RESURGENCE OF REGIONS CAN DRIVE RECOVERY

DURING her address at the National Press Club, Fiona Simson, president of the National Farmers Federation (NFF), put regional deals back on the table.

A challenge has been set for the government: get the design and delivery of regional deals right, then deliver a record 20 deals by 2030.

Regional Capitals Australia has long been an advocate for this position. We have done so because we know our regions require support.

We also know when our members, state and federal governments, industry and community push in the same direction, great things can be achieved.

As Australia faces its first recession in over 21 years and looks towards recovery, I am calling upon the Australian government to look towards our regions as part of the solution. Let’s get our economy back on its feet and use the recent resurgence of our regions to lead the charge.

The NFF has joined a long line of advocates asking the government to use the deal models to get more investment, more population and better services and infrastructure into the regions. The Business Council of Australia, Regional University Network and Regional Australia Institute are other notable bodies who too have made this call.

As we see those around us use COVID-19 restrictions to put tired ways and old excuses to bed, it is clear these extraordinary times call for fresh eyes. There has been no better time than now, to use the collaboration shown by national cabinet to recharge the deal models as a clear path of recovery for our regions.

Like the NFF, RCA will continue to push for evaluation of the current deals and additionally request clarity around the program to ensure our regions know where they stand.

Shane Van Styn,

Regional Capitals Australia chair