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We need real change – because more of the same isn’t good enough.

This election is a choice between a Shorten Labor Government investing in the future of regional Australia, or bigger tax loopholes for the top end of town under the Liberals and ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾s.

Improving both regional services and investing in community infrastructure will enable regional cities and towns to grow, attract and retain the workers needed to power regional economic development. 

Labor’s Plan for Regional Development includes replacing the Liberals and ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾s City Deals program with a new, more rigorous program called City Partnerships to engage all levels of government and the private sector with a strategic vision for our cities.

We will also create an Office for Regional Development within the Department. Supported by an Expert Panel, the Office will provide high level advice and assessment of Regional Plans put forward by RDAs.

Labor will also invest in our regions through:

Labor has consulted with councils, sporting clubs and communities across regional Australia to identify community development projects that will create jobs and improve the liveability of local communities.  We have announced more than $250 million in new sporting facilities like swimming pools, gymnasiums, sports hubs, netball courts, cricket pitches and football fields, and other community infrastructure projects.

Regional Australia is falling behind the cities when it comes to access to broadband and mobile communications. These are critical for regional development and Labor’s investment will address mobile black spots, improve digital literacy, and fund local projects to improve connectivity in regional communities.

A Shorten Labor Government will provide $200 million through a new Local Community Projects fund to kick start future projects that create jobs, drive economic growth, and build stronger healthier regional communities.

Better maintenance of regional airports will boost tourism and ensure that airports maintain high levels of safety. A Shorten Labor Government will invest $100 million to help local councils maintain and grow regional airports – ensuring they can operate safely and connect more Australians with the regions.

Regional Australia should not be an afterthought.

After six years of dysfunction and chaos within the Liberal and ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ parties, our united Labor team is ready to deliver a fair go for regional Australia.

  

End the chaos. Vote for change. Vote Labor.