As we bring 2025 to a close, it is clear that this has been a year of momentum and impact for Regional Capitals Australia (RCA). It has been a year in which regional capitals have not only been heard in Canberra, but increasingly recognised as essential to Australia’s economic resilience, productivity and national liveability. Key achievements in 2025 include:
- Securing a stronger national profile for regional capitals during the lead-up to the federal election;
- Embedding regional capitals in major Commonwealth policy the rollout of the Aviation White Paper and the National Housing Agenda;
- Translating advocacy into real funding outcomes, with new and continuing programs supporting:
- housing-enabling infrastructure through the Housing and Support Program;
- safer, more reliable regional aviation via the Regional Airports Program; and
- continued investment through Roads to Recovery, Black Spot, and Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure;
- Influencing broader policy debates through submissions and engagement on:
- regional aviation and fair airfares;
- migration settings and workforce supply;
- water security and infrastructure planning; and
- national cultural policy, including digital inclusion and emerging technologies such as AI.
These outcomes were underpinned by sustained, face-to-face engagement in Canberra. Throughout the year, RCA board members and delegates met directly with ministers, shadow ministers, parliamentarians, senior officials and stakeholders, reinforcing a consistent message: strong regional capitals are essential to strong regions, and long-term investment in our member cities is critical to Australia’s future.
Looking ahead, significant challenges remain. Housing availability, water security, community infrastructure and regional aviation will continue to shape the outlook for regional capitals and require coordinated, long-term solutions.
In 2026, RCA will focus on:
- securing long-term funding certainty for regional capitals;
- advocating for fairer, more effective national policy settings;
- deepening recognition of regional capitals in federal decision-making; and
- engaging early in the 2026–27 Budget process to ensure investment matches the scale and importance of our cities.
As we approach the holiday season, I would like to thank all member councils, board members and partners for their continued commitment and collaboration throughout the year. On behalf of the Board, I wish you, your teams and your communities a safe, restful and festive holiday period.
Kind regards
Cr Josh Black
Chair, Regional Capitals Australia