Local health, education projects to receive multi-million-dollar injection through state budget

New ambulance stations, expanded maternity services and ongoing flood recovery projects are among the major investments for the North Coast in the NSW government’s 2026–27 budget.

Among the commitments is $13 million for a new Lismore Ambulance Station and $3.4 million to rebuild the Mullumbimby Ambulance Station.

Dozens of nurses, enrolled nurses and midwives across the North Coast will also benefit from the state’s largest pay rise in more than two decades as part of a $2.9 billion workforce package.

Maternity services at Lismore Base Hospital will expand with the addition of a dedicated team of five midwives, while education projects will receive a share of the state’s $2.3 billion investment in new and upgraded regional schools.

Funding has been allocated to develop community open space and initial sporting facilities at the future Pottsville High School, while work on the relocation of Lennox Head Public School will continue.

Construction will also continue on four public preschools across the region, with additional preschool projects planned at Lennox Head and Wollongbar public schools.

Lismore MP and minister for the North Coast Janelle Saffin said the budget, handed down by NSW treasurer Daniel Mookhey, balanced immediate cost-of-living relief with long-term investment in essential services.

“North Coast families are feeling the pinch right now,” she said.

“As the treasurer made clear, this budget is about delivering relief today alongside generational reform for tomorrow.

“For the North Coast, that means a massive investment in our most vital essential services – building and upgrading local schools, restoring local roads after disasters and delivering major health infrastructure like the redevelopment at Lismore.”

Flood recovery remains a major focus of the budget, with $241.1 million over the next two years allocated to continue the Resilient Homes Program in the Northern Rivers, helping homeowners improve flood resilience.

Environmental restoration projects will receive $5 million to improve river health across the Richmond, Evans, Brunswick and Tweed catchments.

The budget also includes $30 million, jointly funded with the Australian government, to plan upgrades to the M1 Pacific Motorway between Tweed Heads and Byron Bay.

The region’s economy will also receive a boost through $4.1 million to advance the Northern Rivers Regional Cold Storage and Distribution Facility, aimed at strengthening food security and supply chains.

Tweed Heads will receive $1.5 million to continue the NSW Gateway and Regional City CBD Revitalisation project, supporting streetscape improvements, infrastructure upgrades and public space activations.