PERSONAL BIOGRAPHY
Name: Mark Coulton
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Political party: The Nationals
Age: 61
Where do you live? In the Warialda district
What do you do for a living?
For the past 11 years, I have had the privilege of serving your community as the Federal Member for Parkes. It has been a very rewarding experience and I am excited to see what we can continue to deliver in the next three years. Prior to politics, my wife Robyn and I operated a mixed farming enterprise, growing cereal crops, producing beef cattle and breeding Merino sheep.
How long have you lived in the electorate?
I have been lucky to call the Parkes electorate home for all my life. Growing up in Gravesend, then farming and raising my family in Warialda and now travelling to all corners of the far west as the local MP has given me a real passion to continue to fight for my community and my home.
What is the best part of living in the electorate?
I relish the opportunity to visit and become part of so many vibrant but diverse communities. The people of Western NSW are truly inspirational, hardworking and compassionate, and meeting with my communities each and every day reminds me why it is such a privilege to fight for you in Federal Parliament.
Why are you running for the federal seat of Parkes?
I have been honoured to represent all Parkes electorate constituents in the Australian Parliament for more than 11 years and as I travel throughout Western NSW, it is heartening to see the positive impacts we have made to people's lives. There is always more to do, and, if given the opportunity, I will work tirelessly to ensure the needs of the Parkes electorate are front of mind for my Federal Government colleagues.
I think voters know that come May 18, they have a very important choice to make between me or the alternative, which would have a devastating impact for rural and regional communities right across my electorate - we simply can't afford to take such a risk.
Infrastructure projects such as the Western Cancer Centre and Inland Rail are game-changing for this region - it has been so rewarding to deliver vital infrastructure of this scale and I intend to be here to see these transformative projects through.
NAMOI UNLIMITED PRIORITIES
Namoi Unlimited recently released its list of priorities for the next Parkes MP, including the below. If elected, what will you do towards:
* water security?
The Murray Darling Basin Plan has been devised and agreed to by all the Basin States. It is designed to allocate fairly the available water in the system. We are in one of the worst droughts in recorded history and it is very important that we continue to manage the rivers using the Basin Plan as a guiding principle. The Coalition has allocated considerable funding to investigate possible sites for further water storages to increase reliability in the system.
* supporting agribusiness to further drought-proof towns?
Agribusiness is the heart of our regional economies, particularly in the north-west. When a drought hits, it's the farmers and agribusinesses which are impacted first; this hurts our small businesses that employ local people and keep the town turning over. As your local member, I will continue to deliver programs such as the $5 billion Drought Future Fund and the Drought Communities Program which has seen $1 million delivered to all councils and the unincorporated area in the Parkes electorate. I am proud to be part of the Liberal Nationals Government which has provided $6.3 billion so far in drought relief.
* continued funding and support for road upgrades such as Rangari Road?
We all know how essential safe, sealed and upgraded roads are to the people of north-west NSW and all levels of Government have a key role to play. Making roads safer and opening up transport routes and freight corridors is a priority for The Nationals, and I am pleased we could deliver $2.2 billion in road safety funding in the 2019 Federal Budget, including $550 million for the successful Black Spot Program, $275 million for the Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program, $275 million for the Bridges Renewal Program and $1.1 billion for the Roads to Recovery Program.
I am pleased to see the funding delivered for the Grain Valley Way upgrade. If the people of Parkes re-elect me as their local member, I will continue to work with Gunnedah Shire Council to source funding for their priority roads.
* investment in young people and their careers?
Family and communities are two things I value above all else. Keeping our kids in our home towns through targeted local training and employment is a proven way to keep our region strong. The Coalition Government has allocated funding to create up to eighty thousand additional apprenticeships across Australia.
As your local member, I will do everything in my power to support our regional youth and their careers. I'll look for ways to improve regional education by backing organisations such as Clontarf and delivering initiatives such as removing HELP debt of teachers who spend at least four years in very remote areas.
I will also continue to secure much-needed jobs for our more remote regions, such as 190 jobs for the Bourke abattoir. World class telecommunications is critical to attract and retain jobs in the regions and I will go on delivering this infrastructure, through programs like the successful Mobile Black Spots program. I was involved in the process that saw an increase in funding to Headspace. This enabled a roll out of new facilities across the north-west, including in Gunnedah.
OTHER POLICY POSITIONS
In your opinion, what are the most pressing issues facing the electorate?
Obviously, the current drought is impacting every community in the Parkes electorate. Despite many programs that are assisting our farmers and local communities there is more to do as this drought tightens its grip.
The cost of living, especially the price of electricity, is an issue for everyone in the electorate. I am pleased that the Coalition Government is putting pressure on electricity suppliers to reduce the cost of power. Cheaper freight rates and access to markets for producers will enhance their competitiveness in overseas markets. Therefore I am pleased that the Inland Rail and extra road funding committed by my Government will improve the efficiency of moving farm produce.
Providing suitable services for our aging population is an ongoing challenge. I am committed to making sure our seniors are able to be cared for in their own communities.
What would you say are the most pressing issues facing the Gunnedah area specifically?
Gunnedah faces the same issues as the rest of my electorate. However, it has considerable advantages over some of the other areas in the Parkes electorate. Gunnedah is in the centre of one of the most productive agricultural regions in Australia, as well as having a very strong mining sector. Innovative local businesses add to the strength of the local economy.
What are your key election promises?
I will work hard to make sure that Australia continues to be a country that encourages its citizens to be able reach their potential and provide for their families. I will continue to see that our communities receive record funding for health, education and infrastructure.
What is your message to the voters?
At the coming election the people of the Parkes electorate have a clear choice to make. They can support me as a member of a Party that is purely focused on the needs of regional Australia or vote for a candidate who is a member of a Party that is dominated by inner urban cities. The Labor Party have promised to tax your superannuation and your investment properties. They want to make your four wheel drives and utes more expensive to subsidise the uptake of electric cars in the city.
After more than 11 years as Member for Parkes, I am as excited and optimistic as ever about the future of Western NSW. It is important we reflect on what we have achieved for this electorate and I look forward to continuing to provide sound and experienced representation for my constituents into the future.