Fiona Nash (NSW, National Party, Minister for Rural Health) Share this | Hansard source

I thank the senator for his question. It is with great pride that I answer my first question in my role as Minister for Regional Development. Senator Williams, like me, is a passionate advocate for people in communities right around rural and regional Australia. This coalition government has committed to investing $50 billion to deliver the infrastructure of the 21st century. We are rebuilding regional Australia after a prolonged period of neglect by those opposite.

In New South Wales alone $15 billion will be invested by the end of the decade. This includes programs like $3.2 billion for Roads to Recovery, $1 billion for the National Stronger Regions Fund, $300 million for Bridges Renewal and $100 million for the Black Spot Program. The National Stronger Regions Fund will invest $1 billion in infrastructure projects to drive economic growth, increase productivity, increase employment and skills and improve partnerships across the Australian region—something we on this side are very well aware of how necessary that is.

Through the first two rounds of the NSRF, 162 projects have been announced, investing over $505 million. In round 2 alone, some 40 projects were announced in New South Wales that will drive economic growth and generate jobs. Over the two rounds, successful projects have included upgrading the Bathurst Airport, supporting the expansion of the Dubbo saleyards and replacing the Marine Rescue Tower in Ballina, which I know is so important to the local people. Each of these projects is vital to their community, and I know each project has been welcomed by Senator Williams. Round 3 of the NSRF is now open, and I strongly encourage members to talk to their local communities about making sure they take advantage of this tremendous program.