Mr Anderson started off by explaining how the state government managed to post a $4.5 billion surplus, before suggesting that politicians, business owners and consumers need to work hard “to take advantage of every opportunity so that we can maximise our potential”.  

“Because we made those tough decisions during our first term – trimming the public sector, a cap on spending, followed by the asset recycling strategy, we are now seeing record investing on infrastructure,” Mr Anderson said.

“This strategy has funded the $29.8 billion Restart NSW Fund, and we are already seeing the results of that funding right here.” 

Included in that initial funding strategy are projects such as the $2 million redeveloped Gunnedah Hospital, $8 million going towards the $60 million Gunnedah Overpass, Oxley Highway upgrades and a new Gunnedah truck wash.

“These are just a few of the projects already benefiting from the Asset Recycling Program, and there is more in the pipeline,” Mr Anderson said.

“Never before has a NSW Government put aside such a large degree of funding dedicated to turbo-charging our regions.” 

Last financial year, Gunnedah recorded 48 new private dwelling approvals, up by three on the previous year, which was mirrored by commercial applications, which also rose by three on the previous year to ten.

“If we look at unemployment across the New England and North West it has dropped by 1.7 per cent in the last 12 months to seven per cent,” Mr Anderson said.

“Youth unemployment has dropped nearly four per cent over the last 12 months to 14.3 per cent. 

“There is plenty of confidence in the market place, this region continues to grow. The government has identified it as a growth centre but the work is not done – not by a long shot. There is more on the way for our region, make no mistake.”

Over 70 stakeholders attended the business luncheon in Tamworth, which will be followed in September by Barnaby Joyce’s “State of The Nation” address.