Federal Member for Parkes Jamie Chaffey brought his mobile office to Cobar last week as part of a western area tour aimed at connecting with constituents and hearing their concerns firsthand.
While only one resident attended the walk-in session, which Mr Chaffey admitted was disappointing, he also met with Cobar Shire Council representatives and other locals during his visit.
Mr Chaffey said he was taking a more personal approach to meeting constituents, recognising that not everyone felt comfortable raising concerns in large gatherings.
“As I travel through, I’m trying to make time now in each community just to sit and have that opportunity for a while,” he said.
The previous evening, he spent three hours talking with residents in Louth.
Mr Chaffey said housing, water security, infrastructure and access to essential services were among the major issues raised in Cobar.
He said there was considerable excitement about opportunities arising from new investment in the local mining industry, but also frustration over a lack of housing and government funding to support growth.
Water security remained a significant issue, particularly the long-running push to replace the Nyngan to Cobar water pipeline.
Mr Chaffey said other residents across the Parkes electorate had similar concerns, particularly regarding aged care, healthcare and childcare.
He was especially concerned about lengthy waiting periods for aged care assessments and support packages, with some elderly Australians reportedly dying before their assessments were completed.
He also raised concerns about delays in the NDIS review process and difficulties people faced when trying to speak directly with someone about their assessments.
As Shadow Assistant Minister for Resources, Mr Chaffey said he was optimistic about the region’s mining potential and committed to supporting applications for government assistance.
He said the Coalition was developing policies focused on strengthening regional communities, supporting families and ensuring regional Australia received its fair share of investment.
Mr Chaffey said greater investment in housing and essential services would be crucial if communities like Cobar were to capitalise on future economic and employment opportunities.
