THE state government should bring forward the infrastructure projects promised to the region by Tamworth MP Kevin Anderson during the election, the Shooters Fishers and Farmers Tamworth spokesmen says.
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Jeff Bacon said the projects would provide a much needed economic stimulus to the local economy, as the region continues to feel the financial pinch from the drought.
"Projects like the $53-million Gunnedah Hospital redevelopment, this will generate many jobs, jobs that the Gunnedah community need right now," Mr Bacon said.
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"Almost $20 million was promised by Kevin Anderson for the upgrades of Werris Creek and Rangari roads.
"There should be no delay in starting promised projects."
Mr Anderson said he'd had a discussion with the government this week about the economic benefits of local infrastructure in drought-affected drought affect, however gave no indication if the projects would be fast tracked.
"All the projects we're working on now, as soon as I can get some clarity on them and start turning sods, the better in my view," he said.
"Everything has to go through a process, but everybody is focused on doing that as soon as possible."
Mr Bacon said the contracts for the promised infrastructure projects must be given to local businesses, pointing to recent road maintenance contracts in the Barwon electorate going to a Queensland-based company.
However, Mr Anderson said that wasn't a problem in his electorate, citing a number of recent projects that had all been awarded to local contractors.
"That's my priority, every dollar that comes in to this electorate from the state government stays in this electorate," he said.