FOR too long, communities like ours in the Bendigo region and central Victoria have had to fight tooth and nail for the basic infrastructure, services and opportunities that city dwellers take for granted. It’s time we changed that for good.<\/p>\n
I’m proud to support The Nationals’ announcement of a Regional Australia Future Fund which is a game-changer for regional Australia, ensuring that we get our fair share of investment.<\/p>\n
This $20 billion fund will lock in a secure and growing stream of funding for the infrastructure and services that we need in our communities, not just for the next election cycle, but for the next generation. It’s about time the regions stopped being treated as an afterthought for city-focused governments and started getting our fair share.<\/p>\n
From fixing dangerous local roads to building community infrastructure, growing our frontline health workforce, or helping our businesses compete in global markets, this fund will deliver lasting support for the things that matter.<\/p>\n
Locally, that means there will be more funding for crumbling road surfaces, better access to health and aged care in our smaller towns and more flexible childcare. It could also help fund tourism assets that put Bendigo and the Goldfields on the map.<\/p>\n
This is real, long-term nation building for regional Australia, something that’s been sorely lacking under Labor governments.<\/p>\n
The beauty of the Regional Australia Future Fund is its structure. It will sit under the proven Future Fund model, be independently reviewed, and have investment plans based on real community input. That means no more handouts based on political convenience, just responsible, transparent investment where it’s needed most in our communities.<\/p>\n
This Fund recognises the huge contribution regional people make to our national economy through industries like agriculture, mining, manufacturing and tourism. We absolutely deserve this commitment.<\/p>\n
I’m proud to back a plan that doesn’t just talk about helping the regions, it actually delivers for them. If elected, I’ll make sure our communities beyond benefit from it, because where you live shouldn’t determine what kind of future you can build.<\/p>\n
Let’s make sure the next generation inherits something better.<\/p>\n
Andrew Lethlean, The Nationals Candidate for Bendigo<\/p>\n