Regional cities need rail, air and arts funding for tree-change boom

Data collected by Infrastructure Australia in the first quarter of 2021 showed a 200 per cent increase in net migration to the regions since the pandemic began.

In its pre-budget submission, Regional Capitals Australia said planning for a network of strong regional capitals was now a national imperative.

Regional Capitals Australia chair and Ballarat mayor Daniel Moloney said the growth had put pressure on housing, services, and infrastructure, and major investment was necessary to keep up with the surging regional relocation trend.

"Our objective is to make thriving urban centres with all the things - albeit on a smaller scale - that people will find in the major capitals," Cr Moloney said.

The group is calling for better rail and aviation services for its 19 member cities, which include cities such as Griffith, Alice Springs, Broome and Albury.

Cr Moloney said regional rail projects should be prioritised under the national rail program, while a regional aviation strategy was needed to better connect regional cities to the nation.

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Cr Moloney said if the trend of regional relocation was to continue, then the expectation had to meet the reality, so investment in liveability and lifestyle factors was vital.

Regional Capitals Australia wants a greater share of the national arts and culture funding to grow local talent, build quality facilities and attract more shows and exhibitions.

Griffith mayor Doug Curran said several projects either completed or under way meant the city had the chance to take advantage of tree-changes.

"With the spread of COVID there will be growing opportunities for cities such as Griffith, however without the necessary support from our state and federal colleagues these could be lost, not only by Griffith but also the wider community," Councillor Curran said.

"Griffith City Council has made huge investments into our airport, sporting amenities and our CBD, now we would like further support to take advantage of this investment which will also in turn aid our neighbours and businesses.

"We are extremely well placed to take advantage post COVID with some targeted assistance from the state and federal governments."

Regional Capitals Australia is also pushing for a larger cut of the government's city and job building funds, including the re-establishment of the Regional Growth Fund to allow cities to grow sustainably and meet job demand.

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