MOUNT Gambier City Council highlighted the importance of Federal Government support and funding for smaller regions and local businesses at the public hearing of the Select Committee on Regional Development and Decentralisation in Murray Bridge yesterday.
The select committee seeks to understand best practice approaches to regional development, decentralisation and action the Federal Government could take to encourage corporate decentralisation.
Mayor Andrew Lee and City Council chief executive Mark McShane addressed the committee yesterday on behalf of the Limestone Coast region and the seven local councils.
The city officials provided a macro perspective of the region’s strategic development focus, including highlighting tourism as a major growth opportunity, international engagement, health and community services and population growth.
City Council’s partnership with Flinders University’s New Venture Institute, the State Government and the Federal Government to establish a business incubator in Mount Gambier next year was also highlighted.
“We requested that Federal Government funding specific to regions be continued,” Mr Lee said.
“The current Building Better Regions Fund (BBRF) should provide matched funding to lift regional infrastructure to match our city cousins.
“This increases the attraction for private investors to expand and establish new business in regional areas that are a viable option and often cheaper than large city locations.”
Mr Lee said the address encouraged the Federal Government to support local businesses to establish or expand through capital that is easier to access and provide government support as required.
“In a digitally connected world, the tyranny of distance is lessened and regional locations then become more viable to business,” he said.
Mr Lee appealed to the committee to retain a strong focus on transport infrastructure and support other tiers of government to improve road infrastructure.
Access to reliable and reasonably priced power was another critical point raised.
“We outlined the challenges we face, such as distance, expensive flights by one carrier, attracting and retaining specialist medical staff, the drift of young people to the capital cities, high youth unemployment, an economy in transition and time lag in adjusting to the change and pockets of systemic disadvantage,” he said.
