“To be successful, the State Plan must not only deliver on the priorities at a state-wide level, we must also deliver locally, in regions right across NSW,” Mr Kelly said.
“During the State Plan consultations communities and local government across the South East told us what the major challenges were in their communities and the actions that would make a real difference to their quality of life.”
Mr Kelly said the South East Regional Delivery Update outlines the progress being made to meet the regional challenges, allowing communities to hold Government accountable locally.
“The results for the South East shows personal and property crime rates fell, Year 5 students improved significantly in literacy and numeracy, and more indigenous students met minimum standards for literacy,” Mr Kelly said.
“Access to quality health care is improving with hospitals in the South East Region meeting four out of five national benchmarks for emergency department waiting times.”
Mr Kelly also highlighted the establishment of a new marine park and improved health and education facilities in the South East region.
Mr Kelly along with Minister for Local Government and Aboriginal Affairs, Paul Lynch also met with local councils and partners in the South East to take the next steps in responding to regional challenges.
At the meeting Minister Kelly released the Regional Business Growth Plan for the Capital Region.
Mr Kelly said the NSW Government had responded to the community’s call for a stronger focus on business investment by developing a Regional Business Growth Plan for the Capital Region.
“The Capital Region Regional Business Growth Plan outlines actions designed to address barriers to business investment and stimulate economic growth,” the Minister said.
“It provides a blueprint for working collaboratively with the ACT Government, local government, the Capital Regional Development Board and other business stakeholders to achieve sustainable business growth in the region.
“There are opportunities for growth in the region’s innovative creative industries, particularly in the areas of film and television production.
“The region also has excellent potential for further growth in the logistics industry, with major logistics business parks proposed for Goulburn. And there are opportunities to take advantage of contracts arising from the defence industry.”
Mr Kelly said the plan focused on strategies for sustainable growth in the region, identifying infrastructure, land use and planning needs as well as the skills and employment opportunities available.
“The region will benefit from investment, which creates jobs, and activities undertaken to address skills shortages through building skills and retraining the existing workforce,” Mr Kelly said.
“The NSW Government is also working closely with the ACT Government on cross-border planning and infrastructure priorities.
“Work is also underway to ensure the availability of land for industrial and business purposes in the Sydney-Canberra corridor.”
For more information on the Capital Regional Business Growth Plan, go to www.business.nsw.gov.au/regional
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