With the state still recovering from one of the worst droughts on record, he said his focus will be on putting the infrastructure in place to lessen the impact of the next drought.

He said he will work closely with Minister for Agriculture and Western NSW Dugald Saunders, although the Dubbo MP is also bedding into that role after the surprise dumping of Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall.

One of the biggest projects Mr Anderson will have to oversee in his new role is in his own backyard, with the Dungowan Dam set to begin construction early next year.

"First and foremost I'll be certainly looking at Dungowan Dam in the water space, my first order of business this morning was to call [Deputy Prime Minister] Barnaby Joyce who was still in Washington and let him know I intend to work closely with him," he said.

But the project comes with a fair amount of frustration, having seen its budget blow out and business case delayed several times. When pressed on Monday Mr Anderson said he would look into it after he is sworn in.

"I'm very honoured to be sworn in as the water minister tomorrow [Tuesday] afternoon then I'll be digging in, getting all the information required in relation to the project and find out exactly where it's up to," he said

"So then we can cross our T's, dot our I's and get shovels in the ground and get the project moving."

Mr Anderson believes his experience representing a regional area that has gone through drought, fire, floods and the mice plague in recent years, makes him well able to handle the typically tough water ministry.

On Sunday, the former water minister Oxley MP Melinda Pavey, revealed she would not be a member of the reshuffled cabinet. She said it had been a tough pill to swallow.

"While I'm disappointed, I respect the decision made," she said.

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"I took the water ministry during the worst drought on record, and to this end I thank the Menindee community for welcoming me under much duress.

"I hope the incredible work in the water space, especially regarding coastal harvestable rights and in redefining the narrative on behalf of farmers, continues.

"It's also important the final business cases of the Wyangala and Dungowan dams, as well the Regional Water Strategies are carried through to fruition."

Oxley MP and ex-Minister for Water Melinda Pavey

Mr Anderson did not want to comment on why he thought Ms Pavey had been removed from the role.

He also said it had not been his decision to remove Mr Marshall from the ag ministry, although he believed his northern neighbour had achieved plenty.

While much of the attention has been on the lands and water portfolio, Mr Anderson acknowledged it was an important time to be the minister responsible for hospitality, as the sector looks to recover from two COVID-affected years.

"I've spent a fair bit of time in pubs and clubs over the years so I know how they operate," he said.

"I'm looking forward immensely to working with them to show them the support and give them the support they need, because they give it back to our community in spades."

Meanwhile, Gunnedah-born Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning, Sarah Mitchell, retained her spot on the frontbench.