Report Confirms Regional Cities at Risk

Report Confirms Regional Cities at Risk

Published on 19 August 2019

The Australian Infrastructure 2019 Audit released this week has revealed that cities like Busselton are at risk of being left behind as the infrastructure gap widens between regional cities and capital cities.

Mayor of Busselton, Mayor Grant Henley, said the report confirmed what Council had long been advocating – that urgent planning for the future of Busselton is now required to ensure Infrastructure Australia’s predictions do not occur.

The Australian Infrastructure Audit report found:

Regional cities are great places to live because of their culture, unique histories and unique identities; however There are ongoing risks to these cities because jobs in regional cities are generally based on the success of a small number of sectors; and The continuing changes in technology and how services are delivered means regional cities will be in decline if investment does not keep pace – particularly when it comes to connecting regional cities to other parts of Australia and the world.

“Getting infrastructure investment right in Busselton is so important, because like many regional cities, Busselton is a service hub that provides access to employment opportunities as well as the all important health, education, sporting, art and cultural facilities,” Mayor Henley said.

“In fact this issue has even broader implications, because IA’s predictions relate to all regional cities,” he said.

Regional Capitals Australia, a national organisation of which I am Board member, has found that every day 8 million Australians rely on a regional city for their everyday needs,” Mayor Henley said.

“The Federal Government must support planning that helps meet the current and future needs of regional capital cities,” he said.

Regional deals bring together the Local, State and Federal Governments to develop regional capital cities and identify new ways to support the growth of the regional economy.

“We are keen to maintain a collaborative working relationship with the Federal Government here in the City of Busselton. My job as Mayor is to advocate for deals that support job growth, increased opportunities and improved infrastructure for this fast-growing community. I have made it a priority to work with Regional Capitals Australia to ensure the City of Busselton gets a fair share of the Federal funding pie,” Mayor Henley said.