Building stronger regions

Investing in regions

The Government is committed to working in partnership with local communities to develop creative solutions suited to regions in transition and to support better economic, social and environmental outcomes for regional communities.

The Government has committed almost $1 billion through the Regional Development Australia Fund to finance infrastructure projects that address the specific economic and community needs of our regions.

Projects funded through this initiative include the Riverina Intermodal Freight and Logistics Hub and the Torres Strait Coastal Protection Works.

Expanding opportunities in the regions

We are continuing to deliver a suite of measures to improve the wellbeing and growth opportunities for regional Australia. These measures include:

• $2.9 billion under the Health and Hospitals Fund to improve access to essential health services for Australians living in rural, regional and remote areas;
• $1.5 billion under the Remote Jobs and Communities Program to provide a more integrated and flexible approach to employment and participation services for people living in remote areas of Australia.

Jobs and growth for Tasmania

The Government has committed over $330 million to support the historic Tasmanian Forests Agreement, which provides a long-term future for the forestry industry and environmental protection for our world famous forests.

The Government has also announced more than $22 million to support jobs, skills and accelerated investment in key sectors of the Tasmanian economy.

Recognising Tasmania's leading role in Antarctic research and operations, the Government will provide over $42 million to support ongoing research and the maintenance of our presence in Antarctica.