The Hon. AILEEN MacDONALD (14:22): When Westpac shut its doors in Moree in 2022, it felt like a punch to the gut for the community, but now the tide has turned. I was in Moree when the announcement was made that Westpac would return. I visited the temporary site at Social Co House and the proposed new location. I could feel the relief, tinged with cautious optimism. It may not be a full-service branch, but it is a real and welcome step forward for a community that has fought hard to not be forgotten. Bank closures in regional towns are never just about the withdrawal of banking services. They signal something deeper—an erosion of confidence in the bush. When services disappear, residents, farmers, small business owners and retirees lose access to face‑to‑face financial support.

For many people, especially older Australians or those without reliable internet, a local branch is not a luxury but a necessity. That is why Westpac's decision to return matters. It shows that the voices of regional communities can, and do, make a difference. The bush raised its voice and it was heard. Moree is not just another town on the map; it is the beating heart of one of Australia's most productive agricultural regions. With fertile black soil, access to water from the Gwydir, Mehi and Macintyre rivers, and generations of experience, Moree leads the way in high-value agriculture. It is a national powerhouse in cotton production, pecan growing, irrigated cropping and livestock, and it does not stop at the farm gate.

Moree is evolving. The Moree Special Activation Precinct is a flagship of regional development. Covering over 4,700 hectares, it is set to transform the region into a modern intermodal hub, linking local produce to national and global markets via the Inland Rail and Newell Highway. It promises streamlined planning, business concierge support and a future-focused economy. Moree is embracing innovation in agriculture, renewable energy and logistics, and it is attracting investment in the process. In 2022 the Moree Plains shire generated nearly a billion dollars in gross regional product. That is not a small contribution; that is a region doing the heavy lifting for New South Wales and the nation. I thank the people of Moree for their resilience and advocacy. They did not take the decision to close the Westpac branch lying down. I thank Westpac for listening. Let that not be a one‑off gesture but a first step in rebuilding confidence, access and support for the regions that help to feed, clothe and drive this country forward.