Funding for vital infrastructure – including money for the Princes Hwy, Merimbula Airport, South East Regional Hospital and bridges – was the hallmark of Treasurer Gladys Berejiklian’s 2016-17 state budget on Tuesday.
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Eden emerged as one of the big winners with $27.5million confirmed over the next two financial years for the Port of Eden redevelopment.
The funding, while welcome, was not a surprise, having been announced by Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and Premier Mike Baird during their visit to Eden last month.
Other budget funding for the South Coast included:
- $15million to start work to realign the Princes Hwy to improve safety at Dignams Creek,
- $6.1million to continue work on the South East Regional Hospital in Bega,
- $4.4million grant towards the upgrades of Merimbula Airport,
- $1.6million to continue planning for the bridge over Clyde River at Batemans Bay,
- $1.5million to continue planning for the Nelligen Bridge on the Kings Hwy, and
- $1million for completion of the bridge widening over Bemboka River at Morans Crossing
Infrastructure Minister and Bega MP Andrew Constance said redevelopment of the Port of Eden would ensure the world’s largest cruise ships could visit the region, delivering a major boost for tourism.
“This project will deliver jobs during construction and long-term benefits through increased visitor numbers,” Mr Constance said.
Eden Chamber of Commerce president Jenny Robb said the injection of funds into vital infrastructure across the region would have a positive impact on Eden and its surrounds.
“Other than that, it's nice to see any government return to surplus,” Ms Robb said.
“It seems a rarity these days, although some will say it has been through the sale of assets that in the past have provided a revenue stream, which may provide challenges in the future,” she said.
