BY GRACE LANCASTER

Lake Macquarie had an overall pleasing result in yesterday’s state budget with the promised Service NSW office accompanying a range of new projects.

The budget included funding for the installation of lifts at Wyee railway station, significant upgrades to Wangi Wangi and Speers Point public schools, installation of new jetties around the Lake and $1.5 million for work on the Wyee sewer connection scheme.

Funding was also allocated towards promised cultural projects including the rejuvenation of Rathmines Hall, money for Speers Point Multi-Arts hub and the expansion of Lake Macquarie City Art Gallery, and $1.7 million designated to improvements to social housing.

Lake Macquarie MP, Greg Piper, says he’s pleased with the result.
“What we’ve seen with this budget is really the confirmation of some of the promises that we have been given in the last little while and Service NSW is one that people will see an immediate result from as we’re told that will be established by the end of this year,” he said.

Although no significant funding was allocated towards the planning of the Lake Macquarie interchange at Glendale, the Government provided $360,000 to finalise business plans.

Greg Piper says it’s a long-term project.
“Hopefully that will come out and will be able to then make the genuine argument for the investment and transport interchange in the next round of budget considerations.”


Upgrades planned for Speers Point Public School