Newcastle state MP Tim Crakanthorp has put a light rail extension among his top priorities for the electorate ahead of next week's NSW government budget.
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Mr Crakanthorp listed public transport, better infrastructure, education and health as the most pressing areas, and has called on the government to deliver projects which will unlock the city's economic potential.
"Newcastle needs intelligent investment to unlock its economic potential in the 21st century," he said.
"Top of the agenda must be public transport and infrastructure.
"The government has been talking about expanding the Newcastle light rail and they need to start this process."
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Mr Crakanthorp outlined the planned Newcastle education precinct and John Hunter Hospital upgrade as key projects that needed investment.
"The Newcastle education precinct will help launch Newcastle as innovation and education hub, and will relieve pressure on local public schools facing ballooning enrolments," he said.
"John Hunter Hospital is the health care centre of northern NSW, and it needs upgrades to keep up with demand as the region continues to grow.
"I'll be holding the government to their election commitment to redevelop the hospital."
The MP reiterated his stance on the Newcastle bus network, saying it had "been in chaos for almost two years" and needed to be fixed as "a matter of urgency".
He also listed erosion issues at Stockton, the Newcastle cruise terminal saga and an upgrade of Newcastle Regional Art Gallery as priorities.
He said his list reflected the issues Novocastrians had raised with him during the recent election campaign.
Tim Crakanthorp, 2019/20 budget priorities
- Lower Hunter Freight Corridor
- Expansion of the light rail
- Fully funded cruise ship terminal
- Newcastle education precinct
- Upgrade of John Hunter Hospital
- A commitment to fix Newcastle buses
- Action on erosion at Stockton
- Upgrade of Newcastle Regional Art Gallery
- Funding to finalise the Hunter Sports and Entertainment plan