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The NSW government says the 2013-14 financial year will see a significant investment made in the Illawarra.
However, for many in the region, last week’s NSW budget announcement was overshadowed by news the port of Newcastle would be leased for 99 years, a move expected to generate $760million.
From the proceeds $340million would be spent on revitalising Newcastle city centre compared to $100million for the Illawarra.
Shellharbour MP Anna Watson said the Illawarra needed to unite and demand a better deal.
“We should be demanding the NSW government increase the $100million it has promised to match the deal it has so enthusiastically put together for Newcastle,’’ she said.
“My Labor parliamentary colleagues and I warned Illawarra stakeholders that this deal was a dud.’’
Wollongong MP Noreen Hay labelled the budget a ‘‘slap in the face’’ to the Illawarra.
She has organised a stakeholder community forum at Port Kembla Leagues Club this Thursday at 11am.
Opposition Leader John Robertson will attend and Ms Hay is encouraging all who share her view that the community has been undervalued and disrespected to attend.
Ms Watson said there was an element of apathy from key stakeholders in the Illawarra when the Port Kembla deal was announced.
“I called in April for an increase in the funds set aside for this deal,’’ she said.
“Many stakeholders, particularly in the region’s business community, sleepwalked through this whole process.’’
Acting Minister for the Illawarra Andrew Constance said the budget was focused on ensuring the Illawarra had the infrastructure and services to grow.
“This includes a brand new station at Shell Cove, a major easy access upgrade to Waterfall station, new commuter car parks at Kiama, Oak Flats and Moss Vale, as well as improved access to Albion Park and Dapto stations,’’ Mr Constance said.
Mr Constance highlighted the $57.8 million in upgrades to Wollongong Hospital, $4.3million for Wollongong Courthouse renovations, $4.28 million for regional roads, $3 million in capital projects for people with disability, and $13 million for the fit-out of a new SES headquarters.