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THE commencement of the upgrade to Port Macquarie Base Hospital’s Mental Health Unit has been announced in Tuesday’s State Budget.
Funding of $3.2 million dollars has been included for the commencement of the new inpatient mental health unit which will double the number of mental health beds to 24, and enhance the care provided to all patients including the capacity to provide care to the elderly and younger people.
Member for Port Macquarie Leslie Williams said there have been calls to expand the unit for more than a decade.
This is part of a $15 million commitment by the state government to deliver an expanded mental health unit within its term of government.
“To now see money on the table to enable work to start is wonderful,” Mrs Williams said.
“This budget also secures $3.2 million to finalise the completion of the Port Macquarie Base Hospital Expansion with work to be carried out on the renal unit and pre-admission clinic.”
Treasurer, Gladys Berejiklian regional centres such as Port Macquarie play a vital role in the growth and prosperity of the state,.
The 2016-17 budget also includes funding for roads with $168 million allocated to continue the upgrade of the Pacific Highway between the Oxley Highway and Kundabung.
More than $12 million has been assigned for major road programs including $6.2 million for pavement upgrades to the Pacific Highway 10km south of Port Macquarie with $4 million towards the continuing works on the replacement of Stingray Creek Bridge at North Haven.
Also announced was $1.1 million to Port Macquarie-Hastings Council for road maintenance projects, $440,000 for grants to council for the regional roads bridge renewal program and $3.3 million for specific and routine maintenance of State Roads including patching and resurfacing works.
“This year’s Budget invests a record $73.3 billion in infrastructure over four years — building the schools, hospitals, public transport and roads our communities need across NSW,” Mrs Williams said.
“We are also investing record amounts on our essential services, meaning extra nurses, teachers and police. And we are easing the cost of living, through new low-income energy and gas rebates and adding new concessions for seniors’ card holders.”
