Record infrastructure investment in NSW 2022-23 State Budget

Sydney roads projects benefit from NSW 2022-23 State Budget — Image by Christopher Burns on Unsplash.

A record $112.7 billion infrastructure investment has been unveiled as part of the New South Wales Government’s 2022-23 State Budget.

Announced Tuesday, the budget’s infrastructure pipeline includes $76.7 billion set aside for transport projects across the state.

Rob Stokes, Minister for Infrastructure, Cities and Active Transport, said the commitment represented a more than $5 billion increase on the previous year.

“Infrastructure builds opportunity, and those opportunities are multiplying across our state with the biggest infrastructure investment on record,” he said.

“Our work continues with projects of all shapes and sizes to connect residents across our six cities and in the regions.”

Several road projects will receive significant funding, including $4.1 billion over four years to plan the Western bypass, Harbour tunnel and Beaches Link; $2.3 billion over four years to upgrade the Princess Highway around Mt Ousley, Jervis Bay and Milton; more than $885 million over four years for improvements on the Newell Highway including 40 new overtaking lanes, flood mitigation and the Parkes Bypass; $1.2 billion towards the completion of the M4-M5; and $3.2 billion over four years to upgrade the Great Western Highway between Katoomba and Lithgow, and Kelso and Raglan.

The budget also includes major funding for public transport projects over the next four years, including $12.4 billion towards the Metro line linking Parramatta to Sydney, $5.1 billion towards the Metro City and South West between Chatswood and Bankstown, and $8.4 billion to deliver the Sydney Metro to Western Sydney Airport – comprising six new stops between St Marys railway station and the coming Nancy-Bird Walton Airport.

“Western Sydney is the big winner, with enormous investment in three separate metro projects and the second state of the Parramatta Light Rail as part of our efforts to cut commute times and improve the lives of millions of NSW residents,” Stokes said.

The New South Wales Government will also invest $218.9 million over the next seven years to support moving the state’s bus fleet to zero-emissions technology with a rollout plan prioritising sustainability and local manufacturing.

Matt Kean, Treasurer, said a further almost $2 billion would be set aside to begin transitioning more than 8000 buses and invest in local jobs – subject to consideration of a final business case – ensuring the state would have a fully transitioned fleet by 2047.

“The New South Wales Government is committed to delivering the benefits of zero-emission buses state-wide and ensuring New South Wales is a global leader,” he said.

Sam Farraway, Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, said the funding also includes $25 million over three years for regional trials in new and emerging technologies, including hydrogen fuel-cell electric buses.

“We are taking the time to get this transition right for everyone in New South Wales,” he said. “We know all too well that what works in the city does not always translate to the regions and this staged approach will give more certainty to our local operators and communities.”

Further key infrastructure investments include the $500 million commitment to the state’s fast rail project, $216.4 million towards the transformation of Circular Quay, and major investment in parks across the greater Sydney area.

For more information, visit: budget.nsw.gov.au