National drive for regional growth

Wimmeradevelopment leaders are confident a new national alliance to drive regional and rural population growth will provide critical political leverage in turning the concept into reality.

Wimmera Development Association executive director Chris Sounness said a new Regional Activators Alliance, with member groups from across Australia, would provide a powerful lobbying framework.

Deputy Prime Minister, Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Minister Michael Mccormack launched the alliance on behalf of Regional Australia Institute, RAI, last week.

The alliance, with support from corporate-based Regional Australia Council 2031, which RIA formed in May this year, has the job of developing a national awareness campaign to promote opportunities to live, work and invest in the regions.

It includes 36 representative organisations including municipal councils, Regional Development Australia regions, economic development groups and industry representatives.

All aspects of the project will focus on RAI evidence-based research relating to four key pillars – jobs, population, liveability and leadership.

Mr Sounness said it was important the Wimmera association had joined a network of like-minded organisations across Australia.

“While each of the regions they represent have unique opportunities, there is a high level of commonality in objectives for growth,” he said.

“Coming together with a united voice tends to amplify a need for governments to be involved and that is what this is all about.

“We all see huge job opportunities in rural and regional Australia.

“If we can offer pathways for government to move in that direction it is going to be a win for everyone and importantly, the people who move to the regions.

“Having a national voice means we can have greater influence when governments are making infrastructure decisions while contemplating ways of easing population density in urban environments.

“This alliance means we will also have a great ability to engage with those urban communities to present a more comprehensive story with clear messages about why rural and regional Australia is a great place to live.”

Unique sets

Mr Sounness said while developing a joint campaign was a priority, each region would maintain a responsibility for presenting their own unique set of features and attractions.

“For example, in the WimmeraMallee, it might be that we target people who are looking to have more open space, want a school where all teachers know all the kids and to be involved in community groups where voice is listened to and appreciated,” he said. “Our obvious target areas are urban Melbourne and Adelaide.

“We want to encourage people to consider our part of the world to advance their career, establish and grow small business or combine lifestyle into their workplace.”

Mr Sounness said each alliance member organisation would work on case studies to fit into a national framework before an inaugural meeting later this month.

Communications agency Redhanded helped develop the campaign, which has Federal Government funding, through a research project to gauge the sentiment of metropolitan Australians.