The Liberals & Nationals' first Budget delivered today is about rebuilding New South Wales, and includes unprecedented funds for building works and improved services at Hornsby Ku-ring-ai Hospital, said Member for Hornsby, Matt Kean.
"A half-a-million dollars has been allocated for a fast-tracked development and planning process for Hornsby Hospital. The initial $50 million election commitment is also locked and loaded and in the budget," he said.
"Finally the residents of Hornsby will see movement on the health front."
Mr Kean, who described himself as a passionate advocate for mental health services, said he was particularly moved by news his government would provide $26.6 million for an Acute Mental Health facility at Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital.
"Simply put this means that mentally ill children, adolescents and adults will find sanctuary and care in a state-of-the-art facility. "I am proud of this achievement given my advocacy work in this area," he said.
Mr Kean said that his government was also spending a record $2 billion on disability services.
"Of that we will see $300,000 in capital works funding for new accommodation in Hornsby, providing 15 new beds for people with a disability," he said. "This is long overdue and desperately needed."
Kean said the Clarke Road School for children and teenagers with disabilities would also receive funds for a much needed re-build.
Other funding commitments to Hornsby include $2.1 million allocated for repairs and repainting of the Brooklyn Bridge and $1.3 million for noise abatement measures from Mount Colah to Cowan.
"Hornsby Fire Station will be upgraded with $899,000 set aside. There will be a fix for drainage problems at Galston Road and there will be a generous funding toward Community Transport for people in need with local services to receive $719,000," said Kean.
Kean said that Hornsby residents would also be pleased to hear the government had committed had committed $1 billion to the upgrade of the Pacific Highway and a further $314 million dollars for preliminary work on the North-west rail link.
"And we plan to provide more nurses, teachers and police across NSW.
"After only 20-weeks in government Hornsby locals are seeing real action from a government determined to re-pay the faith of the community."
