Left to Right: Mr Ian Blayney MLA (Shadow Minister for Regional Cities), Cr Samantha McIntosh (RCA Chair) the Hon Mia Davies MLA (Leader of the WA Nationals).
Regional Capitals Australia and Western Australia National Party representatives have met to discuss the growing needs of regional capital cities in Western Australia.
The meeting was led by the Regional Capitals Australia Chair, Cr Samantha McIntosh and Board Member Cr Tony. They were joined in Melbourne by the Western Australia National Party Leader, the Hon Mia Davies MLA and the Western Australia Shadow Minister for Regional Cities, Mr Ian Blayney MLA.
It was agreed that state and federal collaboration was imperative for smart investment in the state.
Cr Samantha McIntosh said the meeting was a great opportunity to collaborate with the Western Australia Nationals on the needs of the RCA membership – and potential membership.
“Growing strong regional capital cities across the nation requires strong partnership with state leaders.
“We welcome the opportunity to sit down with the WA National Leaders and her team on this task – just as we welcome similar discussions with all state and federal leaders,” she said.
Additional items discussed during the meeting included:
- Improving the role regional capitals can provide to be effective service centres for smaller rural towns;
- The need for state investment to improve the liveability and connectivity if regional capital cities are to attract more residents; and
- The importance of promoting regional capital cities as great places to live and work
RCA also outlined the importance of state support for programs like Regional Deals that aim to bring together the three levels of government with a shared plan to invest and grow Western Australia’s regions.
“Regional capitals rely on the commitment and investment of all levels of government. Gaining a regional deal for all our members remains a key priority of our alliance. It was wonderful to communicate this priority to the WA Nationals and to see their support,” Cr McIntosh said.
“We look forward to more opportunities to work with Mia Davies and her team on championing the needs of regional capitals in the west, which we believe will deliver a strong state and also a stronger nation,” she said.
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Contact
Rachael Sweeney, Regional Capitals AustraliaExecutive Officer M: 0422 067 858
Shannyn Peterson, Regional Capitals Australia Secretariat
P: 03 8658 5715
M: 0434 274 457
E: Secretariat@regionalcapitalsaustralia.org
About Regional Capitals Australia
Regional Capitals Australia (RCA) is a national alliance of local government councils across the nation representing Australia’s regional cities. RCA’s mission is to provide a recognised platform to champion the strategic importance and sustainable development of regional capitals around the nation. To learn more about our work visit http://regionalcapitalsaustralia.org.
Available for Interview
Cr Samantha McIntosh – Chair, Regional Capitals Australia