NATIONAL Party leader David Littleproud has unveiled a $20B Regional Australia Future Fund, aimed at providing a permanent, annual funding stream to support regional, rural and remote communities.
Federal Member for Nicholls, Sam Birrell, called the commitment a bold move to secure the region’s economic future. “The Regional Australia Future Fund is a game changer for the 30 per cent of Australians who live outside metropolitan areas,” he said.
“For years, Coalition governments, driven by the Nationals, have fought for funding programs to enable investment in regional priorities. But under Labor governments, that funding is ripped out, and regional communities suffer.”
An elected Coalition Government will preserve a portion of commodity windfall receipts each year to establish the Regional Australia Future Fund, to grow this to $20B. Profits created through the hard work of regional Australians will be invested back into the regions.
“The Future Fund will provide a consistent annual dividend of $1 billion and ensure that this investment is continuous through all cycles of government,” said Mr Birrell.
“Everywhere I go, regional communities want to improve their amenities and infrastructure. It is what we all want, but it can be harder in regional areas where there is less population density and councils have a lower rate base.
“The Nationals have fought for this fund, which will prioritise investment in local roads and transport networks, growing our health workforce and training, developing thriving regional industries, creating flexible childcare, boosting regional exports and upgrading regional infrastructure.”
Mr Littleproud said the fund is a recognition of the contribution regional Australians make in growing our national economy and the unique challenges faced now and into the future.
“This is about putting regional people first, and leaving a legacy for future generations,” Mr Littleproud said.
