Regional Development Australia Orana chair John Walkom said the Baird government’s infrastructure spending had boosted western NSW.

“You just have to look at the focus on the Golden Highway, on the Newell Highway, on health particularly Dubbo Base Hospital and other hospitals in the region that have a commitment for upgrading or new infrastructure, the investment just in education – I could go on,” Mr Walkom said.

“I think that the Baird government certainly put the focus back into regional areas.”

Western NSW Business Chamber regional manager Vicki Seccombe praised the Baird government’s “solid fiscal management” and “strong leadership”.

“When the Government came to power in 2011, the state was lagging behind other states on every key economic and job creating measure,” Ms Seccombe said.

“Since then … the NSW economy is in a strong position and this has contributed to increased business confidence throughout the region.”

NSW Treasurer Gladys Berejiklian has been tipped as the state’s next premier, with Mr Baird’s replacement to be decided next week.

Whoever the next premier, Ms Seccombe urged them to reduce red-tape, pursue improvements to the tax system and rebuild the apprenticeship system.

“It is important the new premier … maintains the government’s commitment to fund a pipeline of infrastructure projects across Western NSW to really stimulate economic growth and create local jobs in our region,” Ms Seccombe said.

The Newell Highway upgrade was vital, she said, after road closures caused by flooding in 2016 caused major economic losses.

Mr Walkon said it was important for investment in regional job creation to continue.

“Just look at the capital of NSW – Dubbo. New record building approvals, our unemployment is pretty good, our population growth is good and what drives that is government policy,” he said.