Member for New England, Barnaby Joyce has thanked the voters of New England for their ongoing support at last Saturday’s Federal election.

Mr Joyce received almost 53% of primary votes and on a two-party-preferred basis, polled 66.43% of the vote to Labor’s 33.57% as counting continues.

“I am deeply humbled by the faith shown in me by the people of New England and will continue to work hard on their behalf as their Federal MP,” Mr Joyce said.

“In government, the Coalition poured record funding into the New England electorate through projects already delivered and ‘on the table’.

“I want to see every project delivered in full and will be holding the Labor Government to account on each one, so the people of New England do not miss out.

“Of particular concern is the new Dungowan Dam,” Mr Joyce said.

“This dam is essential to help drought proof Tamworth and centres downstream.

“It will provide the necessary water security to develop new infrastructure, establish more businesses, create more jobs and deliver more services.

“The Coalition has put $675 million on the table to construct the new Dungowan Dam and pipeline with additional funds coming from the NSW Government.

“The dam also has the backing of Tamworth Regional Council. 

“I call on the ALP Government to now show its support for the dam by ensuring the project proceeds unimpeded.”

“The new Dungowan Dam will be a litmus test for the Labor Party and whether it truly cares about regional Australia,” Mr Joyce said.