If there's a silver lining to covid-19, it's the fact regional NSW has been rediscovered.
Sydneysiders and interstate visitors are finally giving regional NSW the attention it deserves for its beauty, hospitality, liveability and commercial potential.
Regional towns and businesses have enjoyed a much needed economic boost from those choosing to spend time in the regions as the world waits out the risk and uncertainty associated with covid.
Agri-tourism in the regions is enjoying unprecedented demand, with many farm stays booked out well into the year.
All this attention on regional NSW has put a fresh focus on the importance of vibrant regional towns.
The 2021/2022 NSW Budget has been strong on investing in regional infrastructure and services, including schools and hospitals.
It was pleasing to see $1.9 billion set aside to build and repair schools and hospitals across regional NSW as well as commitments to fixing regional roads, including a significant $2 billon for upgrades to the Great Western Highway.
Close to $100 million has been set aside for improvements to mobile coverage and telecommunication improvements and almost $40 million for mental health specialists for regional NSW.
Over the past couple of budgets, the NSW Government has rightly made disaster relief a priority when it comes to "budget wins" for the regions with the state being slammed by record breaking drought, bushfires and floods, and more recently the mouse plague. We thank the NSW Government for its commitment to date to support the farming community through it.
If NSW Farmers was in charge of the budget books, however, we would have set aside funding for agricultural related initiatives, including funding for pest netting for horticulture, development support to attract and retain young farmers and incentives to accommodate immediate workforce solutions.
Over the coming days, NSW Farmers will be dissecting the state Budget. We want to ensure farmers and regional communities not only get their fair share but are adequately rewarded for their significant contributions to the NSW economy.
- James Jackson, NSW Farmers' president
