POPULAR WORDS

NSW Treasurer Eric Roozendaal today put aside $4.4 billion for road infrastructure and $450 million for port upgrades in his first budget, describing it as “the biggest infrastructure investment in the history of NSW”.

The Rees Government will spend $1.8 million on new roads, $1 billion in maintenance for existing roads, $3.1 billion to improve rural and regional roads and a $700 million upgrade of the Pacific Highway.

The Hume Highway will also receive $337.5 million in upgrades, with another $132 million to be spent on the Great Western Highway.

NSW Roads Minister Michael Daley says the decision to invest another $234 million in road safety measures is also improve the State’s road record.

“The record $4.4 million roads budget will also make sure essential Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA) frontline services are maintained in motor registries and inspection stations across the state,” Daley says.

Port related infrastructure has also received a boost with a promise of $ 262.6 million to the Port Botany upgrade project as well as over $20 million in funding for the Port of Newcastle.

This includes a $10.7 million upgrade of the former iron ore berth at Mayfield for general cargo and other trade.

The Government will spent more than $450 million in total improving and upgrading port infrastructure.