On Wednesday, March 28 and Thursday March 29, a delegation of members form Regional Capitals Australia were in Canberra to meet with federal ministers and relevant advisors. Topics of discussion included regional development, infrastructure, regional communications and rural health. Topics of our pre-budget discussions included regional development, decentralisation and city deals, with a particular focus on decreasing the population threshold which currently restricts eligibility for city deals.
The RCA Board members included RCA Chair, Mayor Shane Van Styn, – Mayor, City of Greater Geraldton, Clr Col Murray – Mayor, Tamworth Regional Council (Deputy Chair), Mayor Samantha McIntosh, – Mayor, City of Ballarat, Paul Bennett – General Manager, Tamworth Regional Council, Cr Greg Conkey – Mayor, Wagga Wagga City Council, Mayor Peter Long – Mayor, City of Karratha, Cr Margaret Strelow – Mayor, Rockhampton Regional Council, Damon Morrison – Executive Coordinator, Rockhampton Regional Council.
The delegation met with a range of stakeholders, including:
- The Hon Dr John McVeigh MP, Minister for Regional Development, Territories and Local Government
- Office of the Hon Paul Fletcher, Minister for Urban Infrastructure and Cities,
- The Hon Bridget McKenzie MP, Deputy Leader of the Nationals, Minister for Rural Health and Regional Communications, and
- Office of the Hon Michael McCormack, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Infrastructure and Transport.
Pictured: RCA Board with the Hon Dr John McVeigh, Minister for Regional Development, Territories and Local Government.
Pictured: RCA Board with Stephen Jones MP, Shadow Minister for Regional Services, Territories and Local Government and Regional Communications.
Pictured: RCA Board with Senator Peter Georgiou.