The NSW State Budget is due to be released at midday today. Pre-budget submissions have stated their needs.

We have a look at Local Government NSW and Business NSW interests and what they see as important for the Northern Rivers region.  

Business NSW has “called on the NSW Government to prioritise the needs of business in the upcoming State Budget".

Regional Director for the Northern Rivers, Jane Laverty, said, “Recognising that we have both a cost of living crisis and a cost of doing business crisis, we need to support regional communities to sustain jobs which means supporting our local businesses.  

“We have called on the NSW Government to - lower the payroll tax rate in line with Queensland, so we do not lose growing Northern Rivers businesses across the border and prioritise housing in the region so we maintain and grow the future workforce for the region.”

(Business cost concerns ranked)

Business NSW listed 40 recommendations for the State Governemnt to consider. These include, “Payroll tax reform, a need for greater investment in our Vocational Education & Training system, insurance reform, incentives for businesses to convert from gas to electric heat pump systems and venture capital reform.”

(Barriers to business expansion)

“Business NSW has five key pillars representing the collective ambitions of businesses across the state of NSW: 

1. Make doing business easier in NSW through lower taxes and red tape 

2. Make business smarter in NSW by future-proofing the workforce with a pipeline of quality workers 

3. Make NSW businesses confident to face the future through balanced and agile energy and infrastructure policy 

4. Make NSW a better place to grow start-ups and set up businesses by doing more to attract investment and remain competitive 

5. Make NSW thrive by improving and rewarding safety in the workplace, revitalising our CBDs, increasing our housing supply and building affordable housing so our state can continue to be the best place to live and work. 

This budget represents a major opportunity for the new government to orient policy to deliver on these pillars.” 

(Business NSW says these policy areas require attention)

In regards to making a difference locally in the retail sector, Ms Laverty reflects on some of these pillars. Namely, “An interest rate cut.” The other big one for this region is “investment in CBD revitalisation and place-making, promoting people spending time in retail areas. "

This is where the public sector can help. However, it generally has a different set of priorities.

LGNSW (Local Government NSW) states, “The 2024-25 economic landscape presents unique challenges for local government, compounded by the significance of this year as it is an election year for the sector that may result in realignments of council policies and priorities. 

“All levels of Government are expected to address pressing issues, including the rising cost of living, ongoing skills shortages, and the supply of affordable housing, underscoring the importance of making strategic budgetary and fiscal decisions to effectively tackle these challenges.”

The LGNSW appeal discusses;

• LG finances requests abolishing the Emergency Services Levee from their remit; as well as addressing election and audit costs.
• The continuing need for resilience and betterment of infrastructure as well as added costs for Local Emergency Management Officers.
• Bolstering services like water security and buses for transport options.
• Housing costs, including infrastructure, Planning Portal support and the need for public and social housing all require attention.
• Environmental concerns like the waste levy, asbestos concerns and costs associated with climate change and biosecurity need fiduciary support.
• Community issues like companion animal care, building stronger communities and health care, skills and labour shortage, domestic and family violence play a big role in securing a better future.
• Specialist community care such as closing the gap for Indigenous communities, crime prevention, early childhood support and centres as well as those with disabilities and supporting the arts are vital to lifestyle.

LGNSW stresses the importance of the link between State and Local Governments working together.

“LGNSW urges the government against winding down existing support and recovery programs. Instead, the NSW Budget should continue focusing on bolstering community resilience and strengthening local economies, which will pave the way for a robust and sustainable local government sector. 

“By investing in key sectors, supporting essential services, and preparing for future disruptions, the NSW Government can ensure the well-being of its citizens and position the state for long-term economic success.“

Lismore residents will also be looking for an increase in funding for the Resilient Homes Program (RHP). $700 million was initially allocated and called Tranche 1, and a further $100 million was added as Tranche 2.

When the NRRC (now NSWRA) tabled the forecast costings of the RHP in parliament, the amount was $1.4 billion to be delivered in two Tranches of $700 million. Will Lismore and the Northern Rivers see additional money for House Buybacks, House Raisings and Retro-fits?