Heathcote MP Maryanne Stuart said the residents throughout the Illawarra region and Heathcote Electorate will be excited with the NSW Government’s 2024/25 budget.

The Minns Labor Government have listened and delivered on a budget that builds better communities; ensuring essential investment in infrastructure, health, and education to improve the wellbeing of our communities. 

Released today, the budget contains funding for projects and measures that will make a significant difference to the lives of those in the Sutherland Shire and Illawarra regions.

Those projects include:

• $10 million for Illawarra Rail Resilience plan to determine options to upgrade and rebuild infrastructure along the South Coast Line.
• $5.2 million for the transfer of wildlife corridors in Woronora Heights to support critical koala habitat and the movement of wildlife.
• $2.3 million for the Sutherland Public School New Multi-Purpose Hall.

• $2 million of the $31 million committed for planning the duplication of Heathcote Road.

• $1.4 million of the committed $3 million to complete upgrades of Helensburgh Police Station.
• $1 million of the $20 million committed for a feasibility study for Bulli Bypass.

• $400,000 to fund 16 school crossing supervisors for the Heathcote Electorate.
• $300,000 towards Engadine High School’s Hall upgrade.
• $250,000 of the $5 million committed to upgrade Fire Stations in the electorate.

Other notable projects that will benefit the Heathcote electorate include:

• The $189 million continuation of the GP payroll tax rebate to decrease the pressure on GP practices, increasing bulk billing available for residents.
• $4.4 million for the Sutherland Hospital Operating Theatre Complex.
• $2.5 million of the $21.9 million Wollongong Hospital package.
• $5 million for the BlueScope Surplus Land Masterplan, preparing for the creation of a jobs centre for the State within the Illawarra.

Quotes attributable to Maryanne Stuart, Member for Heathcote:

“After more than ten years of neglect by the former Liberal-National government, this vital investment into the Illawarra and South Coast prioritises our healthcare services, improves our l transport infrastructure and creates jobs for our region. This includes critical work on Heathcote Road and Garie Road.”

“I am super proud of a being a part of the Minns Labor Government that invests in the future of people of Heathcote and NSW. This budget reflects a commitment to strengthening our local communities and is a testament to how crucial the Illawarra and South Coast is to our State Government.”

“This budget is just the start for residents of the Heathcote Electorate and the Illawarra. The Minns Labor Government is committed to supporting residents in this state who are facing cost of living pressures and the record inflation left by the Liberal-National Government. With each new budget, the Government will continue to build a stronger NSW”.