Quality infrastructure the road to success
Regional infrastructure has featured prominently in the latest State Infrastructure Strategy, paving the way for record success as the NSW agriculture sector looks to grow, according to the state’s peak agricultural group.
NSW Farmers President James Jackson said the vast potential of agriculture and regional economies needed to be realised through strategic investment in road, rail and digital connectivity.
“Agriculture and the regions are in a position where they could see significant growth if the right investment decisions are made, and this seems to have been recognised in Infrastructure NSW’s recommendations,” Mr Jackson said.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has fast-tracked a number of trends, including migration toward regional areas and the shift to online service delivery, both of which need to be addressed through stronger investment in road, health and telecommunications infrastructure.
“There’s also a need to harness the economic potential of better-connected supply chains and accessible domestic and export hubs, particularly off the back of record success for many agricultural commodities.”
Mr Jackson said it was disappointing the strategy included recommendations to press pause on megaprojects including a Great Western Highway tunnel, as well as several dams.
“The Great Western Highway is the main conduit linking the Central West and Sydney, and its upgrade is heavily tied to harnessing the value-add opportunities in western Sydney,” he said.
“Value-adding represents a significant economic opportunity for farmers and the NSW economy, and it’s an area Australia has been weak in over recent decades.
“Strong road and rail infrastructure, as well as smart regional precincts, are central to making innovative value-adding possible.”