“Regional Australia is at the forefront of Australia’s productivity and prosperity,” Mr Coulton said.

 

Regional Australia is the beneficiary of a number of programmes which generate opportunities and drive productivity locally including the Australian Government’s record $50 billion infrastructure investment programme rolling out projects nationwide, and driving local ingenuity and creativity through the almost $1 billion innovation and science agenda.

 

“My electorate has benefited from the Coalition Government’s investment in local infrastructure projects including major infrastructure, National Stronger Regions Fund, Stronger Communities Programme, Roads to Recovery as well as Road and Mobile Black Spots projects,” Mr Coulton said.  

 

“I am looking forward to discussing issues affecting Western New South Wales with the Minister, and the opportunities which exist through this regional development policy process to showcase our region, and to help shape new ideas to further grow our economy and create local jobs.

 

Assistant Minister to the Deputy Prime Minister, Michael McCormack is leading the policy development process and said he welcomed input into this policy from all regions of Australia.

 

“The Government is constantly listening and seeking feedback from regional Australia so that we can work together to make our regions even stronger,” Mr McCormack said.

 

“This policy process will add to our ongoing discussions by specifically looking at individual government programmes and hearing new ideas on how we can boost regional economies and create local employment opportunities.

 

“There has been a significant focus on the Government’s cities agenda to drive innovation and boost productivity.  Equally, regional Australia will be a major focus of the Government’s agenda in 2016.

 

“I encourage all interested parties to get involved by contacting their local Regional Development Australia committees, local MPs or my Department”.

 

If you would like to provide feedback on existing government programmes or to share ideas on how we can make our region even stronger, please contact Mr Coulton via email mark.coulton.mp@aph.gov.au or email regionalfutures@infrastructure.gov.au.

 

Find out more at www.infrastructure.gov.au/regionalfutures.