Australian Local Government Association

See also: 2005 National General Assembly

11-Point plan to advance regional development

Fair funding for local government, support for local infrastructure and investment in information and communication technology were among the key issues that needed to be addressed in order to advance regional development in Australia.

They were among 11 points highlighted by the President of the Australian Local Government Association, Cr Paul Bell, in his opening address to the Regional Cooperation and Development Forum, part of this year's National General Assembly of Local Government, being held in Canberra from 7-10 November. More than 620 local government representatives from across the country are attending the Assembly.

Key points identified by Cr Bell were:

1. Fair federal funding deal for local government.
2. A broader policy approach to regional development.
3. Direct state and federal support to help local government invest in infrastructure
4. Support to strengthen local government's use of information and communication technology
5. Continued federal support for local roads
6. A whole-of-government approach to regional development
7. Better regional governance arrangements
8. Support for regional aviation
9. Encouragement for learning communities
10. Intensified business development in regional areas
11. Pursuit of positive reform that delivers community benefits

"If we don't have a greater focus on regional development and a stronger role for local government, we run the risk of seeing growing divisions between those Australian regions that are doing well, and those that are being left behind," Cr Bell told delegates.

"It would be wrong to say we are not making progress in Australia. We are. But if want Australia to reach its full potential, we need to ensure no region is left behind in the pursuit of economic and social success.

Cr Bell's opening address to the Forum can be found at www.nga.alga.asn.au

Contact:

Cr Paul Bell AM, ALGA President - 0418 791 596

Rohan Greenland, ALGA Public Affairs - 0412 85 9434 / 02 6122 9434