural, regional and remote areas - is being expanded and continued.
Increased funding will allow the card to be extended from 2022 to additional seniors in the regions, including people of Age Pension age who receive either a Disability Pension or a Carers Payment from Services Australia.
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The free preschool program continues, with eligible children receiving about two days of free preschool each week.
Pre-school aged children will also receive a $100 Learn to Swim voucher under a new $43.9 million program, with Active Kids and Creative Kids voucher programs continuing as well.
Vicky Seccombe, Business NSW Regional Manager Western NSW, said the budget also held good news for business.
"From a business perspective, it is pleasing to see previously committed to extensions to the Payroll Tax threshold and rate of taxation have been confirmed," she said.
"A tax on job creation and retention is the last thing business owners need during these difficult times.
"Small businesses who don't currently pay payroll tax are still able to benefit by accessing grants and rebates of up to $1500."
Ms Seccombe welcomed the continued commitment to key transport infrastructure including the highways and rail route, "all of which are critical to improving safety and supporting the economic prosperity of Western NSW."
"The allocation for improving mobile coverage is always welcomed and we hope to see some of this investment in Western NSW to improve coverage for the community," she added.
"Skills and labour shortages and the loss of skilled migrants continue to be of major concern to our region's businesses and this is why Business NSW will continue its calls for a roadmap and timetable for the borders to open and stress the need for people to get vaccinated as quickly as possible.
"A commitment from the State Government of more than $260 million for vaccine distribution supports this important community measure."
The Treasurer announced a $7.9 billion deficit for the current year, less than half the $16 billion deficit forecast last November.
"This Budget shows that strong financial management continues to position NSW as the powerhouse of the Australian economy as we emerge from this pandemic," Ms Seccombe said.
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