Plan to inject funds into regional communities

A FUTURE Coalition government would establish a $20 billion Regional Australia Future Fund to boost infrastructure and services across regional, rural and remote communities.

Page MP Kevin Hogan said the fund would help deliver long-term investment in areas such as childcare, health, telecommunications, internet access, tourism, and small business support if the Coalition was elected on May 3.

It would also support upgrades to community infrastructure, roads and transport routes.

“This is about putting our communities first and long-term investment in our future,” Mr Hogan said.

“We want to give our kids every reason to live, work and raise a family in the communities they call home.”

“One third of Australians live outside the big capital cities – and this perpetual fund will future-proof against governments who leave the regions behind.”

Nationals candidate for Richmond Kimberly Hone said the fund would help address ongoing power outage issues at places like Bilambil.

She said it is a critical issue to address for people looking after the elderly and young families.

Ms Hone is also hoping to address healthcare and communication challenges facing Pottsville.

Elsewhere, the Australian Local Government Association president Matt Burnett said the regional fund would be a great opportunity to deliver long-term secure funding for regional councils.

“With massive road networks to build and maintain, and ratepayers spread over vast geographic areas, many of our regional councils are facing unique and additional challenges,” he said.

“It’s crucial that the Regional Australia Futures Fund supports formula-based, non-competitive funding to all regional councils to ensure that every community benefits.”