Mr Anderson told The Leader a number of issues raised by community members would be followed up and pursued by himself and state  ministers.

Among the priorities are fixing communication problems with the Woodsreef Taskforce.

“Ensuring those communications channels are open and maintained is important and will help to ensure the rehabilitation of the mine progresses,” Mr Anderson said.

“I am keen to help where I can to allay the fears expressed by Barraba community member Danny Ballard and help to do what I can to fill the gap of information that’s developed.”

Continued campaigning and and discussions surrounding the development of a police dog squad and drug unit in likely.

“Michael Gallacher, the police minister, is aware of the problems and the needs of the city and the push for more police will be ongoing,” Mr Anderson said. 

Access to timber in the Gunnedah region to support industry will be another target. 

“It’s a hard one because it is an issue that involves two ministers, and as a result, essentially is an issue that has to be fought on two fronts,” he said. 

Mr Anderson said other well-known issues including striking a best-practice balance between mining and agriculture and ensuring everyone worked together on the issue, would continue. 

He said the cabinet meeting allowed the ministers to hear what the issues were on the ground.

“There has been a lot of work going on behind the scenes on a number of the issues raised

during Monday’s meeting,” Mr Anderson said. “But hearing the issues from the people has given each of the ministers an idea of how important they are and the fact there is real concern there.”