The Nationals in Government on Sunday committed to an historic boost to investment in regional New South Wales and people from all walks of life in the Clarence and Richmond Valleys will benefit, according to Clarence Nationals MP Chris Gulaptis.

“I work closely with our local mayors Jim Simmons in the Clarence and Robert Mustow in the Richmond Valley. Both tell me a major drain on their resources is road maintenance,” Mr Gulaptis said.

“That will be fixed with a $1 billion investment in country roads and bridges as well as the State Government assuming responsibility for an extra 15,000 kilometres of regional roads easting pressures on both councils and ratepayers.

“Mobile phone and internet blackspot are holding us back, so I welcome a new $400 million commitment to complement the excellent work Kevin Hogan and his colleagues are doing to make sure we get similar connectivity to Sydney residents.

“Kids have been winners this year with the new $100 Creative Kids vouchers and doubling of the Active Kids vouchers to $200.

“Now as they get older they will have their very own Minister for Regional Youth, who will formulate a Regional Youth Strategy with input from groups like Clarence Youth Action.

“We will also commit at least $50 million to projects and programs that support young people such as establishing youth centres.

“Seniors will be less isolated by the tyranny of distance thanks to a new $250 travel card to use on fuel, taxis and some trains and buses.

“For the past eight years the Nationals in Government have been fighting for our regions to make sure we get our fair share.  

“We have worked hard to repair the budget, we’re delivering record infrastructure and services and now it’s time for people in communities like the Clarence and Richmond Valleys to reap the rewards,” Mr Gulaptis said.