Regional Capitals Australia

Regional Capitals Australia Regional Capitals Australia (RCA) is an alliance of regional city local government associations (LGA

We represent the interests of the community members in our municipalities as well as those in the wider regional areas we belong to.

Regional Capitals Australia has taken the case for sustainable regional airports and water security directly to federal ...
25/08/2026

Regional Capitals Australia has taken the case for sustainable regional airports and water security directly to federal decision-makers in Canberra.

RCA Chair Cr Josh Black recently met with government, opposition and crossbench representatives to talk regional airports and water for regional communities.

Independent research commissioned by RCA and the Australian Airports Association found that 73% of surveyed regional airports recorded an operating loss, with a median loss of $519,000. RCA is calling for an ongoing Regional Airports Program funded at $200 million over four years to support critical asset renewal, safety and compliance.

Regional water systems are facing equally significant pressures. Housing and industry growth, ageing infrastructure, drought, contaminants, affordability constraints and workforce shortages are all landing on the same systems at the same time.

We called for water and wastewater planning to be built into Commonwealth-supported growth initiatives from the beginning, direct access to national funding for councils and utilities, and predictable support where small regional customer bases cannot meet the full cost of essential services.

The advocacy will continue when RCA gives evidence to the Senate aviation inquiry at Parliament House on 11 September 2026 and through our submission to the National Water Act 2007 review.

Mayor Josh Black - Dubbo Regional Council
Dubbo Regional Council
Australian Airports Association
Catherine King
Kristy McBain MP
Senator Anthony Chisholm
Jamie Chaffey MP
Allegra Spender

Picture 1: Cr Josh Black pictured with the Hon Kristy McBain
Picture 2: Cr Josh Black picturd with Allegra Spender MP
Picture 1: Cr Josh Black pictured with Mr Jamie Chaffey

Strong regional capitals rely on strong connections to the communities around them.City of Coffs Harbour has completed a...
21/08/2026

Strong regional capitals rely on strong connections to the communities around them.

City of Coffs Harbour has completed a $1.1 million renewal of Gale and Martin streets in Coramba, creating a safer and more durable gateway to the village and the wider Orara Valley.

Gale Street is one of the Coffs Coast’s most significant hinterland roads, being home to the celebrated and historic Coramba Hotel a tourist favourite.

Delivered with Australian Government funding through the Roads to Recovery Program, the project renewed around 7,665 square metres of road pavement. The upgraded pavement has a 25-year design life, helping reduce future maintenance while improving safety and reliability for residents, businesses and visitors.

This is a great example of councils partnering with the Australian Government to deliver essential local infrastructure that connects communities, supports regional economies and strengthens liveability.

Congratulations to City of Coffs Harbour, Mayor Nikki Williams and everyone involved in delivering this important project.

Read more:
https://insidelocalgovernment.com.au/coffs-council-delivers-new-million-dollar-gateway-for-coramba-village/

Kristy McBain MP
City of Coffs Harbour
Mayor Nikki Williams - Coffs Harbour

Picture, courtesy of City of Coffs Harbour: The newly renewed Gale Street through Coramba, featuring a smooth road surface and fresh line marking within the village streetscape.

Regional capitals are the backbone of Australia's freight network, but resilience matters.The temporary suspension of fr...
09/07/2026

Regional capitals are the backbone of Australia's freight network, but resilience matters.

The temporary suspension of freight rail operations following the Berrima derailment has seen freight shift from rail to road, with up to 450 additional laden truck movements each day expected on local roads around Goulburn.

Goulburn Mulwaree Council is now undertaking urgent road condition assessments while advocating for measures to manage the impacts on its community.

This is a timely reminder that investing in strong rail networks, resilient freight corridors and local transport infrastructure is essential to keeping regional economies moving when unexpected disruptions occur.

Photo: One Berrima/Facebook.

Congratulations to our member, the City of Palmerston , on being recognised as the winner of the Productivity through In...
02/07/2026

Congratulations to our member, the City of Palmerston , on being recognised as the winner of the Productivity through Infrastructure category at the 2026 National Awards for Local Government for the Zuccoli Community Hub – Pump Track. 👏

This outstanding project demonstrates how well-designed community infrastructure can encourage active lifestyles, strengthen social connections, and support the needs of fast-growing regional capitals.

Regional Capitals Australia is proud to celebrate Palmerston’s achievement and the important role our regional capitals play in delivering innovative, community-focused outcomes that improve quality of life across the nation.

Congratulations to everyone involved in bringing this fantastic project to life.

Athina Pascoe-Bell, Mayor City of Palmerston

🏗️ Exciting news for the Fraser Coast, with the new Hervey Bay Community Hub set to open later this year.Supported throu...
01/07/2026

🏗️ Exciting news for the Fraser Coast, with the new Hervey Bay Community Hub set to open later this year.

