RCA News | All About Our Regional Capital Cities

2025 Annual Statement

18Dec 2025

BY RCA Admin POSTED IN RCA News PERMALINK

The Regional Capitals Australia 2025 Annual Statement is now live on the RCA website.

The statement is a detailed review of the RCA’s work and achievements over the 2024-25 year and was endorsed at our Annual General Meeting in November.

These include:

Securing a place for regional capitals in Federal Government policy in key portfolio areas, including
- the National Housing Strategy;
- National Urban Policy; and
- the Aviation White Paper.
The introduction of new Federal Government funding programs, including
- the Regional Airports Program, comprising $40 million over three years to improve safety, service delivery and connectivity, and support for emergency services;
- the Housing and Support Program, comprising $500 million for enabling infrastructure to increase the supply of new homes; and
- the Revive Program, comprising $8.6 million to support small to medium-size music festivals.
The continuation of existing funding programs, including
- Roads to Recovery, increased to $1 billion annually;
- Black Spot Program, increased to $40 million;
- Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure (merging Bridges Renewal Program and Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program), at $200 million per year; and
- Growing Regions Program and Regional Precincts and Partnerships Program, totalling $1 billion over four years.

The annual statement also details the work that has been done in policy development and submissions to government. This advocacy work helps to secure robust national policy settings to ensure regional capitals are strong, sustainable and liveable.

This work has encompassed:

regional aviation;
national cultural policy;
water security;
local community infrastructure;
regional migration; and
environmental approvals and housing supply.

It is RCA’s role to ensure regional capitals have a strong, unified and influential voice in Canberra.

Our ability to influence national funding and policy priorities remains critical for our members wanting to secure government investment for their communities.

In 2026, RCA will build on its successes to ensure regional capitals remain at the centre of the national conversation and government decision making.

Click here to read RCA’s 2025 Annual Statement.

Looking ahead

18Dec 2025

BY RCA Admin POSTED IN RCA News PERMALINK

Regional Capitals Australia will return to Parliament House, Canberra in the new year. Our visit will be timed to coincide with the decision making processes that will be underway ahead of the Federal Budget.

The key policy areas that will be the focus of our advocacy will be:

airports and regional aviation;
housing availability; and
water security.

We will share our pre-budget submission early in 2026.

New RCA leadership team elected

28Nov 2025

BY RCA Admin POSTED IN Media Releases PERMALINK

Regional Capitals Australia (RCA) has elected a new Chair and Deputy Chair to lead the organisation for the next year.

At the Annual General Meeting (AGM) held this week, Dubbo Regional Council Mayor Cr Josh Black was elected Chair, while Cr Chris Cherry, Mayor of Tweed Shire Council, will serve as Deputy Chair.

“RCA advocates on behalf of the nine million people who have made their lives in a regional capital or depend on the important services these cities provide,” Cr Black said.

“It is a privilege to be chair of an alliance that has a 14-year history of making the case for the investment our member cities need to continue to grow.

“RCA is the only national voice in Canberra that reflects the ambitions of regional cities to be the liveable, productive and affordable alternative to the major capital cities.

“We want to partner with the Federal Government to help our member cities to grow sustainably, with particular focus on housing availability, regional airports and water infrastructure.

“I look forward to serving our members alongside Cr Cherry to continue this task,” he said.

During the meeting, the new board confirmed RCA’s priorities for the coming year. They were:

Housing enabling infrastructure and a housing innovation fund to help our member cities to address the housing crisis in regional Australia;
Topping up the regional airports program and resolving airport security arrangements to ensure our regions are connected with fare fares; and
Better planning and access to funding for water infrastructure to support industry and population growth.

Cr Black takes over from Town of Port Hedland Mayor Peter Carter, who resigned from council in August. Albury City Council Mayor Cr Kevin Mack had been acting Chair since then.

“I want to thank both Peter and Kevin for their work leading Regional Capitals Australia over the past year,” Cr Black said.

“Kevin had been the Deputy Chair and stepped up to fill the Chair position and led a number of delegations to Federal Parliament.

“Regional capitals really are the best place to live and my fellow board members and I will continue to champion our communities to make sure they stay this way,” he said.

Eight other board positions were confirmed/filled at the AGM. They were:

Secretary: Cr Doug Curran, Mayor, Griffith City Council

Treasurer and South Australian Regional Representative: Mayor Diana Mislov, City of Port Lincoln

New South Wales Regional Representative: Cr Jim Hickey, Deputy Mayor, Broken Hill City Council

Victorian Regional Representative: Cr Michael Gobel, Mayor, City of Wodonga

Western Australian Regional Representative: Mayor Jerry Clune, City of Greater Geraldton

Northern Territory Regional Representative: Mayor Athina Pascoe-Bell, City of Palmerston

Queensland Regional Representative: Cr George Seymour, Mayor, Fraser Coast Regional Council.

