Industry body GrainGrowers is delighted with the announcement a Coalition government would establish a Regional Australia Future Fund to direct investment to the regions.
GrainGrowers said the proposed fund covered a range of priorities detailed in the GrainGrowers election asks document, Grains for Growth, Investing in Australia's Agricultural Future.
Chair Rhys Turton said Graingrowers believed the election was an opportunity to deliver essential investment to regional Australia, strengthening the agriculture sector and supporting local communities.
“Proposals that can direct investment to roads and transport networks, improved regional health and aged care, childcare solutions, and better telecommunications and community infrastructure, are welcomed by everyone working and living in regional Australia.”
“Stronger grain regions will help bridge the gap between urban centres and the bush, and the proposal to deliver a guaranteed funding stream would underpin regional development and build long-term infrastructure that can help maintain our international competitiveness.”
Mr Turton said election investments should be carefully considered on the basis of delivering a real return to the Australian economy.
“Our argument has always been that government support could unlock economic potential - enhancing productivity, reducing inflationary pressures and building a strong and sustainable future across our regions."
"The grains industry plays a vital role in the national economy, with 22,500 grain farm businesses contributing $33 billion to the Australian economy and supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs in Australian regions and cities."
“Meaningful investments like that outlined in the proposal for the Regional Australia Future Fund would help build a modern progressive regional Australia that is well placed to meet future needs and challenges and deliver real returns to the national economy,” Mr Turton said.
ends