Supported through the Hinkler Regional Deal, the Hub will bring together a modern library, customer service centre, community spaces and a Disaster Resilience Centre in one central location, creating a new heart for the Hervey Bay community.

Projects like this demonstrate the importance of investing in regional capitals to support growing communities, improve access to services and strengthen regional liveability.

Congratulations to Fraser Coast Regional Council and all project partners on reaching this important milestone.

Senator Anthony Chisholm
George Seymour - Fraser Coast

🎉 Congratulations to the City of Greater Geelong on the opening of Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre.Thi...
01/07/2026

🎉 Congratulations to the City of Greater Geelong on the opening of Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre.

This landmark investment will strengthen the visitor economy, attract major events and create new opportunities for local businesses, jobs and regional growth.

Projects like Nyaal Banyul demonstrate the important role regional capitals play in driving economic development and delivering world-class infrastructure for regional communities.

The Hon Richard Marles MP
Deputy Prime Minister and Federal Member for Corio

Jacinta Allan
Premier of Victoria

Michaela Settle MP
Victorian Minister for Regional Development

Libby Coker MP
Federal Member for Corangamite

Christine Couzens MP
Member for Geelong

Ella George MP
Member for Lara

Alison Marchant - Member for Bellarine

Gayle Tierney MP
Member for Western Victoria

Steve Dimopoulos MP
Acting Minister for Tourism

For more information on the Community Open Day on Saturday 11 July please see the link below
https://www.geelongcity.vic.gov.au/whats-happening/events/nyaal-banyul-geelong-convention-and-event-centre-community-open-day

The Albury Entertainment Centre Convention Wing redevelopment has officially broken ground, marking an important investm...
11/06/2026

The Albury Entertainment Centre Convention Wing redevelopment has officially broken ground, marking an important investment in regional events, tourism and economic development.

Projects like this help regional capitals attract conferences, support local businesses, create jobs and strengthen their role as vibrant centres for surrounding communities.

Regional Capitals Australia welcomes continued investment in the infrastructure that supports strong, connected and growing regional capitals.
Read more: https://minister.infrastructure.gov.au/mcbain/media-release/albury-entertainment-centre-convention-wing-redevelopment-breaks-ground

Kristy McBain MP
Senator Deborah O'Neill

Photo (L-R) Albury MP Justin Clancy MP , NSW Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty MLC, Albury Mayor Kevin Mack and Farrer MP David Farley for Farrer - One Nation

The Albury Airport taxiway extension is now open, delivering an important boost for regional aviation, connectivity and ...
10/06/2026

The Albury Airport taxiway extension is now open, delivering an important boost for regional aviation, connectivity and local economic growth.

Regional Capitals Australia welcomes investment in infrastructure that supports regional airports, strengthens access for communities and businesses, and helps regional capitals continue to grow as key economic hubs.

We have been advocating for more investment into regional airports, which are important community assets that connect regions to health, education, jobs and family and friends.

Read more: https://minister.infrastructure.gov.au/mcbain/media-release/albury-airport-taxiway-extension-now-open

Kristy McBain MP
Kevin Mack
Senator Michelle Ananda-Rajah
Senator Deborah O'Neill

A major milestone has been reached for Northern Australia, with Karratha Airport officially designated a Restricted Use ...
28/05/2026

A major milestone has been reached for Northern Australia, with Karratha Airport officially designated a Restricted Use International Airport and an Alternate International Airport.

This important step positions Karratha to establish future international connectivity, unlocking new economic opportunities, strengthening global access, and supporting long-term regional growth.

The City of Karratha will now progress to the next phase of the project, working alongside airline partners and the Australian Government to establish Border Force and biosecurity facilities required to support international operations.

Regional Capitals Australia congratulates the City of Karratha on this achievement and recognises the years of advocacy and strategic vision that have helped position Karratha as a key regional gateway for Northern Australia.

Daniel Scott - Mayor City of Karratha

A warm welcome to Andrew Wilsmore, the new permanent General Manager of Dubbo Regional Council, who officially commenced...
26/05/2026

A warm welcome to Andrew Wilsmore, the new permanent General Manager of Dubbo Regional Council, who officially commenced in the role on Monday.

Regional Capitals Australia looks forward to working with Andrew and the Dubbo Regional Council team to continue advocating for strong regional communities, sustainable growth, and investment in our regional capitals.

Congratulations Andrew, and best wishes in your new role.

Picture courtesy Mayor Josh Black - Dubbo Regional Council Black: Mr Andrew Wilsmore pictured with Mayor of Dubbo Regional Council Cr Josh Black

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