regional cities call for more regional connectivity in State Budget

Regional Cities NSW Chair Cr Steve Krieg, pictured above in Lismore, has asked the Minns Government to continue to invest in transport and communications infrastructure, including regional and local roads, in the State Budget for the coming financial year.

Regional Cities New South Wales (RCNSW) has urged the Minns Government to further invest in transport and communications infrastructure in the June State Budget as work gets underway to repair and rebuild damage caused by extensive flooding along the Mid North Coast and in the Hunter Valley.  

RCNSW Chair Cr Steve Krieg said more funding was needed to ensure regional and local roads and bridges could meet the current and future challenges of climate change.

“The flood waters isolated communities and cut transport and freight routes. It’s brought normal life to a standstill and we can only guess when our communities will be inundated again,” Cr Krieg said.

“That’s why, ahead of this month’s State Budget, we have recommended ongoing funding for additional rounds of regional roads programs, particularly the Regional and Local Roads Repair Program and the Towards Zero-Safer Roads Program,” Cr Krieg said.

“The importance of our regional aviation infrastructure was also clear during last month’s flood emergency when roads and highways were cut, isolating many communities,” Cr Krieg said.

“We have asked the Minns Government to increase its support for regional aviation and provide funding for regional aviation on an on-going basis. This will allow our Regional Cities to invest in and maintain their airports, aerodromes and airstrips,” Cr Krieg said.

Regional Cities NSW met with both Minister for Transport John Graham and Minister for Regional Roads and Transport Jenny Aitchison during the past 12 months to discuss the need for more funding for regional transport infrastructure, including the road freight network. 

Cr Krieg also said the recent flood disaster had highlighted the importance of mobile connectivity.

“Mobile connectivity is now seen as the last line of defence to protect lives in emergency situations,” Cr Krieg said.

“The state and federal governments have provided welcome funding for the Mobile Black Spot Program. RCNSW is now asking the Minns Government to address on-going gaps and speed deficits by providing an ongoing commitment to the Regional Digital Connectivity Program,” Cr Krieg said.

The New South Wales State Budget is due to be handed down next week.