The NSW Budget has drawn a mixed reaction from Hunter business leaders, as they welcomed measures expected to help small businesses while some lamented a lack of new infrastructure spending in the region.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Hunter Business Chamber CEO Bob Hawes said the budget would provide “welcome relief” for small businesses through an increased payroll tax threshold.
More from the Budget: Hit and miss for Hunter
He also cited improvements to TAFE campuses in Newcastle, the provision of 100,000 fee-free apprenticeships across the state and road upgrades in parts of the Hunter as positive for business.
Property Council of Australia Hunter regional director Anita Hugo also welcomed the road funding, as well as money to complete Newcastle’s light rail.
But she was disappointed the budget included no commitment to a light rail extension.
Ms Hugo also said there were questions over whether the reclassification of Newcastle and Lake Macquarie as metropolitan meant they would get their “fair share” given they would no longer be eligible for regional grant funding.
Pitcher Partners Newcastle managing partner Michael Minter said the budget would provide a boost for Hunter businesses but acknowledged the infrastructure spend in the region was light-on.
He said it was “hard not to be jealous of the amount of money being spent in the Sydney region on major infrastructure projects”.
Nick Bielby
Nick Bielby is a crime reporter who has been with the Newcastle Herald since 2017.
Nick Bielby is a crime reporter who has been with the Newcastle Herald since 2017.
