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from Gippsland Times Tuesday 15 March 2022

Remains

National Farmers Federation president Fiona Simson said ‘‘thousands upon thousands’’ of Australians recognised the endless potential of areas such as Gippsland, which has been identified as one of 20 Regional Developmental Precincts. Photo: Contributed Gippsland pinpointed by NFF as key regional development precinct

THE National Farmers Federation has identified the Gippsland region as one of 20 Regional Development Precincts and is advocating for a $1.4 billion blueprint for regional renewal. NFF president Fiona Simson said “thousands upon thousands” of Australians recognised the endless potential in these areas and were making their home in regional centres Ms Simson said there needed to be a governmentled strategy to deliver for growing populations and to guarantee these regions’ vibrant future. “Our regional centres and surrounding communities should be great places to live with affordable housing, social services, amenity and cultural opportunities, on par with that in urban Australia,” Ms Simson said. “There must also be career and business opportunities.” Ms Simson said COVID had exposed Australia’s reliance on international imports, and now was the time to seriously invest in domestic manufacturing capabilities. “It just makes sense for these developments to make their home in regional Australia,” she said. The plan had the input of 30 industry and community groups, and the NFF engaged with local government, federal and state agencies. Ms Simson said the aim was for locals and businesses to be no more than 90 minutes from the services and infrastructure. According to Infrastructure Australia, there has been a 200 per cent increase in growth to regional areas during the pandemic, creating demand for housing, services, and infrastructure. The proposal aims to drive collaboration and investment across the three tiers of government for a select number of regional centres, with a particular focus on accelerating primary production. Ms Simson said at least $1.4 billion in new funding was needed to ensure the plan came to life and didn’t become “yet another glossy document gathering dust in a high-rise inner-city office”. “Rural local governments are acutely aware of both the challenges their communities face and their potential, but are financially constrained by a more-often-than-not small rate base,” she said. “The tangible support of state and federal governments, to address these would be a game-changer for the identified 20 towns and, undoubtedly, many more rural regions.” Regional Capitals Australia chair Daniel Moloney said the government had a “once in a generation” opportunity to pursue a strategic regionalisation agenda. “Regional capitals are booming and have been the engine room of Australia’s economy throughout the COVID-19 pandemic,” Cr Moloney said. “A precinct mode of investment would help ensure our members get the right infrastructure funding to keep pace with that growth.”