Member for Murray Austin Evans said the NSW Government’s 20-year Economic Vision for regional NSW sets out a framework for investment that will guide the allocation of resources from the new $4.2 billion Snowy Hydro Legacy Fund.
Mr Evans said the regional vision will promote sustainable, long-term economic growth that will focus on job creation and economic development.
“This is a plan that identifies our industry sectors set for growth, and identifies the role of government in facilitating that growth,” Mr Evans said.
Deputy Premier John Barilaro said the vision outlines 10 key ‘engine industries’ that will drive growth in regional NSW, and sets out a framework for how the government should direct its investment.
“Businesses tell us the key to them investing in our regions is certainty – and that’s exactly what our vision provides,” Mr Barilaro said.
“This vision sets out a long-term plan and a framework for how the government will lay the all-important foundations for businesses to invest in our regions with confidence.
“People know we are a government that’s worked hard to put ourselves in a strong financial position, and now they want to see we are spending our funds with fore-thought, by making smart investments in big-ticket items that have the potential to transform regional NSW,” he said.
Mr Barilaro said importantly the vision brings together the NSW Government’s long-term planning strategies, including the Future Transport Strategy 2056, the NSW State Infrastructure Strategy and the regional plans.
“Through targeted government efforts we have the potential to attract an extra 185,000 new residents to live and work in regional NSW, on top of population growth already predicted, by 2038,” Mr Barilaro said.
The report can be downloaded here.