Regional Cities Require Rail, Air and Arts Funding

Article by: Hari Yellina (Orchard Tech)

To keep up with the surge in tree-changers, regional cities are urging the federal government to invest in their infrastructure and cultural institutions. Since the pandemic began, data obtained by Infrastructure Australia in the first quarter of 2021 revealed a 200 per cent rise in net migration to the regions. Regional Capitals Australia stated in its pre-budget proposal that preparing for a network of strong regional capitals is now a national imperative.

Daniel Moloney, the head of Regional Capitals Australia and the mayor of Ballarat, said the growth has put a strain on housing, services, and infrastructure, and that considerable investment was required to keep up with the growing regional relocation trend. “Our goal is to create dynamic metropolitan centres with everything that people will find in large capitals, but on a smaller scale,” Cr Moloney stated. The association is urging its 19 member cities, which include Tamworth, Alice Springs, Broome, and Albury, to improve rail and aircraft links. Regional rail projects should be prioritised under the national rail programme. Simultaneously, a regional aviation strategy is required to better connect regional cities to the rest of the country. Col Murray, the newly appointed head of Infrastructure Australia and a former Tamworth mayor, has promised to add a regional perspective to the new position. He stated that connectivity was constantly at the centre of regional investment negotiations.

If the trend of regional movement is to continue, Cr Moloney believes that expectations must meet realities, and that investment in liveability and lifestyle considerations is critical. Regional Capitals Australia is lobbying for a larger share of national arts and cultural funding in order to develop local talent, establish high-quality facilities, and attract more events and exhibitions. Connectivity, according to Tamworth mayor Russell Webb, typically draws people to regional communities, and lifestyle aspects keep them there. There is an increase of individuals from coastal areas and capital cities, with transportation, rail, and air, as well as good internet, as top priorities. Professionals moving to the city are also considering sports facilities, where their children can take dancing or singing classes, and what lifestyle activities their families can participate in. Sydney residents are accustomed to going into the city on any given night and witnessing a concert. Regional Capitals Australia is also advocating for a higher share of the government’s city and job-building money, as well as the re-establishment of the Regional Growth Fund, to help cities grow sustainably and satisfy job demand.