Australia’s regional cities are vital in strong regional cities growth and creating a new
framework for growth outside the capital cities.
National’s Senator for Victoria, Bridget McKenzie said today the challenge for national
leaders is to develop a plan that narrows the divide between regional cities
and major capitals.
“We need to create policies that look beyond cities like Melbourne into regional
communities.
“Many regional cities are growing faster than the national average as people look for a tree change out of our overcrowded cities, into a more relaxed but opportunistic lifestyle.
“Melbourne has been named as the world’s most liveable city for the past five years running, and continues to be the main destination for new residents to the state.
“In 35 years, Melbourne will double its population, from four to eight million people and will become Australia’s biggest city.
“That is why we, as a nation, should be taking active steps to build up our regional capital cities, as competitive places to do business and have all of the things that make a city a great place to live, while maintaining the country feel,” Senator McKenzie said.
“The challenge for national leaders is to develop a plan that narrows the divide
between regional capital cities and major capitals, creating policies that look
beyond Melbourne and into regional communities.
“We can start by having a constructive dialogue with groups like Regional Capitals
Australia and other regional players to help plan a substantial part of our
future.
“The Nationals believe the future of regional Australia is critical to the future of
our nation.
“Our priorities are building stronger regional economies and secure communities,
delivering opportunity and prosperity for all regional Australians,” Senator
McKenzie said.