RURAL communities have been too accustomed to an "absolute result" on core political concerns, according to deputy premier and leader of The Nationals, Troy Grant, who says the answer to big issues in the bush is in a balanced approach.
Surviving what he called one of the most concerted election campaigns against The Nationals in the party's history, Mr Grant acknowledged the party lost some of its traditional voters at last month's election, especially over the contentious issue of coal seam gas.
Now, he says, it's time to rebuild relationships with its base.
He concedes perceptions of arrogance, delays in delivering on reforms to long-running issues like the Native Vegetation Act and selling the government's land use policies are challenges he must tackle as the party's new leader.
The former cop from Dubbo is still considered a newcomer to politics, let alone the party leadership which he assumed in October last year after the resignation of Andrew Stoner.
Mr Grant expresses frustration over the lack of acknowledgement or appreciation for the "massive amount" he says the party has achieved for regional NSW but admits The Nationals may not be good at spruiking achievements.
He says there is a weight of expectation that comes with being a rural politician, and the community anguish over land use and coal seam gas (CSG) reflect this.
A successful campaign by The Greens on the NSW North Coast snatched the seat of Ballina from Nationals' hands.
"I think it's obvious we lost a bit of bark because of the debate that got out of control on land use," Mr Grant said.
"Our positive responses to the issues weren't recognised or acknowledged and we ultimately paid a price for that.
"We just have to be out there explaining the issue better and not avoid it."
Mr Grant said a blanket "no" approach to CSG mining could bankrupt the state, which opponents of the practice "just don't understand".
"It's on my shoulders to get out among the whole of regional NSW so they can meet me, listen to me and I can listen to them and we can rebuild any of those broken relationships - I'm absolutely intent on doing that."
He is intent also on keeping his promise to scrap the current, onerous, Native Vegetation Act within the first year of the government's second term.
"We're the only ones that have been determined to get rid of the Native Vegetation Act but we failed to communicate how hard that was and the obstacles that we faced, once we got into government, in achieving that."
Mr Grant said hopefully people noticed a change in the party and what it delivered for rural people when they go to vote at the next election.
"You go to most regional communities and they're a hell of a lot better off than they were four years ago and after another four years with us in government they're going to be a lot more better off again," Mr Grant said.
"I think rural communities hold us to greater account than local members in the greater metropolitan area.
"That's an expectation which we acknowledge is there and we welcome it to some degree, but it puts a lot of onus on us to ensure we are communicating better our wins and the areas where we are struggling."
