The new Department of Regional NSW has been established to better coordinate support for communities, businesses and farmers in the bush.
The Department will bring together Primary Industries, Local Land Services, Resources and Geoscience and is in response to recent events that have seen drought, bushfire, floods and now the COVID-19 pandemic endured in reginal areas.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW, John Barilaro said the new Department would form a central agency dedicated to regional issues.
“We are urgently responding to the desperate needs of people in the regions and this new agency will work to ensure community wellbeing, resilient economies and strong key regional industries,” Mr Barilaro said.
He said the new Department would be led by incoming Secretary, Gary Barnes, currently the Coordinator General, Regional NSW of the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment.
“The new Department of Regional NSW will be a voice in government for people in the bush and will have a laser-like focus on the challenges and opportunities unique to regional communities,” Mr Barilaro said.
“This department will allow a more streamlined response to regional issues as experts…work closer together than ever before.”
Mr Barilaro said the Department would drive the delivery of recent bushfire and COVID-19 stimulus and industry recovery packages.
He said the Department would also be responsible for the delivery of drought initiatives, the $1.7 billion Regional Growth Fund and $4.2 billion Snowy Hydro Legacy Fund.
