Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack made his first official visit to Moree on Thursday to get to know the locals as part of a tour through Northern NSW.
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The Deputy PM met up with his Nationals colleague, Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton, to talk jobs, rail and infrastructure investments.
“I’m getting around to all my Nationals colleagues and some regional Liberals as well,” Mr McCormack said.
“This is about making sure that we get on the front foot and tell people we’re doing a good job … the Nationals aren’t standing still. We’re making sure we’re investing our time in roads and rail and making sure job creation is front and centre in everything we do.
“I’m chatting about Inland Rail, talking to locals and more importantly listening to locals.
“It’s about making sure that job creation continues.
“We want to make sure that people have jobs, that their kids have a future, their kids have prospects. We want to give young people a reason to stay, whether that’s Moree, whether that’s Tamworth, whether that’s Dubbo.”
Mr McCormack said he would have visited the Parkes electorate sooner, but Mr Coulton has been busy with his new portfolio as Assistant Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment.
“I know that role Mark is now playing is going to have great benefits to the people he represents; he’ll be looking for investment opportunities for people in the Parkes electorate and it will place him in front of people who make decisions to buy Australian and for locals to take advantage of the export opportunities we’ve got,” he said.
“Mark and I share a lot in common – the Newell Highway, Inland Rail and a passion to deliver to ensure rural and regional Australians are well looked after.
“We’re round that Ministers table when important decisions are being made and we’re helping to make those decisions.”
Mr Coulton said it was fantastic to be joined by Mr McCormack to meet with locals in Moree, Narrabri, Mullaley and Tambar Springs to hear how the government’s infrastructure investment is helping local communities.
“As regional MPs, Michael and I know how vital road and rail upgrades are to our local areas to increase economic activity and develop new opportunities for regional Australians,” he said.
“A great example of this government’s commitment to the regions is in the delivery of the Inland Rail which will link our regions – our farmers and our small businesses – with the ports in Melbourne and Brisbane, and with the world.
“As Assistant Minister for Trade, I am thrilled the Inland Rail will help local businesses export their products into new markets and help them grow, while reinvesting in our local communities and creating local jobs.”
During his time in Moree, Mr McCormack also caught up with Moree Plains Shire Council mayor Katrina Humphries.
“She’s got a vision and outlook and a friendly disposition but when she wants to get something done she knows what to say to make that happen,” Mr McCormack said.