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The Iemma Government has failed once again to deliver a Budget that addresses the real needs facing the community and shows it is incapable of governing for all, said Member for Manly Mike Baird.
“The fact that key funding priorities in Manly have been ignored in this Budget is a sad indictment on this Government,” Mr Baird said.
“The Iemma Government is far more interested in taking care of its mates than addressing the real problems facing individuals throughout the State – come 2011 the community will condemn them for that.”
Mr Baird said the NSW Budget 2008-09, handed down by the Treasurer today, did not allocate funds to build the new Northern Beaches Hospital, upgrade Brookvale Oval or fix Spit congestion.
“We have seen a small allocation of funds to complete the Manly Wharf upgrade; a re-announcement of funds for new buses at Brookvale bus depot; and minor funding for Northern Beaches TAFE at Brookvale.
“However the community will see no tangible progress this year on the new Northern Beaches Hospital, no funds for Brookie Oval and zero action to improve congestion on the Spit corridor.
"More than six months after the Health Minister said the Northern Beaches Health Services Plan was imminent, the Budget confirms this project continues to be hopelessly delayed.
“The Sydney Ferries funding allocation exemplifies what's wrong with the Iemma Government. Frequently commuters are stranded at Manly Wharf when vessels are out of action due to maintenance problems.
“However instead of developing customer-focused technology such as SMS alerts when a service is cancelled or delayed, they have put $250,000 towards Sydney Ferries’ intranet, which will provide zero benefit to commuters."
“The community deserves a government who governs for all – not one whose funding decisions are based on getting them re-elected.”
MEDIA: Lisa Harrington - 0406 726 880
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