NATIONAL members have rallied around the newly appointed Minister for North Coast Duncan Gay, despite the fact he resides far from the region.
Local members said Mr Gay, the Crookwell-based National’s leader in the Upper House, has a good knowledge of the North Coast, even though he is based on the Southern Tablelands.
Mr Gay is Roads and Freight Minister and said his work on the Pacific Highway, which runs through the region, has taught him about its sunny charms.
“If you’re from cold Crookwell, you always aspire to get up to the North Coast, and I have visited numerous times in opposition and in government.”
Member for Ballina Don Page welcomed the appointment of Mr Gay.
“Duncan Gay has been very supportive of the North Coast and he is one of the best ministers we’ve got.
“He’s been critical in upgrading the Pacific Highway and dealing with negotiations with the federal government.
“Duncan is up here every other week and knows the area well.”
Clarence MP Chris Gulaptis also backed the appointment.
“We don’t have a local North Coast member who is a minster with Andrew Stoner stepping down.
“He has provided over $5 billion for the upgrade of the Pacific Highway in the Clarence electorate alone.”
Mr Page said regional ministries such as North Coast and Western NSW were traditionally granted to members with an existing portfolio.
He was not disappointed a North Coast MP was overlooked in favour of Monaro MP John Barilaro, when finding someone to step into a role vacated by Andrew Stoner.
“It’s tempting to be parochial in these matters but John Barilaro is a very capable MP. He contributes a lot to our party.”
Mr Gay will need to tackle controversy surrounding coal seam gas (CSG) on the North Coast, which flared earlier this year when the government suspended Metgasco’s exploration licence near Lismore.
“I’m looking forward to tackling a much broader range of issues facing these communities including the environment,” Mr Gay said.