Regional Australia Institute CEO Liz Ritchie, who is originally from Deniliquin, boldly announced the Regionalisation Ambition 2032 – a Framework to Rebalance the Nation target which will see an additional 500,000 people living outside capital cities, above the estimated prediction of 10.5 million.
“Regionalisation is about delivering on the potential of regional Australia and rebalancing our nation,” Ms Ritchie said.
Edward River Council Mayor Peta Betts was thrilled to be present for the launch with fellow Councillors Paul Fellows, Linda Fawns, Harold Clapham, Tarria Moore and general manager Phil Stone.
“This launch epitomises what council is trying to achieve, by attracting growth and investment,” Cr Betts said.
“We have set a target of 20,000 people by 2050, off the back of the Sefton Report and the production of Edward River’s Community Strategic Plan, so it was thrilling to be at the launch with RAI CEO Liz Ritchie, Robbie Sefton and my colleagues.”
Ms Ritchie also launched the program through “the lens of Deniliquin” and said that not only was she passionate about the launch for the nation but for regional towns of less than 10,000 like Deniliquin.
“I am not only committed to this (plan), but for me, it is deeply personal,” Ms Ritchie said.
“I grew up in Deni and still consider myself a Deni girl, so I am absolutely delighted to back Edward River Council in its goals, and it was fantastic to see such a great collective of Deniliquin’s leaders turn up to the launch,” she said.
The Regionalisation Ambition 2032 sets out the goals and targets under five key pillars - jobs and skills, liveability, population, productivity and innovation and sustainability and resilience.
This will be done by focusing on regional housing, education, health, jobs and skills, digital inclusion, transport, childcare, community participation, migration, climate, innovation and the resilience of regional communities.
“Every Australian has a part to play, and we are asking for your support to rebalance the nation,” Ms Ritchie said.
“We look forward to working with all sectors across the country as we bring the Regionalisation Ambition 2032 to life in the coming months.”
People living in regional areas are encouraged to read the full copy of the Regionalisation Ambition 2032 at the Regional Australia Institute website.
The RAI is also calling on industry, the government, private sectors, and community representatives to show their support by pledging support on the website.
