The Australian Centre of Excellence for Local Government and Regional Capitals Australia have launched a landmark national report on local government’s role in building strong and sustainable regional capitals and regions.
The report ‘Local Government Growing Regional Australia’ was officially launched at the Regional Capitals Australia (RCA) conference Regionalism 2.0 in Mackay, Queensland.
The research, conducted in partnership between RCA and the Australian Centre of Excellence for Local Government (ACELG) explores the factors underpinning strong and sustainable regional capitals and regions, and the vital role played by local government in this crucial national issue.
The report finds that a new way of thinking about regional economic development focuses on tapping under-utilised potential in all regions to enhance competitiveness.
Regional economic development can also be more effective when the approach works closely with other sectors and governments.
This contrasts with the top-down, centralised approaches of the past that emphasise subsidies and compensation for regional ‘disadvantage.’
RCA Chair and Mayor of Wagga Wagga City Council, Councillor Rod Kendall said regional capitals have untapped potential.
“The invaluable insight gained in these reports helps us understand how local government plays a leadership role in building sustainable regional capitals in a growing Australia.”
The report includes case studies of the regional capital councils of Geelong, Geraldton, Mackay, Wagga Wagga and Launceston that outline key ingredients for ongoing positive growth of regional capitals and their surrounding regions.
These include the environment, community capital, entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation, governance and leadership, institutional factors, and economic and market conditions.
“As the report proves, the need for infrastructure and transport funding is at the heart of economic development for many regional cities,” said Councillor Kendall.
“The partnership between local government and federal government has never been so important to ensuring our regional capitals are prepared for rapid population growth.”
The fundamental on-the-ground knowledge and flexibility of local government, the report argues, is essential for adapting to changing economic conditions.
ACELG Director Associate Professor Roberta Ryan said the ACELG has a keen interest in supporting and recognising the work that regional and rural local governments do.
“This research will bring new understanding to the role of local government in growing regional capitals and regions through enhanced governance and leadership.
“We welcomed the opportunity to partner with RCA on this important research.”
Following the launch, the ACELG and RCA will circulate the report more broadly and encourage a dialogue across governments about the key issues raised by the research, with particular regard to the ‘Future role and contribution of regional capitals to Australia’ inquiry announced recently by the Federal Government.
The research will also be presented at the ALGA 2015 National General Assembly of Local Government June 14–17 by both RCA and ACELG.
