Member for New England Barnaby Joyce and Member for Lismore Thomas George, joined by mayor Peter Petty, stopped off in Urbenville and Liston to discuss issues concerning the village locals.

Some of the issues raised was policing in Urbenville, black spot concerns, doctor shortages and issues relating to Mr Joyce’s agriculture and water portfolio.

“Black spots were big issues at both places,” Mr George said.

“We had questions relating to the council ‘Fit for the Future’ stuff. I think people are just concerned about the unknown factors – that’s what worries them,” he said.

Mr George said Tenterfield Shire Council would be the best judge of how they progress with lingering concerns posed by the state government reforms and proposals.

“I don’t live here, I don’t pay rates here, whatever council wants to take forward I’ll support them.

“Who am I to tell them what to do? It might be different for some other politicians.”

He said amalgamation usually led to ‘little communities being the ones that miss out’.

“Roads of course were discussed, the need for Mt Lindesay Legume to Woodenbong Rd.

“With the China trade deals and the new Toowoomba trade port it’s even more important now. Trade along that road is going to expand,” he said.

Mr Joyce said he was ‘so happy’ to hit the ground in the smaller communities of his sprawling electorate.

“I find getting the best feedback from the north of the electorate is obviously getting around the north of the electorate.

“I love getting up here and making some people of this corner feel just as much a part of the New England as people in Tamworth.

“It’s great to get on the ground and talk to people and make sure when I’m in Canberra I’m there serving the people,” he said.