THE MAYOR of Muswellbrook has called the state budget a "slap in the face" for the region as a Hunter MP says the "toe in the water" commitment to hydrogen is evidence the government isn't serious about transforming Hunter communities that rely on coal.
Hunter MPs, local councils and business leaders slammed the news the $25 million Royalties for Rejuvenation fund won't be fattened-up, despite the extra $810 million in coal royalties that will flow into the state's coffers this year.
