BY DAKOTA TAIT
There's hope the Hunter economy could be bolstered by a swathe of commitments on infrastructure projects in the state's latest budget.
Matt Kean's handed down the spending on Tuesday, highlighting a $95 million spend on planning a fast rail link from Sydney to Newcastle, the first in a $274.5 million spend over four years on the initiative.
$37.8 million's been promised for the final stage of the Newcastle Inner City Bypass, as well as $19.8 for the Singleton Bypass and another $14.2 on the Muswellbrook Bypass.
$1.4 billion will be spent over the next four years to continue planning the M1 Extension to Raymond Terrace, with $117.9 million set aside to get construction started.
Health assets will also get a slice of the cash splash, with $89.4 million allocated to the John Hunter Health and Innovation Precinct, and another almost $40 million on Maitland Hospital.
The Hunter Central Coast Renewable Energy Zone is also in line for a leg-up, with a $1.2 billion spend on a Transmission Acceleration Facility to link up the energy grid and spur investment in the sector.
More than $700 million spent on developing high-value future industries such as medical technology and the green economy is also expected to have positive repercussions locally.
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| NSW Treasurer Matt Kean delivered his budget on Tuesday. |
