Regional Capitals Australia (RCA) has pressed the reset button on its policy agenda, emerging from extensive planning discussions this week with a strong platform to further the economic and social development of regional capitals.
Led by Chair and Mayor of Ballarat Cr Daniel Moloney and supported by leading Mayors and CEO’s from across Australia, Regional Capitals Australia have developed key strategic priorities on which to engage the new Albanese government.
While RCA will have a continuing focus on population, skills, connectivity and liveability investment, the peak alliance will have an immediate focus on:
1) Housing: there are current challenges in our member cities right across the spectrum including social, key worker, infrastructure worker accommodation and the broader rental and general supply. These challenges are impeding the social and economic development of our communities and need to be addressed urgently.
2) Economic diversity: regional capitals are seeking to ensure that the Albanese Government’s commitment to renewables provides the opportunity to diversify regional economies and the active contribution to net zero objectives.
The opportunities for microeconomic reform and productivity growth lie strongest in regional Australia, with two thirds of Australia’s export earnings derived from regional industries. History has demonstrated that a boost to regional economic development contributes to the prosperity and economy of all Australians.
Regional Capitals Australia will be advocating to the Albanese Government as regional development and budget priorities are decided in the lead up to the October Budget.