Strong & Prosperous Regions

Regional Australia should be at the heart of our economic future.

The regions already drive more than 60% of exports. They host more than 30% of factory jobs. More factories in the regions will create secure jobs that pay well. It means fewer Australians have to leave home to find work.

We need to back factory hubs. We should build on what works. Places like Gippsland, Goulburn Valley, Gladstone, the Hunter and Riverina. They have energy, minerals and farming on their doorstep. That gives them a natural edge.

The Albanese Government has reneged on its promise to restore fair funding to local government, abolished local grant programs and over the past two budgets has failed to deliver new programs to support the financial sustainability of the sector, especially regional and remote councils.

The Nationals will continue to respect the role of and support regional councils deliver essential services such as repairing and maintaining local roads.

Regional Australia Future Fund

The Nationals will set up a $20 billion Regional Australia Future Fund. It will deliver a guaranteed funding stream forever for country towns and the bush. This funding will be on top of normal government funding. It will help country towns get the same services and chances as the big cities.

Nationals priorities for the Fund include:

• Fixing local roads and transport. That saves country lives and lifts output.
• Growing the country health workforce. So families can get health and aged care that is local and cheap.
• Helping country businesses grow. To drive growth and create secure jobs.
• Flexible childcare for families in country and remote areas.
• Backing tourism for country towns and their economies.
• Helping country businesses sell to new markets at home and abroad.
• Better mobile and internet for country towns.
• Building and upgrading roads, halls and other facilities in the bush.