Labor members across the Hunter have criticised the state budget for overlooking Newcastle's wishlist and redefining it as metropolitan.
Many of the Hunter's requests have been overlooked, including funds for the Lake Macquarie Transport Interchange at Glendale, a new regional art gallery, and a ferry terminal for Wickham.
Port Stephens MP and Shadow Minister for the Hunter Kate Washington is frustrated the Glendale Interchange has been ignored entirely, despite all councils across the Hunter identifying it as a priority project for the region.
"This government just is not listening to those councils on the ground that know what would make a difference," she said.
"The government is certainly Sydney-centric. When we are going to be seeing stadiums built in Sydney, instead of basic infrastructure like schools and hospitals in the Hunter, it's really frustrating."
Maitland MP Jenny Aitchison has criticised the $23.5 million commitment to Maitland hospital as only a drop in the ocean of what is needed to finish the project, which so far has only completed roadworks.
Charlestown MP Jodie Harrison says it's disappointing the government isn't listening to community demand and despite $87.2 billion dedicated to infrastructure investments, Hillsborough Road has been placed on the backburner for upgrades.
Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp says the $110 million dedicated to finishing the light rail on Hunter Street is nothing new, but rather old funding rebranded.
"They've recycled the light rail funding for the fifth year in a row."
Newcastle has been excluded from the Hunter as a region and is now considered metropolitan, meaning the city may not be eligible for regional funding programs.
Mr Crakanthorp says the government is full of contradictions, "we just got regional funding for the skatepark and Newcastle beach redo and yet we're considered metropolitan and missing out... on many other types on funding."
Ms Washigton expands, "The government just is not acknowledging the importance of the Hunter, we are the largest regional economy in Australia and we contribute enormously to the budget and to the NSW economy."
"Newcastle as the heart of the Hunter, to have been excluded from the area as a region, makes it difficult to understand exactly what funding it might be able to attract."
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| NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet. Photo: Richard Dobson |
