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THE major election promises of Tamworth MP Kevin Anderson have all been listed in the NSW government's budget for the coming year.
Gunnedah hospital is slated to get $53 million, and is one of 29 new hospital across the state that will be started before March 2023.
There is $3 million for planning the duplication of Tamworth's Goonoo Goonoo Road between Calala Lane and Jack Smyth Drive.
A further $10 million is committed to upgrade Werris Creek Road near Duri, while more than $8 million will go towards sealing Rangari Road between Manilla and Boggabri.
Those two projects will be funded through the Fixing Local Roads program, which commits $500 million over five years to maintaining council roads.
Tamworth's Banksia Mental Health Unit was again mentioned, and again no price tag was put on its planned redevelopment.
No major water infrastructure projects were announced for the region, however the government has put in place a number of short-term measures.
As part of its drought package, it will provide $30 million for rebates on fixed charges for water licence holders who that don't receive a water allocation.
A further $500,000 is allocated to work with water-dependent industries, such as mines and abattoirs, to help them become more water efficient and keep them operating during this drought.
The 2019-20 Budget will also support landowners by allocating $13 million over four years for water efficiency and prevent water loss in the Great Artesian Basin.
The neighbouring Northern Tablelands received $304 million, surpassing last year's record spend of $259 million.
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EARLIER
THE NSW government is about to announce where it's millions of dollars will flow across the state for the next 12 months.
Tamworth MP Kevin Anderson brought out the cheque book during the March elections, and residents will be looking for him to deliver on a number of big-ticket promises.
The biggest of them is $53 million for a new Gunnedah hospital, which would "transform health in the Gunnedah community". Mr Anderson said there would be a six- to eight-month planning period, however it's possible the money will be announced in this budget cycle.
Mr Anderson promised $13-million worth of upgrades to the electorate's two busiest roads, with $3 million to duplicate the 1.5-kilometre stretch of Goonoo Goonoo Road along the Longyard precinct and $10 million to upgrade the section of Werris Creek Road around Duri.
The sealing of Rangari Road, which links Manilla and Boggabri, was also promised. No figure was put on the commitment, but it's expected to cost about $9 million based off council's costings.
During the campaign, the state government committed $26.6 million to help the University of New England build a campus in Tamworth's CBD. However the funding fell short of the expected $42 million and local education advocates are hopeful more will be announced.
With dam levels continuing to drop and little rain on the horizon, residents across regional NSW are hoping for some big water infrastructure commitments.
So far the state government has been hesitant to make any commitment to large-scale water infrastructure projects in the Namoi and Peel valleys until it finishes a study, which is due to be completed by the end of 2020.
While large-scale water projects may be off the table, Tamworth mayor Col Murray suggested smaller, short-term options will be announced.
Tamworth mental health advocates will be waiting with baited breath to see if any funding is commited to building a new Banskia.
In the last state budget, the mental health unit was slated for funding, however no price tag was put on the new facility.
Mr Anderson said extensive planning was needed until a figure was settled on. That planning is due to finish by mid-2019.