Regional Capitals Australia’s work and achievements of the past 12 months are detailed in our 2025 Annual Statement. You can read it here.

Welcome progress in Rex sale process

12Nov 2025

BY RCA Admin POSTED IN Media Releases PERMALINK

Regional Capitals Australia (RCA) has welcomed an announcement that creditors have voted in support of Air T’s bid to acquire Regional Express.

RCA Acting Chair Cr Kevin Mack said the vote was a positive outcome for regional communities around Australia.

“Regional capitals and the communities in the surrounding regions rely on safe, reliable and affordable air services,” Cr Mack said.

“Rex plays a vital role connecting our regional capitals to the rest of the nation. Its continued operation is essential for the social and economic wellbeing of millions of Australians who depend on air services for work, education, healthcare and business,” he said.

Cr Mack acknowledged the Federal Government’s support for Regional Express over the past 16 months.

“Since Rex entered voluntary administration in July last year, many Australians who live in regional, rural and remote areas have been concerned about the future of air travel,” Cr Mack said.

“The government’s actions to support Rex, including the provision of loans and the regional flight booking guarantee, provided a welcome sense of certainty and stability for air travellers during the administration period.

”We also acknowledge Minister Catherine King’s announcement last week of a new $5 million program for local government and regional and remote airports that supported Rex through the voluntary administration process.

“Air T’s commitment to measures designed to protect regional aviation connectivity is also good news for businesses, locals and visitors who depend on reliable air services,” he said.

Cr Mack led a RCA delegation to Canberra two weeks ago to further its advocacy for regional aviation.

“Around 60 per cent of regional airports operate at a loss so Federal Government support is vital to ensure regional Australia is connected and competitive,” Cr Mack said.

Among its regional aviation priorities, RCA has asked the Federal Government to:

establish a recurrent federal funding stream for both capital and operational security costs; and
resolve inequitable security requirements that impose city-level costs on low-risk regional airports.

Last week, RCA welcomed the release of the terms of reference for a Productivity Commission inquiry into the key factors that determine regional airfares, and for a Senate committee inquiry into the state of Australia’s aviation sector and its ability to deliver reliable and affordable services to rural, regional and remote communities.

RCA welcomes inquiries into regional aviation

05Nov 2025

BY RCA Admin POSTED IN Media Releases PERMALINK

Regional Capitals Australia (RCA) has today welcomed the release of the terms of reference for two inquiries into regional aviation.

The first, a Productivity Commission inquiry into the key factors that determine regional airfares. The second, a Senate committee inquiry into the state of Australia’s aviation sector and its ability to deliver reliable and affordable services to rural, regional and remote communities.

RCA acting Chair Cr Kevin Mack said the release of the terms of reference for both inquiries was a welcome step towards ensuring regional air travel was safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable.

“Regional aviation is essential to the economic and social well-being of regional Australia,” Cr Mack said.

“Air travel provides fast and efficient connections for residents, businesses, emergency services and tourists, and access to healthcare, education and jobs.

“Without it, people needing to travel between regional capitals and the city would need to drive hundreds, if not thousands, of kilometres,” he said.

Cr Mack said an RCA delegation was in Canberra last week to meet with decision makers.

“The collapse of Bonza Airlines and Rex Airlines entering voluntary administration last year exposed the vulnerability of regional aviation routes and heightened anxiety for everyone who depends on reliable air services,” Cr Mack said.

“The current attention on regional aviation, including the welcome action taken during Rex’s voluntary administration period, shows the Federal Government understands the importance of regional air services in regional, rural and remote Australia.

“To complement the work to be undertaken during these inquiries, we want to partner with the Federal Government to ensure our regional airports are financially viable and sustainable, and Australians living beyond the state capitals are able to travel by air.

“Regional capitals are the heart of regional Australia and are growing quickly. We need Federal Government investment to continue to operate and maintain infrastructure, like airports, that ensure our cities are liveable, connected and resilient.

“The vast majority of Australia’s regional airports face significant financial strain. Around 60% operate at a loss and nearly 40% expect ongoing deficits, due mainly to ageing infrastructure, high security costs and disproportionate regulations,” he said.

Regional Capitals Australia has asked the Federal Government to:

take further action to secure the on-going viability of regional aviation routes;
establish a recurrent federal funding stream for both capital and operational security costs; and
resolve inequitable security requirements that impose city-level costs on low-risk regional airports.

RCA represents 21 regional capital city councils that together support more than nine million Australians and generate over $225 billion for the national economy each year.

Unlocking potential of our Regional Capitals

12Sep 2025

BY RCA Admin POSTED IN Media Releases PERMALINK

Regional Capitals Australia (RCA) has met with the Assistant Minister for Immigration Matt Thistlethwaite to press for population and migration policy changes that will unlock the potential of regional capitals around the nation.

