Regional infrastructure will receive a $6 billion boost under the NSW government’s Rebuilding NSW initiative, to be funded by the expected $20 billion proceeds from leasing 49 per cent of the electricity ‘poles and wires’.

Under the initiative, 30 per cent of the money- $6 billion- will be allocated to regional areas. The funding includes $3.7 for regional roads and bridges and $1 billion for water security projects.

However, Mr Lawrence said essential services like electricity and water should never be privatised.

“The sell off proposal is hard right economic rationalism and the Nationals are betraying country people by changing their position on it,” he said.

“People need to be aware that the distribution network earned the state $1.7 billion last year. That is money spent on doctors, nurses and other government services.

“This public profit will be privatised so the Baird government can embark on this short term revenue grab.”

Mr Lawrence said he had not met a single person since he declared his candidacy who had told him they support the policy.

“Dubbo people are already struggling with cost of living pressures and shouldn’t have to pay higher electricity bills to fund a second harbour crossing in Sydney,” he said.

“Government has a responsibility to fund regional infrastructure and it shouldn’t be done by privatising essential services.”

Stop the Sell Off campaign director Adam Kerslake said he also wanted the government to find an alternative way to fund the initiative.

“Most people that we’ve spoke to about it say they are concerned about the sell off but they don’t want to miss out on the infrastructure,” he said.

“There are two issues here: Do we want the poles and wires sold off? Yes or no? And, if not, what other ways can we use to build infrastructure?”

As part of Rebuilding NSW Deputy Premier Troy Grant said $2 billion would be reserved for upgrades on the Newell Highway.

“A Regional Water Security and Supply Fund will be developed through a $1 billion injection that will focus on securing and improving water supplies for communities around the state including those in the Upper Hunter, Gwydir, Macquarie and Lachlan river systems,” Mr Grant said

“This fund would also deliver long-term sustainable water solutions for drought-affected communities, with Broken Hill and Cobar identified as priorities. It will also increase the standard of water quality and waste water in regional towns.” 

Additional funding would go towards regional health projects, school renewals and for tourism and environment projects.