Greater Taree City councillor, Brad Christensen made this call at council's special meeting on Wednesday night, saying our federal representative had lost focus of the real issues.

"I recommend Dr Gillespie get out and talk to the community. Jobs is the main issue.

"I would like to see Dr Gillespie prove he is working for us and get some projects working for our area."

Cr Christensen said he sought a position on council because he had a vision for the valley and that vision included the establishment of an agricultural college and an indigenous arts college.

He said the "frivolous survey that cost taxpayer money" was "ridiculous".

Deputy mayor, Robyn Jenkins pointed out that the Northern Gateway transport hub would not only bring jobs to the area but would meet State Government strategies for the benefit of the entire state.

"Dr Gillespie's suggestion to transfer funding is not only disingenuous but pointless the two things shouldn't be considered in the same breath.

"If we blink on this we could lose $21.4 million ($10m for the gateway project and $11.4m for roads and bridges)."