The Local Breakdown Of The NSW Budget

The NSW State Budget was released on Tuesday by Treasurer, Dominic Perrottet.

While no NEW funding has been announced directly for the Mid-Western region, a range of budget measures will have a direct effect on residents.

As announced last week, $7.5m in funding will see the establishment of a drug and alcohol rehabilitation centre in Dubbo to treat people that have become dependent upon alcohol or drugs. 

$15.3 million has been announced to continue planning for the Great Western Highway upgrade between Katoomba and Lithgow.

15 hours of free preschool per week will be extended to the end of 2021, and all NSW residents will be given $100 worth of digital vouchers that can be used at eateries and on arts and tourism attractions across NSW.

Every NSW resident, aged 18 and over, will be eligible for four $25 vouchers worth $100 in total - with the program designed to encourage people to spend multiple times to support their local businesses.

Member for Dubbo, Dugald Saunders says that while there will be a Sydney based trial of this program, he is also pushing for one in regional areas.

"For places like Mudgee and Gulgong, it's a helpful initiative to help keep that financial support coming into the towns," he says.

Two vouchers can be used for eating in at venues such as restaurants, cafes, clubs and other food service venues, and two vouchers can be used for entertainment and recreation, such as cultural institutions, performing arts, cinemas, and amusement parks.

Over $5m was also brought forward for the demolition of the old Mudgee hospital.