Regional Capitals Australia (RCA) has met with the Assistant Federal Minister for Immigration, Matt Thistlethwaite, to press for population and migration policy changes they say will help to unlock the potential of regional capitals nationwide.
RCA Acting Chair and Albury City Mayor, 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.”
During the meeting 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.”
“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.”
He said said regional population growth was accelerating, with regions experiencing their fastest growth since 2008. However, less than 17% of the nation’s net overseas migration currently settled outside the state capitals.
“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.”
He 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.”
“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.
RCA is an alliance of 20 local governments across the nation, representing those areas that play a ‘capital city’ role within their region. Its members are (NSW) Albury City, Armidale Regional Council, Broken Hill City Council, Dubbo Regional Council, Goulburn Mulwaree Council, Griffith City Council, Tweed Shire Council and the City of Wagga Wagga in New South Wales; (VIC) City of Ballarat, City of Greater Geelong and Latrobe City Council; (WA) City Of Busselton, the Shire of Broome, City Of Greater Geraldton, City Of Kalgoorlie-Boulder, City of Karratha, and the Town of Port Hedland; and Fraser Coast Regional Council in Queensland, the City of Palmerston in the Northern Territory and the City of Port Lincoln in South Australia.
