The NSW Nationals are pushing the Minns Labor Government to deliver more for country communities, after it budgeted 20 times less funding in one year than we spent in 2022/23.
Concerns have been raised over the lack of support in the government's Regional Development Amendment Bill 2024 that outlines the framework for future investment.
NSW Nationals Leader Dugald Saunders said the massive decline comes after the $3.3 billion Regional Growth Fund was scrapped and replaced by the smaller Regional Development Trust Fund.
"Our highly successful Regional Growth Fund had a series of offshoot programs that were designed to ensure every Local Government Area got access to funding, regardless of their size, location or who represented them on Macquarie Street," Mr Saunders said.
"Under that fund the former government had $750 million worth of support on offer in one year, while the Minns Labor Government has only budgeted a total of $35 million for the same period.
"What's worse is part of that $35 million is going towards a $5 million loan pilot program. That's not grants but loans, meaning that money will have to be paid back and the government will make money off the interest.
"On top of the slowing pipeline, the bill put forward by Labor puts strict parameters on what funding can actually go towards, so important projects and initiatives could miss out.
"There's also genuine concerns around the lack of representation by regional organisations like the Country Mayors Association and Regional Cities NSW who have not been properly consulted."
The NSW Nationals will put forward amendments to protect investment in regional NSW including:
• Giving regional councils a seat at the decision-making table.
• Making sure Local Governments and community groups have access to at least one funding stream to enable community infrastructure and economic development.
• Removing loans to prevent the Government from earning interest on assistance from applicants.