RCA Acting Chair Cr Kevin Mack said regional capitals were at the heart of regional Australia and were ready to partner with the Federal Government to deliver sustainable growth.

“Regional capitals are liveable, affordable and attractive alternatives to big city living,” Cr Mack said.

“They are home to nine million Australians and provide essential services, education, healthcare and commerce to entire regions. With the right support, we can do even more,” Cr Mack said.

During the meeting held in Canberra earlier this month, RCA asked the Federal Government to:

reform of the Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) program to reduce complexity and facilitate uptake;
maintain the specified work component of the Working Holiday Maker program and expand the approved industries to include tourism, hospitality and health across regional Australia (not restricted to Northern or Remote and Very Remote areas); and
commit to increased funding for settlement services and supports, as well as social and cultural infrastructure.

Cr Mack said migration was essential to addressing critical labour shortages in regional areas.

“Across many sectors, but particularly in healthcare, agriculture and hospitality, thousands of jobs are remaining unfilled,” Cr Mack said.

“Regional migration is one of the most effective ways to meet these workforce demands while also helping new arrivals to build a life and strong connections in our communities,” Cr Mack said.

Cr Mack said regional population growth was accelerating, with regions experiencing their fastest growth since 2008. However, less than 17 per cent of the nation’s net overseas migration currently settled outside the state capitals. (1)

“Regional capitals are well-placed to balance Australia’s population growth,” Cr Mack said.

“With targeted immigration and consistent government support, they can meet workforce demand, ease housing pressures and continue to be vibrant, sustainable communities,” Cr Mack said.

RCA wants to work with the Federal Government to ensure regional capitals attract investment, resources and policy settings to thrive.

“Our nation’s population is growing. The challenge is to ensure that growth is balanced, sustainable and directed where it’s most needed,” Cr Mack said.

“Regional capitals can be the solution to easing pressures in the state capitals and we want to work with the Federal Government to make it happen,” Cr Mack said.

Pictured above is the Regional Capitals Australia delegation in Canberra (from left) Broken Hill City Council Deputy Mayor Cr Jim Hickey, City of Greater Geraldton CEO Ross McKim, RCA acting Chair Cr Kevin Mack, Assistant Minister for Immigration Matt Thistlethwaite, Fraser Coast Regional Council Deputy Mayor Cr Sara Faraj and Fraser Coast Regional Council Mayor Cr George Seymour.

(1) https://population.gov.au/sites/population.gov.au/files/2024-03/econote-regional-population-2022-23.pdf

Regional Capitals seek ‘a fair go’

04Aug 2025

BY RCA Admin POSTED IN Media Releases PERMALINK

Regional Capitals Australia (RCA) has warned large pockets of inequity will grow between metropolitan centres and the regions if regional municipalities do not receive funding to provide much-needed community infrastructure and services.

RCA Chair Mayor Peter Carter said regional capitals were the heart of regional Australia, serving as hubs for commerce, education, transport and healthcare.

“As regional hubs, our municipalities provide services to nine million Australians, many of whom travel from other council areas to access services not available at home,” Mayor Carter said.

“Regional Capitals also must also operate and maintain airports, water utilities and large road networks and regional-level arts, culture, sporting and community centres. Metropolitan municipalities don’t need to budget for these costs – Regional Capitals must,” Mayor Carter said.

“Rate pegging in New South Wales and rate caps in Victoria are having a crippling impact, eroding the financial position of councils across these states. Costs are rising, but revenue raised through rates is just not keeping pace,” Mayor Carter said.

“Our regional capitals are liveable, affordable, attractive alternatives to big city living and are growing rapidly, putting additional stress on services and infrastructure. So while our population is increasing, our share of government investment is not,” Mayor Carter said.

“To help address this imbalance between the city and the regions, RCA is asking for an on-going Federal Government grant program to fund regional community infrastructure projects,” Mayor Carter said.

“The Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program was an important source of funding for regional Australia, providing more than $3.25 billion for better roads and community infrastructure such as parks, recreation centres and libraries,” Mayor Carter said.

“That program was due to end in June 2025, so there is an urgent need to ensure continued investment in regional community infrastructure to support growing populations, build liveable cities and foster social cohesion,” Mayor Carter said.

A federal parliamentary committee examining local government sustainability presented its interim report in February. This report acknowledged how the role of local government had ‘evolved significantly’ but did not contain formal policy recommendations.

Mayor Carter said RCA would seek meetings with government ministers, including the Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories Kristy McBain, to advocate for change.

“Now that parliament has resumed after the federal election, we will head to Canberra to discuss how the Federal Government can better support our Regional Capitals,” Mayor Carter said.

