An elected Dutton Liberal Government will deliver a ground-breaking $20 billion Regional Australia Future Fund, to deliver a guaranteed annual funding stream in perpetuity for regional, rural, and remote Australia – including for communities in southwestern NSW.
A Dutton Liberal Government will immediately invest $5 billion into regional Australia, to help lift education and childcare investment, grow the regional health workforce and fix local roads.
The Fund will be transparent and benchmarked with a legislated State of the Regions review by an independent committee, which will inform each four-year investment plan.
Following extensive consultations with regional communities, the Coalition has identified initial key priorities of the Regional Australia Future Fund, which include:
-Fixing local road and transport networks to save country lives and drive economic productivity
-Growing the regional health workforce so families can access health and aged care – local and affordable.
-Developing regional industries to drive economic growth and create secure jobs.
-Delivering flexible childcare solutions for families in regional, rural and remote areas.
-Growing tourism industry opportunities for regional communities and economies.
-Supporting regional businesses to market and export their product to new and expanded markets.
-Improving regional mobile and internet services for country communities.
-Building and upgrading economic and community infrastructure, facilities and services.
Deputy Leader of the Opposition and Federal Member for Farrer said the $20 billion Fund will recognise the immense contribution made by regional Australians to our national economy and the unique challenges faced by our regional communities.
“Communities across Farrer have told me how federal funding has fallen through the floor under Labor.
“Our councils have not been supported by Labor and this put even more upward pressure on rates.”
“Southwestern NSW needs and deserves serious money to fix our roads, improve our mobile and internet coverage, and improve access to healthcare and childcare.”
“This Fund has been designed to deliver for regional Australia – including southwestern NSW – in perpetuity, so we can get Australia back on track.”