The state government has been accused of withholding billions of dollars that should be spent on regional and rural NSW.
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Member for Orange Phil Donato said the government was legally required to spend at least 30 per cent of Restart NSW funding in regional areas however he said Auditor General’s Office documents indicated only 18.5 per cent had been allocated.
“Over the last six years rural NSW has missed out on its funding, its fair share,” he said.
“We shouldn’t be treated like second class citizens in regional NSW. I won’t cop it, not on my watch.”
He said the money was needed for projects including the Bells Line of Road expressway, improving rail services and drought relief.
However a spokesman for deputy premier John Barilaro said all the money would be allocated.
“Regional NSW will receive the full 30 per cent of proceeds it deserves and is legislated under the Restart NSW Fund Act of 2011,” he said.
The spokesman said the amount indicated in the Auditor General’s Office report only covered the amount that had been paid out.
“It does not take into account projects that have had funding reserved for regional NSW,” he said.
He said $9.5 billion had been committed to regional NSW and $23.4 billion had been committed for projects in Sydney, Wollongong and Newcastle.
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