There were small health announcements and an extra $23 million for health across the region.

Previously announced construction work was confirmed, money for 15 new beds at the Orana Juvenile Justice Centre ($6.6m), the Dubbo Police Station’s continuing construction ($2.9m) and court upgrades ($2.1m).

A $22.9m, four-year program to combat child sexual assault in Aboriginal communities includes an expansion of the Safe Families program to five communities in the Orana and Far West areas.

$1.5m has been put aside for rail bridge renewals.

$8.7 million has gone to upgrade Taronga Western Plains Zoo’s white rhino exhibit upgrade, and for the Tasmanian devil breeding and research facility, although already laid out in the zoo's 12-year master plan.

Dubbo MP Dawn Fardell was last night awaiting more detail on funding for Rural Fire Services, TAFE and schools, disability services, transport and roads infrastructure.

However, she said the State Government’s cut to payroll tax would have minimal impact on job growth in the country.

The Government is lifting the threshold at which businesses pay payroll tax from $600,000 to $623,000, and is cutting payroll tax from 6 per cent to 5.5 per cent in three stages.

“While there will be savings for businesses who employ around 12 or more employees it is unlikely to have any significant impact in terms of creating more jobs in the country,” she said.

Westhaven general manager Gordon Tindall applauded the Government for its commitment to disabilities through its 10-year ‘Stronger Together’ plan, but said it could not forget older services. $2 billion will be spent on ageing and disability services.

“Through this plan they are addressing many long outstanding issues relating to disability support services,” Mr Tindall said.

“But it is essential existing older service providers like Westhaven are not left behind as rising costs and inadequate funding mean they are being required to do more with less, particularly around the issue of ageing in place.”

“I am pleased that the funding level to the Dubbo Electorate, which has increased substantially in recent years, has been maintained,” Mrs Fardell said.

lynton.grace@ruralpress.com