Infrastructure, advocacy and change: game-changing Bush Summit returns

From fighting for the state’s biggest infrastructure projects to championing the voices of regional underdogs — the Telegraph’s agenda-setting Bush Summit has done it all.

Australians living in the regions have benefited from millions of dollars in desperately needed new infrastructure and advocacy for their needs at the highest levels of government thanks to The Daily Telegraph’s agenda-setting Bush Summit.

Now in it’s fourth year, and running nationally for the first time, the Bush Summit has created tangible change across the bush including the appointment of NSW’s first ever Regional Health Minister to ensure the needs of the regions are represented at Macquarie Street.

The push for a voice for the bush also led to the establishment of the Rural Advisory Panel which provides advice to the government from the people on the ground and not bureaucrats in the city.

The event has also protected the livelihoods of farming communities by pushing both the NSW and federal governments to introduce the ‘right to farm’ legislation to keep activists off farms.

The Bush Summit is now in its fifth year and is going national. Photo Stacey Brett

In addition to these achievements, the Bush Summit has played a major role in advocating for some of our state’s biggest regional projects including Narrabri and Snowy Hydro 2.0.

The Telegraph has doggedly pursued government accountability to ensure the supply of electricity both now and into the future as the nation transitions to more renewable energy.

Jillian Kilby, Chair of the Rural Advisory Panel and Margy Osmond CEO TTF at the Bush Summit. Picture: Jonathan Ng

Chair of the Rural Advisory Panel and Managing Director of regional consulting firm the Stable Group Jillian Kilby said the event has highlighted both the best of the bush along with the challenges.

“The Bush Summit responds to the immediate needs of regional rural and remote areas. In 2019 the Bush Summit put a spotlight on the worst drought in Australian history but by 2020 we had been through Covid and the priority had shifted to the housing shortage as a result of city regional migration,” she said.

“It’s excellent how the Bush Summit puts policy makers, politicians, and locals on stage and in the same room. It’s also very important that its live streamed for so many more people to tune in no matter where they live, in the regions or in the city.

“The Daily Telegraph showcases the best of regional Australia alongside our challenges. It’s a great place to live and work to start a business and raise a family.”

Originally published as Infrastructure, advocacy and change: game-changing Bush Summit returns