Taxes are top of mind this month. There is a growing sense that high taxes and inflation are punishing families and making it harder for people to pay the bills and save something for the future.
State taxes are often forgotten. But stamp duty, land tax, payroll tax and car registration all impact on family budgets and make it harder for small business.
Since 2023 when the Labor Government was elected, state taxes and charges have risen 31%. During this same period, the NSW economy has grown less than 5%. The path we are on isn’t sustainable for the Government or local families.
This month, the NSW Government will hand down its State Budget. There are several important issues that I know local residents will be looking closely at.
New Line Road
The first project is New Line Road. Funding for long-promised upgrades has been deferred in the last two Labor budgets. This is despite growing congestion and frustration for locals and residents of the wider North West. I will continue advocating for the delivery of the planned four-lane upgrade between Purchase Road and Hastings Road over Pyes Creek. This funding is budgeted and needed.
Infrastructure to support growth around Cherrybrook and Dural
We also need proper infrastructure planning to support growth in Cherrybrook and Dural. The State Government has approved significant rezoning around the Cherrybrook Metro station, allowing for thousands of additional apartments, but without matching commitments for roads, schools and healthcare infrastructure.
The sale of government-owned land around the Metro precinct will generate substantial revenue. Local families rightly expect that money to be reinvested back into our community. That includes road upgrades, a clear school infrastructure plan that protects existing catchments, upgrades to local sporting fields, and improved emergency services including a new ambulance station for the area.
Cutting taxes
Finally, families and small businesses need some tax relief and reduced pressure. Fingers crossed for tax cuts.
As always, I work for you. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if I can ever assist you or your family.
