NSW premier, Nathan Rees, has announced that the NSW budget will support up to 160,000 jobs a year through a $62.9 billion building program over the next four years - the largest infrastructure investment in the state's history.

The premier made the announcement during a tour of the $1 billion expansion of Port Botany that includes five new shipping berths and a new container terminal, supporting 540 construction jobs.

"These projects are employing builders, carpenters, electricians, plumbers and painters while supporting associated industries including transport and handling," Rees said.

Examples of this year's spending on infrastructure include:

• $560 million for the start of 17 major new projects in schools and 13 in TAFEs along with IT upgrades
• $440 million on public school and TAFE maintenance - part of $1 billion over four years. This includes $75 million for Principals' Priority Building Program for roof, toilet and stormwater upgrades
• $135 million to continue the $251 million Liverpool Hospital project for a new clinical services block
• $75 million for securing electricity supplies with new substations at Jesmond, Adamstown, Kurri Kurri, Raymond Terrace, Scone, Tomaree, Rathmines and Mayfield West

NSW treasurer, Eric Roozendaal said the state government will invest $18 billion in infrastructure in 2009/10, 31.4 per cent higher than in 2008/09.

Key infrastructure projects for NSW over the next four years will include:

• $15.7 billion on securing NSW's energy supplies
• $10.8 billion on new roads including $3.2 billion for the Pacific Highway
• $5.4 billion on water and sewerage
• $5.7 billion in school education
• $2.7 billion towards the Sydney Metro
• $935 million for rail clearways