Russell Matheson (Macarthur, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

Absolutely—and never seen before in the history of parliament. We have definitely got the infrastructure Prime Minister. The Bringelly Road upgrade will support around 400 jobs—

An honourable member interjecting—

with approximately 4,000 direct and indirect jobs created during the 10 year Western Sydney infrastructure plan. This will mean more job opportunities for the youth of Macarthur.

I heard the member for Werriwa having a bit of a whinge, but he has never seen it before himself and obviously should be proud of what is happening in the Macarthur region, in and around Werriwa. The large majority of people employed in Macarthur have all spent several hours commuting to and from work. The upgrades that Macarthur is receiving will not only save lives but also will give many workers a better work-life balance and less time on the road. Obviously, this major infrastructure is leading to the Badgerys Creek airport and, in turn, will create another 30,000 jobs for the people of western and south-western Sydney—something that Labor could not deliver.

Another outstanding investment that will cut travel times for people employed in Macarthur is the Narellan Road upgrade, which is another $100 million project that is much needed in my community. That is being jointly funded by the state government, fifty-fifty. So that is another $100 million for the people of Macarthur—unbelievable!

This much-needed investment demonstrates the coalition's commitment to improving infrastructure in the south-western Sydney growth corridor. Together, we are working with the New South Wales government to provide the road infrastructure that Macarthur residents deserve and need. The coalition will also be investing $1.9 million to upgrade Argyle Street in Camden that runs through Camden town centre, as well as the Camden Valley Way corridor and the Macarthur Road intersection upgrade. There is another couple of million dollars there.

All levels of government are delivering the infrastructure that Western Sydney and south-western Sydney so badly need to develop and grow. This has never happened under the previous government. In six years of Labor I did not see a cent, not one cent, spent in Macarthur. Macarthur has been neglected for too long and now Western Sydney, south-western Sydney and Macarthur residents will benefit from the greater investment and jobs growth.

I am pleased to say that Macarthur has received funding from the Abbott government for various issues in the community. The funding received will build economic growth and development in the Macarthur region, as well as much-needed funding for community groups and organisations.

Drugs and alcohol are major issues not only in Macarthur but also right across Australia. The Odyssey House McGrath Foundation and the St Vincent de Paul Society drug and alcohol treatment services in Macarthur are now able to offer long-term treatment and rehabilitation as a result of the government extending funding. That was not in Labor's forward estimates either.

The federal government will also be paying over $2 million in my electorate of Macarthur to Campbelltown City Council, Liverpool City Council and Wollondilly Shire Council for the Roads to Recovery program that will assist councils with local road funding where it is most needed. Our councils rely on Roads to Recovery funding to ensure that the best local roads are delivered.

Funding has also been extended to my electorate of Macarthur for Giant Steps Sydney: Beverly Park special needs school, Campbelltown and Sylvandale Foundation, Rosemeadow to deliver services under the Outside School Hours Care for Teenagers with Disability, OTD, program. The previous government did not put money in the forward estimates for that. This funding extension is great news for the people of Macarthur with disabilities and carers as they will be able to continue to access these wonderful services.

Indigenous communities across Macarthur will also benefit from a $7.5 million investment in primary and preventative health care. The Tharawal Aboriginal Corporation will have their funding extended for another three years, thanks to the Abbott government, which Labor forgot to do. With this funding they will be able to continue to deliver important information on health care and treatment right across Macarthur. We will continue working hard for the community to ensure that vital services are delivered to those who need them the most.

A division having been called in the House of Representatives—

Proceedings suspended from 20 : 02 to 20 : 20

Through this fair and responsible budget, and through the success of the government, the people of Macarthur, young and old, will be better off. Families, small businesses and young Australians will benefit from this positive and confident budget that has been delivered. I congratulate the Treasurer, the Hon. Joe Hockey, on a wonderful budget. When I walk down the streets—Argyle Street in Camden, Queen Street in Campbelltown—I actually see a spring in the step of the local community. They have really enjoyed this budget that has been delivered. I am looking forward to working with my local members, Jai Rowell, the member for Wollondilly, and Chris Patterson, the member for Camden, and local mayors from the Macarthur region, Lara Symkowiak, Paul Lake and Col Mitchell, in delivering the infrastructure of the 21st century and delivering positive outcomes for our communities into the future.

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