Nationals descend on Tamworth to tackle the issues facing our region

By KEVIN ANDERSON, MEMBER FOR TAMWORTH

G’day Gunnedah and welcome to 2023!

Thank you for continuing to show your support to the Gunnedah Times.

It was a big weekend in Tamworth last weekend with National Party members from across the state descending on the city to tackle the issues facing those living in regional and rural areas of our nation.

It was great to see so many members from our region, including Gunnedah, head along to conference, raising issues affecting the community.

Issues raised included flood recovery, health services, the fuel excise, rail, firearms, police and much more.

It was great to see so many motions moved by the Young Nationals. Too often we’re told that young people are disengaged, uninterested in politics, but with the Young Nationals, we have a group of bright future leaders with a clear vision for our future.

The most significant issue debated at conference was the issue of the route of the Hunter Gas Pipeline, and I’m pleased to report that the National Party agreed that the route should be shifted off the prime agricultural land of the Liverpool Plains.

I’ve been a fierce advocate for the plains throughout my time as the local member, having seen off proposals from BHP Billiton and Shenhua.

Now we face the competing interests of the Hunter Gas Pipeline and established farming operations continuing in the area, and we need to be smart about how we protect our farming land.

That’s why I’ve been strong in my support for moving the pipeline off prime agricultural land and onto existing easements and crown land.

This would leave our farming land undisturbed while making use of underutilised crown land and easements. I have been calling for the route to be shifted for some time, helping ensure that the impact on farming operations is reduced.

It was great to see the members at conference carry the motion and I look forward to continuing to advocate for the Liverpool Plains.