THE region's agriculture sector could hold the key to the country's economic recovery, according to the NSW Nationals leader.
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Deputy Premier John Barilaro said the recent investments, a predicted bumper harvest and high stock prices would help the country recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.
"This is a region that I know punches well above its weight," Mr Barilaro said.
"This is just the start not the end of our regional investment, we are laying the foundations.
"I have consistently said to our Coalition partners, the Liberals, we are happy with the crumbs but now it is our time to take the whole cake and that's what we are planning to do."
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Mr Barilaro's comments come after a recent funding tour throughout the region which included: $28 million for Tamworth's Intermodal Rail Hub and $14 million for a redevelopment of the Gunnedah saleyards.
As well as $16.8 million for creation of Narrabri's Inland Port and $9.45 million towards new laboratories at Narrbari's IA Watson Research Centre.
"These investments are investments through the office of Regional NSW, targeting job creation," he said.
"Investments like those show confidence that the agriculture and regional industries are at the heart of what we are trying to achieve."
"I think this region is getting ready to explode," he said. "There's a real opportunity for Narrabri if the Santos gas project is approved in the next few weeks as it will bring another level of industry around energy.
"As well as that, it will attract all kinds of other industry to the region as well."
However, Business NSW regional manager Joe Townsend said more investment was needed by all levels of government to help get the economy back on track.
"The June quarter national accounts confirmed Australia entered deep recession in the June quarter, underscoring the case for more government support until there is a sufficient recovery in private demand to pick up the slack," Mr Townsend said.
"Business NSW believes initiatives in the October Budget should focus on ways to support private enterprise so it can get on with what it does best."
Billy Jupp
Billy is a Senior Livestock Journalist for the Queensland Country Life based in Toowoomba. He has worked for a variety of different ACM mastheads during the past five years including the Namoi Valley Independent, Northern Daily Leader and The Land.
Billy is a Senior Livestock Journalist for the Queensland Country Life based in Toowoomba. He has worked for a variety of different ACM mastheads during the past five years including the Namoi Valley Independent, Northern Daily Leader and The Land.
