On Tuesday the NSW Government released a major $2.3 billion stimulus package to help the State through the COVID-19 outbreak.
Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast and Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch said the spending would protect jobs and protect the community.
“This is the largest stimulus package of any state or territory in Australia and this is necessary because NSW has the highest number of COVID-19 cases,” Mr Crouch said.
“$700 million will be injected into our health system. This includes doubling ICU capacity, providing COVID-19 testing, purchasing additional ventilators, and more.
“On the Central Coast we have two Testing Clinics at Gosford Hospital and Wyong Hospital that have started operating this week.
“$1.6 billion will be injected into the NSW economy to help protect jobs. This includes cutting and waiving payroll tax as well as waiving fees and charges for the small business sector.
“Importantly, more cleaners will be employed to keep our public schools and public transport as hygienic as possible.”
Mr Crouch said the COVID-19 was a once-in-a-generation event.
“As the Premier has said, the next six months will be a very difficult time for our State. This significant spending is absolutely essential to protect people and their jobs,” Mr Crouch said.
“It is not possible to completely prevent the spread, but we all need to play a part in slowing the spread and protecting the most vulnerable.”
Central Coast residents who have been overseas in the past 14 days and have flu-like symptoms, or have had close contact with someone with COVID-19 are encouraged to attend a Testing Clinic. To book an appointment, call 4320 5055 for Gosford or 4394 9200 for Wyong.