SMALL investors will be asked to help rebuild NSW by entrusting their savings and superannuation to the O'Farrell government.
The so-called ''mum and dad'' investors - and the growing market of people who manage their own super funds - will be targeted by the government to finance infrastructure such as the proposed north-west rail line.
Nine days before delivering his first budget, the state Treasurer, Mike Baird, today will announce the immediate release of ''Waratah Bonds'' which he will promote as ''perfect protection'' from roller-coaster financial markets.
A throwback to nation-building bond schemes of the past, Waratah Bonds will be particularly aimed at people nearing retirement age whose wealth is more exposed to global jolts. The interest rate is likely to be set fractionally below bank term deposits of similar duration, reflecting the added security of government-backed debt.