The Lithgow Local Government area and motorists travelling the Blue Mountains route have fared well in the Federal Budget released this week.
Details of regional allocations were announced yesterday by the Member for Macquarie, Bob Debus.
He said the budget sets a new benchmark in delivering on promises made in the lead up to last year’s election.
Mr Debus said that for the local region specific budget allocations include:
* CLARENCE water amplification scheme for the re-use of mine water — $4 million.
* PLANNING for the Hartley deviation of the Great Western Highway between Mt Victoria and South Bowenfels, to by pass Victoria Pass and River Lett Hill — $2.4 million.
* LITHGOW Golf Club water re-use scheme — $350,000.
* GLANMIRE hockey complex — $100,000 to assist with the conversion of the sand based turf to a second water base.
* PORTLAND Crystal Theatre upgrading project — $152,000 under the Regional Partnerships Scheme.
* CENTRAL West Transport Needs study — $1 million plus $4 million for follow up studies.
In addition there is an amount of $23.23 million to accelerate the upgrading to four lanes of the remaining two lane sections of the Great Western Highway east of Katoomba.
Mr Debus had campaigned for most of these projects during the election campaign and said yesterday he was pleased with the results of his representations.
He said the budget was the first step towards building a new, more modern Australia.