Member for Clarence Chris Gulaptis has welcomed his recent appointment as Parliamentary Secretary for Agriculture and Forestry.

Until now, he had been Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Roads and Infrastructure.

Since he was elected as the Member for Clarence in 2011, Mr Gulaptis’s main priorities have included holding the State Government accountable for its infrastructure promises with the region, including delivering a second bridge crossing in Grafton and completing the Pacific Highway upgrades.

In relation to his new role, Mr. Gulaptis said “these are not huge responsibilities that take me away from the main job of representing the Clarence and Richmond Valleys, but it keeps me close to the circles of power, and agriculture and forestry are obviously very important in our region.”

Mr. Gulaptis also said he has an excellent relationship with the Minister for Agriculture Adam Marshall.

Mr. Gulaptis’s appointment was one of six new Parliamentary Secretary roles within the NSW Government which were announced by Deputy Premier John Barilaro last week.

Mr. Barilaro described Parliamentary Secretaries are integral in helping to serve regional and rural communities across NSW and representing regional towns by highlighting their unique issues in the NSW Parliament.

Mr. Gulaptis also congratulated his Norther Rivers colleagues following their respective appointments.

Member for Tweed Geoff Provest has been appointed Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Tourism and Hospitality and Ben Franklin MLC, has been appointed Parliamentary Secretary for Energy and the Arts.