On Wednesday, 5 June, Kiama MP Gareth Ward, wrote to the Premier of New South Wales, Chris Minns MP and Treasurer Daniel Mookhey MLC regarding the upcoming 2024-25 State Budget, which is being delivered by the NSW Treasurer in Parliament on Tuesday, 18 June.

Ward highlighted in his letter several local projects, promises which the Minns Labor Government made to the local community and other key budget priorities for the Kiama electorate.

According to Ward, the 2024-25 State Budget should address the following:

• Commit NSW Government funding to the Nowra Bypass and release a start date.
• Commit to reinstating the Regional Seniors Travel Card, and restoring the full funding for the Active Kids Rebate, the Creative Kids Rebate and the First Lap voucher.
• Commit NSW Government funding to the East Nowra Sub Arterial Road Project, which Labor promised.
• Commit to a full suite of maternity services, and a helipad, at Shellharbour Hospital.
• Deliver funding to upgrade Bomaderry High School.

• Deliver on Labor’s promise of ‘an additional’ $20 million for the Tripoli Way Bypass.
• Commit funding to start construction on Calderwood Public School.
• Commit NSW Government funding to deliver the Toolijooa Passing Loop, the upgrade of the South Coast Line, new carriages on the South Coast line and the complete roll-out of Wi-Fi services on the South Coast Line from Bomaderry to Kiama.
• Deliver a detailed progress update and a completion of works timetable for the finalisation of road works on Cambewarra Mountain on Moss Vale Road.
• Commit NSW Government funding to adequately fund and support homelessness service providers across the region, including Salt Care and Safe Shelter Shoalhaven to ensure crisis overnight accommodation services are adequately staffed and funded.



• Commit to removing bureaucratic red tape and supporting the over 5,000 small and family-owned businesses in the Kiama electorate by cutting the payroll tax.
• Commit to installing defibrillators in all public buildings and on all forms of public transport.
• Deliver funding that supports the aims and programs delivered by our local Landcare and Bushcare and other environmental conservation groups to help ensure a sustainable environment for future generations; and
• Deliver a commitment to maintaining public open green spaces to help preserve the heritage and unique character of our towns and villages.