THE stability and continuity brought about by Barnaby Joyce's re-election bodes well for the region's big infrastructure projects, local delegates say.
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Mr Joyce was returned for a third term over the weekend, commanding 55 per cent of the vote.
Acting Tamworth Regional Council mayor Phil Betts said it would be easier for the region to maintain its momentum with Mr Joyce's re-election.
"It makes it much easier working with someone who has got a full knowledge of the area's needs," Cr Betts said.
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"We're certainly looking forward to working with Barnaby over the next three years.
"Congratulations on the win, and to the other candidates as well. It was a wonderful display of democracy, but now it's time to get down to work and achieve some good outcomes for the Tamworth region."
Cr Betts said there were three big projects TRC wanted to work on with Mr Joyce.
"Highest priority is water security, closely followed by a university presence," Mr Betts said.
"An international freight terminal is another project we want to push forward."
To get all three would transform region, but Cr Betts said "to do that, we must first have water security".
"My preference is a new Dungowan Dam: that would give us new water from a new catchment and the greatest level of water security for many years to come," he said.
Tamworth MP Kevin Anderson said to have the wider region represented by the Nationals at a state and federal level "makes things better for the electorate as a whole".
Mr Anderson said both he and neighbouring Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall were re-elected at the NSW election with increased margins, which "set the platform for the New England North West".
"Barnaby Joyce and [Parkes MP] Mark Coulton followed suit, and that goes to show that our community want that regional representation and that stability," he said.
"I'm looking forward to driving home those big infrastructure projects."