“We will be making the case for extending programs such as the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Fund, in lieu of action from the Federal Government on Financial Assistance Grants,”

“The calls for Financial Assistance Grants, which comprise a fifth annual operating revenue for around a quarter of all regional councils, to be restored to at least one per cent of Commonwealth taxation revenue have fallen on deaf ears,” Mayor Carter said.

“The simple fact is that these grants have declined while expectations on local government to fund services and infrastructure have increased,” Mayor Carter said.

“Regional councils are making difficult decisions and cutting services and projects they simply can’t afford,” Mayor Carter said.

“Regional Capitals are shouldering a heavy financial burden and we’ll be asking the government to give us a fair go,” Mayor Carter said.

From the Chair – Winter 2025

15Jul 2025

BY RCA Admin POSTED IN RCA News PERMALINK

The first half of 2025 has been busy for Regional Capitals Australia board and its members.

In February, we went to Canberra to advocate for our policy priorities and ongoing investment in our Regional Capitals ahead of the March budget and the Federal election.

We met with ministers and shadow ministers across our major policy areas, including infrastructure, regional development, immigration and water, to put our case to them.

We are looking forward to continuing to work with them to ensure Canberra decision makers understand what our fast-growing Regional Capitals need to thrive.

As the second Albanese Ministry hits its stride for their second term, we are resetting our engagement with the Federal Government to further progress our policy priorities.

The first and most pressing is on-going investment in regional aviation. We will also continue to monitor events as administrators work to secure a buyer for Regional Express.

We will also continue to focus on support for housing, water, liveability infrastructure and immigration, more on this below

Recently our South Australian board representative Port Lincoln Mayor Diana Mislov spoke on behalf of RCA at the Regional Migration Conference held in Adelaide, where she made the case for changes to migration settings to encourage more people to settle in regional areas.

During the Australian Local Government Association National General Assembly, our members were able to wrap up the financial year in Canberra at a joint dinner with their counterparts at Regional Cities New South Wales. It was an important opportunity to connect professionally and further mutual understanding of the challenges we are all facing.

Finally, in the coming months we will say goodbye and thank-you to Brett Stonestreet, who will retire after 14 years as General Manager of Griffith City Council. We wish Brett all the best for retirement and acknowledge his hard work, support and contribution to Regional Capitals Australia.

Kind regards

Mayor Peter Carter

Chair, Regional Capitals Australia

Policy Priority Review

15Jul 2025

BY RCA Admin POSTED IN RCA News PERMALINK

The federal election and the swearing in for a second term of the Albanese Ministry has provided a natural opportunity for Regional Capitals Australia to review and reset our engagement with the Federal Government.

On-going government investment into regional aviation and airports remains among our primary priorities, given the change and uncertainty we’ve seen over the past 12 months.

We are working towards commissioning a business case to determine the value of regional airports to the nation’s economy and the cost and benefit of federal investment in regional airports.

We will monitor developments as administrators work to secure the sale of Regional Express, or Rex. The Federal Government has provided significant support for Rex, signalling its commitment to maintaining aviation services to regional and remote areas.

Alongside preserving regional aviation, we are re-focusing our government advocacy work on our priorities. They are:

local government’s role in delivering regional housing and the need for enabling funding;
seeking commitment on ongoing funding for regional infrastructure; and
making the case for local government to access the National Water Grid Infrastructure Funding for regional communities.

We will continue our work to secure federal government investment in significant infrastructure and services beyond the capacity of local government to fund alone.

Alongside this, RCA remains committed to securing:

Population policy that encourages more people to live in regional capitals and reforms the Designated Area Migration Agreements program;
Local Community Infrastructure policy that includes community infrastructure funding via annual allocations to councils; and
Arts and Cultural funding that better reflects population distribution across the nation and anticipated growth.

Read more about our Policy Priorities 2025 here.

RCA-Regional Cities NSW joint dinner

30Jun 2025

BY RCA Admin POSTED IN Events, RCA News PERMALINK

Regional Capitals Australia members met with their colleagues at Regional Cities New South Wales at a joint dinner in Canberra.

With 1300 local government representatives in the nation’s capital for the Australian Local Government Association’s 2025 National General Assembly at the end of June, this was an ideal time to gather our Regional Capitals and Regional Cities leaders in one room.

RCA Chair Mayor Peter Carter and Regional Cities NSW Chair Cr Steve Krieg took the opportunity to reflect on their successes over the past 12 months and outline the goals they will be working toward over the coming year.

That work included issues of equal importance to RCA and Regional Cities NSW, such as a long-term investment strategy to support regional aviation, overcoming housing supply challenges, and changes to regional migration settings to fill skills gaps and help our Regional Capitals and Regional Cities to grow and prosper.

Around the dining tables, old connections were renewed and new connections made. Most importantly, this was a chance to increase our understanding of the challenges our municipalities are working through.

This mutual understanding will allow RCA and Regional Cities NSW to advocate more strongly to government about the issues that impact us all.

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