The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) has welcomed the Coalition’s decision to establish a $20 billion Regional Australia Future Fund (RAFF), if elected on May 3.
NFF President David Jochinke said it was great to see policy options being put forward to secure, long-term funding for regional Australia, with the Coalition forecasting the RAFF will deliver $1bn in grant funding for regions each year.
“We believe the bush has swathes of untapped potential: this fund would help to unlock that potential,” Mr Jochinke said.
“The bush often misses out on large funding opportunities like this, so it’s great to be recognised and respected.”
“We applaud the vision the Coalition has shown by committing time, money and funding to the growth of regional Australia.”
The RAFF proposes to fund key areas including infrastructure, healthcare, childcare, and telecommunications.
“It’s great to see a commitment to a range of regional pain points, including roads and telecommunications, as well as childcare and health,” Mr Jochinke said.
The NFF welcomed the Coalition’s promise that the RAFF would complement – not replace – existing government funding streams.
“We are encouraged that the funding will complement existing government initiatives,” said Mr Jochinke. “But the Coalition must commit to continued funding for valuable existing initiatives like the On Farm Connectivity Program.”
Mr Jochinke welcomed the announcement, but hoped more detail was on the way.
“This fund is certainly a step in the right direction, but we are still missing a number of comprehensive policies, to really secure the future of our regions.
“For example, we haven’t seen a comprehensive connectivity policy. This is essential for telecommunications in the bush.
“The NFF looks forward to working constructively with whoever the next Government is to ensure that the bush gets the vital investment in roads, infrastructure and childcare that it needs,” Mr Jochinke said.
Stacey Davidson
Ashleigh Whittaker