Regional Capitals Australia (RCA) has today called on the Australian Government and Opposition to put the needs of those living in regional cities front and
Regional Capitals Australia Chair, Mayor Samantha McIntosh, said that the alliance had put a clear view to Canberra that regional capital cities needed to be connected, liveable, and productive if Australia was going to grow successfully.
“In our pre-budget submission we have included fundamental investments that will allow our cities to grow and continue to be strong service centres for those living in the smaller towns that surround our cities,” said Cr McIntosh.
The investments that the alliance is seeking are:
- Increased investment for upgrading roads that connect regional capital cities;
Prioritising regional rail projects and business case development as part of a faster rail program;- Investment in infrastructure for regional airports;
- $2 billion to be invested over the next four years in three current programs; Building Better Regions Fund, the Regional Growth Fund and Regional Deals; and
- The establishment of an accelerated
decentralisation program to enable the Australian Public Service to move staff into regional capital cities.
In the lead up to this year’s budget, Regional Capitals Australia has met with the offices of Treasurer Josh Frydenburg, Minister for Cities and Population Alan Tudge, Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack and Minister for Regional Services and Decentralisation Bridget McKenzie.
“The Ministers have been very receptive,” said Cr McIntosh.
“We can see the government has agreed with our investment priorities, due to the commitments already made on faster rail, regional road upgrades and more funding to remove mobile black spots in regional Australia in addition to the Regional Deal for Albury-Wodonga.”
Regional Capitals Australia has also met with the offices of Shadow Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Cities and Regional Development Anthony Albanese and Shadow Minister for Regional Communications and Services Stephen Jones.
RCA has highlighted the importance of continuing to invest in regional cities and will continue to work with Ministers and Shadow Ministers in the lead up to the federal election.
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Contact
Angela Scicluna, Regional Capitals Australia Secretariat
P: 03 8658 5715
M: 0434 274 457
E: Secretariat@regionalcapitalsaustralia.org
About Regional Capitals Australia
Regional Capitals Australia (RCA) is a national alliance of local government councils across the nation representing Australia’s regional cities. RCA’s mission is to provide a recognised platform to champion the strategic importance and sustainable development of regional capitals around the nation. To learn more about our work visit http://regionalcapitalsaustralia.org.
Available for Interview
Cr Samantha McIntosh – Chair, Regional Capitals Australia