With most of Australia’s government and media concentrated on the eastern seaboard, inland Australia often finds itself ignored in mainstream policy making and discussion. To counteract this, three NSW cities have joined together to form an Inland Forum. Wagga Wagga, Tamworth and Dubbo aim to give each other mutual support and strength to fight various setbacks unique to rural communities.
Being particularly hard hit by cut backs in the public sector, the unpredictability of commodity prices and the vagaries of the weather means rural communities need to present a united front in their approach to business and government. The new Forum has the following four objectives.
- Convince State and Federal governments of the importance of rural people
- Reduce unhealthy parochialism
- Enhance mutual prosperity
- Attract the facilities of Capital cities by promoting their large regional centres.
Supported by their three State MPs, the local Mayors see the forum as an opportunity to promote the interests of the half million people they represent.
“Our united voice represents a country alternative for all forms of economic growth and development,” said Cr Peter Dale, Mayor of Wagga Wagga. “This will have considerably more impact on commerce, industry and government especially the State Government, and highlight the importance to NSW of balanced State development.”
“This can only be achieved through recognition of available capacity for growth in country NSW. We can show that Tamworth, Dubbo and Wagga Wagga should be at the top of the list for places to live and relocate industries and services,” added Tamworth Mayor, Cr James Treloar
While in the past the three Cities may have been rivals, the new spirit of cooperation is expected to see them build on the many industries already operating successfully in their districts, and negate some of the negative effects of drought, population drift and public sector decline.
