The Albanese Government handed down its 2022/23 Federal budget in October, with several implications for the lower North Shore.
The biggest news for the area is that the government has committed to spending $1 million on a feasibility study into relocating Artarmon’s SBS studios to Sydney’s western suburbs.
While the Prime Minister has said the move would be a ‘cultural investment’ in Western Sydney’s multicultural community, local MP Kylea Tink has hit out at the proposal.
She said relocating the studios would see the North Shore lose 900 jobs and significantly impact local businesses.
“Artarmon has been home to SBS for over 30 years. Not only is it an important employer locally, but it also reflects a significant part of our community, representing the diversity that makes North Sydney a great place to live,” Ms Tink said.
In other budget news, no new funding was allocated in the budget for the restoration or conservation of the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust, including North Sydney’s Sub Base Platypus and Mosman’s Headland Park.
However, $4.6 billion has been set aside over four years to increase childcare subsidy rates, which Ms Tink says is expected to benefit close to 9,000 local families.