The second North Coast Conference to be held since the NSW Nationals reinvigorated the concept, the event was hailed as a success by attendees with the room filled to capacity.

Delegates debated motions and participated in ‘breakout sessions’ – interactive forums where politics and policy experts presented on campaigning matters and brand management.

Convener, Byron Bay local and NSW Nationals MLC Ben Franklin was delighted with the turn out.

“The NSW Nationals Regional Conferences complement our annual General Conference and are the primary way we develop our grassroots policy. Smaller, local conferences give delegates the chance to involve themselves in the process without needing to travel, and bring much-needed focus to specific issues relevant to their areas,” Mr Franklin said.

“Many of the successful motions from the weekend will now go to the General Conference and be integrated into NSW Nationals Policy. We remain the only Party to cultivate policy this way and I was proud to convene this event. I look forward to the North Coast areas having this opportunity annually.”

Two of the motions carried were adopting a transition from fossil fuel technology to alternative modern technology for energy sources and storage, and calling on the NSW government to ban the supply of single-use plastic shopping bags to customers at retail outlets. 

Other issues discussed were the introduction of ‘rail trails’ – old disused rail lines being turned into bike trails and problems with biosecurity if the trails go through farmers’ lands, the possibility of nuclear energy and thorium being considered for electricity generation, energy prices and trade certification renewals.

NSW Nationals Member for Myall Lakes Stephen Bromhead highlighted how valuable these regional conferences are in getting locals and members to learn from each other.

“The North Coast Nationals Conference brought together members from Tea Gardens to Tweed Heads. We discussed a diverse range of motions affecting regional NSW” Mr Bromhead said.

“Members heard from Donna Carrier, a multi-award winning local business owner in Wingham and champion of local employment and training, and Roy Wilkinson, the chfef oinancial Officer and director of a legendary Kempsey company – Akubra.

“Party members also had the opportunity to interact with state and federal parliamentarians in a Q and A-style session,” he said.

The Nationals will now take their Regional Conference model to Orange in February 2018.