Regional centres which can turbocharge the bush named

Four Victorian centres are the most capable of helping turbocharge regional Australia in a post-Covid area. See which regions made the list.

Shepparton, Mildura, Warrnambool and the Latrobe Valley have been named as the Victorian centres capable of helping turbocharge regional Australia in a post-Covid era.

The National Farmers Federation yesterday identified 20 “regional development precincts” across Australia and recommended more than $1.4 billion be ticked off by the federal government that can lead to them becoming “globally recognised centres of hi-tech agriculture, food processing and manufacturing”.

They would reduce the reliance on international imports for ag-vet products and fertiliser as witnessed during the pandemic and also create thousands of jobs.

“Our regional centres should be great places to live with affordable housing, social services, amenity and cultural opportunities,” NFF president Fiona Simson said.

“There must also be career and business opportunities.

“Covid-19 has exposed Australia’s reliance on international imports for critical inputs.

“Now is the time to invest seriously in the domestic manufacturing capability of

our country and it just makes sense for these developments to make their home in regional Australia.”

Federal regionalisation Minister Bridget McKenzie. Picture: Gary Ramage

The regional precincts plan was floated 12 months ago, but proposed locations have remained under wraps.

There are also four earmarked for NSW without specific cities named, but the regions are Central West-Orana, Riverina, New England and Northern Rivers.

“The goal is for Australians and Australian business to be no more than 90 minutes from the services they need to thrive personally and financially, and that businesses have access to infrastructure that can get people and goods around the country and around the world,” Ms Simson said.

“Research by the NFF confirms regional Australians are protective of the charm of their bush homes, but they are increasingly challenged by the skyrocketing cost and lack of availability of housing and access to critical services such as healthcare.”

The push is backed by the Federal Regionalisation Minister Bridget McKenzie, the Business Council of Australia, Regional Australia Institute, Australian Food and Grocery Council and Regional Capitals Australia.