The two Nationals MPs representing Northern Rivers electorates say the election of Paul Toole MP as NSW Nationals Leader and Bronnie Taylor MLC as his deputy is great news for the North Coast.
Tweed Nationals MP Geoff Provest and Clarence Nationals MP Chris Gulaptis said new Deputy Premier Paul Toole had been instrumental in helping tens of thousands of local seniors with cost of living pressures by delivering the Nationals $250 Regional Seniors Travel Card.
“As Minister for Regional Transport, Paul made that signature Nationals policy happen and we can expect a continued strong focus on regional New South Wales with him as Premier Dom Perrottet’s deputy,” they said.
The MPs also credited Mr Toole with increased funding for fixing local roads and country bridges following the successful completion of the massive Pacific Highway duplication, with Mr Gulaptis singling out a $10 million grant to upgrade the busy Coraki-Woodburn Road.
Mr Provest said it was also Mr Toole who had delivered on the Nationals promise of a $1 million Tweed Light Rail Study.
They said the elevation of current Minister for Mental Health, Regional Youth and Women Bronnie Taylor MLC’s to the deputy leadership brought extra intelligence and compassion to the team.
“A frequent visitor to our area, Bronnie has been outstanding in delivering practical help for youth and mental health issues on the North Coast,” Mr Gulaptis and Mr Provest said.
“As a former cancer and palliative care nurse, you won’t find a better listener and that is exactly what people are looking for in their leaders in these difficult COVID times.”
The MPs said they had invited both Ministers to visit the region and expected that to happen before too long.