politics PAGE 4
life & style PAGE 13
SPORT PAGE 20
leadership an oxymoron
keep warm by layering
buderus makes his return
JUNE 26 2013 www.newcastlepost.com.au
PROUDLY INDEPENDENT PH: 49 610 310
Big boost for Hunter
Region to benefit from half-a-billion dollars in Budget funding
debate continues Maitland Council has joined the discussion around local government reform, following the submission of a response to the Independent Local Government Review Panel’s ‘Future Directions for NSW Local Government – Twenty Essential Steps’ report. General Manager David Evans said that the suggested amalgamation with Dungog and Cessnock would leave Maitland with “an even greater legacy of ageing infrastructure”...
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Walking together Community rallies in support of migrants Page 5 Premier Barry O’Farrell and Treasurer Mike Baird selling the State Budget last week
Amelia Parrott
T
he Hunter region has emerged as one of the winners from the NSW 2013/2014 Budget, handed down by Treasurer Mike Baird last Tuesday. The Budget includes a half-abillion dollar investment in Hunter roads, funding for a new hospital and fire station, plus improvements to public education. $544 million will be invested in
roads across the region, including $2 million to provide additional lanes on the New England Highway between Racecourse Road and Regiment Road in Rutherford; $12.1 million to improve roads in the Hunter Valley wine region; and $24.7 million to upgrade the New England Highway between Maitland Hospital and the Maitland station roundabouts, one of local MP Robyn Parker’s election commitments. The State has also committed a further $222 million to the completion of the Hunter
Expressway – a joint State and Federally-funded project. $485,000 has been allocated for a new fire station in Rutherford and there are also funds to acquire land for a new hospital in Maitland. Education improvements include a major upgrade to Rutherford High School, including new classrooms, a new performance workshop and facilities for performing arts and students with special needs and $6.3 million for a dry wall plastering and tiling centre at Maitland TAFE. Ms Parker said the Budget would help secure Maitland’s future.
“The New England Highway upgrades, flood scheme funding to protect homes and property...a new fire station for Rutherford and funding to acquire the land for a new hospital demonstrate a real commitment to deliver for our community.” But Cessnock MP, Clayton Barr, criticised the Government for failing to deliver funds for the Hunter Valley Research Foundation and the eye surgery at John Hunter Hospital. Find more Budget coverage on pages 3 and 5.
big name acts Line-up unveiled for Games opening Page 7