In February, Regional Development Australia hosted over 100 delegates at their third "Orana Outlook Dinner" in Dubbo, where they looked at project development opportunities in the region.

Narromine Mayor and Chair of the Western Alliance of Councils, Craig Davies attended to take part in the "pollies panel" and field questions from the audience.

Also on the panel was Minister for Western NSW, Minister for Agriculture and Member for Dubbo - The Hon Dugald Saunders MP, Chief Economist - Craig James, Member for Parkes - The Hon Mark Coulton MP, Member for Barwon - Roy Butler MP and Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and the Territories - The Hon Kristy McBain MP.

Ms McBain provided the keynote address on government priorities for regional development and Mr Davies described her outlook as "a breath of fresh air".

While Mr Davies said the event was worthwhile, he questions where the voice of rural NSW is in government circles.

"We tend to be brushed aside in the regions," he said. "The main focus of questioning I got at the Outlook Dinner was in regard to roads. With this and other issues, we need clear legislation for rural and regional NSW."

Mr Davies said he felt that regional areas were overlooked and though funding is always appreciated, he considers the initial $570000 grant that Narromine Shire received for pothole funding was an "insult" as weather conditions had caused extensive damage to roads that far exceeded this amount.

"Employment issues such as not enough workers to fill available jobs and the significant housing crisis we are experiencing was also touched on," Mr Davies said.

The Orana RDA accepts there are challenges in employment, housing, transport linkages, educational opportunities and attracting people to the regions in future generations.

Mr Davies said he expressed his opinions freely and jokingly commented he may not be asked back!

"Unfortunately it was on the same day as the Country Mayor's Forum in Sydney so not many other Western Region representatives were there," he said. "As I was recovering from surgery, I could only make it to Dubbo but was glad I could attend on behalf of our region and represent local issues."