The DPIE’s coordinator general of Regional NSW Gary Banes will head a new Department of Regional NSW established to coordinate support for communities, businesses and farmers hit by the triple whammy of bushfires, floods and COVID-19.

The department will bring together the divisions of Primary Industries, Local Land Services, Resources and Geoscience to form a central agency dedicated to regional issues, regional NSW minister John Barilaro says.

Mr Barillaro said the department will provide a voice in government for people in the bush as well as streamlining regional issues and bringing together experts in primary industries, land management, resources, regional development, drought response and bushfire recovery.

The new department’s first job will be the delivery of recent bushfire and COVID-19 stimulus and industry recovery packages as well as drought initiatives.

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