JUST recently on March 1, the National Farmers Federation (NFF) launched their Regional Development Precincts strategy in Shepparton, Victoria.
We know that strong States need strong regions, but for regions to be strong they require support from all levels of government.
The NFF has identified 20 regional centres throughout Australia and is calling on the Federal Government to establish a National Cabinet-led process to support these major regional precincts by putting in place governance and funding to meaningfully shape their success.
The NFF is asking for $1.4b in new investment to establish a framework, including state and local government input, to develop a plan for the precincts.
As we know, Mount Gambier is already a thriving place to live and work, providing an outstanding quality of life for our residents, supported by a strong local economy worth $6.8b.
The Regionalisation Agenda provides us with the opportunity to build on our strengths, to support our diverse businesses, to innovate, and to capitalise on the learnings from the Covid pandemic that has seen regional Australia emerge as a viable lifestyle choice for those looking to relocate from urban areas.
To attract people to our regional centres, we need to provide great places to live with affordable housing, social services, amenity and cultural opportunities that those living in our cities are able to access.
Our close proximity to the Victorian border links the Limestone Coast to Western Victoria, creating further opportunity for growth and investment in Mount Gambier and the Limestone Coast region to build on our existing strengths in agriculture, viticulture, fishing and forestry/timber manufacturing industries.
As Mayor of the City of Mount Gambier I am excited that we are considered as a precinct for regional renewal under the NFF’s Regional Development Precinct strategy and I call on the Federal Government to support this initiative.
Lynette Martin
Mayor
City of Mount Gambier
