Gunnedah shire could have greater opportunities and "regional prosperity" through Parkes MP Mark Coulton's new ministerial position in the federal government.
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Gunnedah mayor Jamie Chaffey congratulated Mr Coulton, who will be sworn in as the new Minister for Regional Services, Decentralisation and Local Government tomorrow.
"I am buoyed by the opportunities I believe we will have in this region to be able to directly speak to a minister who is acutely aware of our region and very much engaged in regional prosperity," Cr Chaffey said.
"I'm quite confident going forward, after seeing this outcome, that the voice of Gunnedah and our direction will be heard and supported quite well through our federal member for Parkes in his new ministry capacity."
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Cr Chaffey said the role was well deserved after 11 years' service to the region.
"It's a just reward for a man who has served a significant portion of regional NSW for a significant time ... and that service and knowledge of the region going forward in the next three years will see great outcomes for our region."
Mr Coulton said he was excited about the new role. He will also remain Assistant Trade and Investment Minister, after Prime Minister Scott Morrison's ministerial line-up announcement on Sunday.
"As Minister for Regional Services, I will now be in a position to make even more of a difference to people's lives in rural and regional areas, which is a great privilege," he said.
"Decentralisation is a significant part of what helps regions to thrive. I have long supported bringing more people and a diverse skillset into our regions, and as such I look forward to this area of responsibility."
Mr Coulton listed his key ministerial priorities as improving regional connectivity through the Coalition government's Mobile Black Spot Program, bringing more doctors and medical professionals to regional areas, and improving the NBN rollout.