Spotlight on regions

Article printed by The Land on July 25, 2015.

Regional Capital Cities state that leaders have to really consider the potential that lies just outside the cities boarders. They need to start committing to sustainably growing regional cities. There are numerous reasons why this should be important, not in the least that it will help ebb the constant congestion of traffic that flows in and out of Sydney each day. Economic development groups, local councils and big regional businesses are starting to ask for strategies and resources to be directed at growing these regional cities.

According to the Regional Australian Institute, regional businesses are under-performing when compared to their potential. CEO Jack Archer states that regional businesses are vital for Australia to compete in key industries such as manufacturing and services, as well as being instrumental in providing economic diversity and resilience.

Due to the lack of an urban development policy that’s focuses on second tiered cities, these regional cities are being overlooked and are struggling. Local regional businesses have said that the tax reforms and improving flexibility and cost of labour are essential areas to address for the future of regional cities.