The annual NSW Nationals conference was held in the far west of the state last weekend, and while the delegates and members got through 65 of the 66 motions put forward, the resounding feeling was that of confidence going forward according to Tamworth based Central Council chair Bede Burke.

Mr Burke was voted back in to the role for another 12 month term on Thursday, after already stating the case that whoever was leading the council should commit for two years to get through the state and federal election period, currently only months apart, in 2019.

“The government is back on track at both state and federal level,” Mr Burke said.

“The Nationals are punching above their weight on what they will be delivering for NSW and Australia. We have got past some bad policies, policies which cost us the seat of Orange, and now we are really positive moving into the future and delivering what the communities want.

“We are the real party for regional NSW and Australia.” 

Premier John Barilaro’s address saw even further suggestions come up about Tamworth gaining an international airport, as he promised to deliver community assets to regional areas while the budget remains “in such great shape”, while Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce also addressed the 360 delegates.

“Barnaby’s speech was very motivating and moving. It was big in terms of vision, such as what the inland rail could achieve, while he also spoke on what differentiates The Nationals from other parties. He referred to them as inertia, because they resist everything.” 

What wasn’t resisted during the conference was a robust debate about the future of energy, after the premier got the ball rolling by suggesting that the party should at least discuss the idea of nuclear generated power.

“Power prices are going up terribly, while coal powered stations are shutting down. At the conference people just wanted to know more about nuclear power and were positive about having the discussion,” Mr Burke said. We’ve got the uranium - we dig it up and sell it to other countries to use for power, so why can’t we have the discussion to use it here. Australia should be at the top of global power prices competition.

“Hopefully the communities will trust the government, and continue to trust Nationals in power.”