Mrs Fardell said the State Government announcement, which was made during Tuesday's Regional Cabinet visit to Parkes, was the result of several meetings over many months.

The study is into a $60 million project aimed at extending the main gas supply pipeline to benefit towns such as Gilgandra, Mudgee, Coolah, Coonabarabran and Werris Creek.

While the main benefit falls to communities outside the Electorate of Dubbo Mrs Fardell said she was pleased to assist the towns for the betterment of the region.

‘When the Treasurer came to Dubbo in February we had a great response from community representatives who wanted to advance various projects,’ Mrs Fardell said.

‘Full credit must go to people such as Gilgandra Shire General Manager Paul Mann and Margaret Thomas from the Central Ranges Natural Gas and Telecommunications Association, who had a vision for natural gas to be rolled out across the region.

‘Not only will this project lay the groundwork for jobs and economic development in the area, it will also offer significant opportunities to local indigenous people to be involved in each stage of the extension from planning to maintenance.’

Mrs Fardell said the project submission was made by the telecommunications association in partnership with ntscorp (Native Title Services Corporation).

After organising a meeting between stakeholders and the Treasurer Mrs Fardell said she had several follow-up meetings with Mr Costa and senior advisers.

‘I'm a firm believer in MPs looking beyond their own backyard and it was a pleasure to be able to work with Gilgandra Shire and other stakeholders in bringing this project to the attention of the State Government,’ Mrs Fardell said.