The NSW 2025-26 budget, hand down by Treasurer Daniel Mookhey today continues the Minns Labor Government’s work in rebuilding the core services we deliver to the people of Monaro, says Member for Monaro, Steve Whan.
PHOTO: The sun has set over the Monaro after the NSW Government revealed it’s latest state budget, including allocations to the Monaro region.
Steve Whan said “At its heart is the success of our government’s decision to lift the Liberal and Nationals draconian wages cap. This means essential workers staffing schools, hospitals and other critical services are now seeing real pay increases resulting in better retention.”
“There is no point having public buildings like hospitals and schools if there is no one staffing them. The Nationals in Monaro proved they were more interested in cheque handovers and openings, rather than delivering services. This government has turned the tide on service delivery with reductions in teacher vacancies, fewer composite or combined classes and improvements in pay and retention across the whole Government sector.”
PHOTO: Member for Monaro, Steve Whan.
“This has led to a shift in real wage growth for NSW – which will be the biggest help with cost-of-living pressures. “While service delivery has been my main priority, I haven’t forgotten key commitments to capital infrastructure, schools, roads, and hospitals.”
The 2025/26 financial year is expected to see more than $210 million of taxpayers’ money spent in Monaro on key projects including:
- $58.2 million being spent in 2025-26 as part of the Bungendore High School project.
- $46.1 million toward the building Googong High School to be spent next financial year.
- $33.1 million to build Jerrabomberra High School Stage 2.
- Almost $2 million will be spent on planning for Googong Public School Stage 2.
While the the wider Monaro has seen a commitment to a number of projects in the 2025-26 financial year, the Snowy Mountains specifically, will see a number of previously announced projects continue to be delivered.
Projects continuing to be delivered:
- $40.0 million Bombala Multipurpose Service.
- $26.6 million Cooma Hospital Redevelopment.
- Ongoing work to progress delivery of the Government’s 100 public preschools commitment, including Jindabyne.
- $196.3 million in the Snowy Mountains region for essential infrastructure to support housing and all-year-round tourism, benefiting the community.
- $5.3 million to expand the Gaden Trout Hatchery to build resilience
into fish populations within the Upper Murrumbidgee catchment.
PHOTO: Bombala Multipurpose Service provides 24-hour accident and emergency and has 10 acute beds and residential beds, along with community health services CREDIT: NSW Government
NSW Treasurer Daniel Mookhey MLC, said, “Regional communities in New South Wales have faced many challenges in recent years, from floods, drought and biosecurity threats, to cost-of-living pressures.”
“The 2025-26 Budget includes measures to help with these challenges. Increased disaster funding, extending our rebuild of essential services, boosting primary industry and investing in regional economic growth are all part of our plan to support our regions as we build a better New South Wales.”
PHOTO: NSW Treasurer Daniel Mookhey MLC
“The Budget lays the foundation for our economic success in the regions through the investment and programs which will be unlocked by the new Investment Delivery Authority, the Future Jobs and Investment Authority, and the Future Jobs Investment Fund.”
“Whether it’s helping farmers adapt to biosecurity threats, rebuilding hospitals and schools, or laying the foundations for new industries and jobs – we’re backing our regions.”
“Because when the regions do well, New South Wales does well.”