The comments come in the wake of Evocities Chair Kevin Mack’s statement to the NSW government to appoint a stand-alone Minister for Regional NSW and increase investment towards regional relocation campaigns.

”The metro areas are bursting at the seams,” Wagga Mayor Greg Conkey said.  “

Rural and regional NSW has space and the infrastructure to accommodate more people as well as the health, education and cultural facilities. 

“If we are serious about decentralisation then we definitely need a stand-alone minister for regional development.” 

Councillor Conkey said not only do the regional centres such as Wagga need the support but so do the small towns. 

“It’s important to be surrounded by dynamic towns and villages because we rely on each other,” he said. 

Councillor Conkey said John Barilaro, Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW, Skills and Small Business, has been doing a great job so far.

“I believe that a stand-alone senior position would give it that extra dedication that is required,” he said.

State MP Joe McGirr said the message from the byelection was that regional and rural NSW is not happy and something needs to be done. 

Dr McGirr said the problem lies in the fact there are multiple ministers and parliamentary secretaries. 

“It’s a divide and conquer approach, which is what governments have traditionally done to rural and regional areas,” he said.

 “Having one single point coordinating could be valuable.

“The first key is seniority in having a minister and the second having the focus point.” 

Dr McGirr said having such a focus could also bring more accountability. 

Councillor Mack believes the entire state would benefit from the creation of a regional NSW portfolio as a stand-alone ministry.

“If we’re serious about enabling population and economic growth in regional NSW we need a dedicated minister to drive decentralisation,” he said. 

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