A Smart Cities Summit hosted by the federal government on Friday was attended by representatives from some of the country’s largest regional centres. It identified key issues in infrastructure investment to support jobs and population growth as one of the major challenges facing regional capitals. 

Horsham Rural City is both a member of Regional Cities Victoria and Regional Capitals Australia.

Cr Phillips said while Horsham did not attend the summit, infrastructure investment, particularly in regards to public transport in regional cities, was one area where state and federal governments could do better.

“All our transport networks are geared to connect people to Melbourne,” she said

“There is currently some thinking around public transport networks that don’t connect with Melbourne physically.”

Regional Capitals Australia chair Shane Van Styn said regional cities were seen as desirable places to live because of lower house prices, lower levels of congestion and high levels of livability. 

“But we want to make sure the right level of government investment exists so our cities continue to be fantastic places to live,” he said. 

Data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics reveals regional capital cities contribute $225 billion to the national economy each year.

The Wimmera’s contribution is $1.07 billion.  

Cr Phillips said a Regional Cities Victoria summit in Bendigo in June would examine ways to shift government focus from the large urban centres back to the regions.

“The perception is that a city isn’t seen as viable until its population exceeds 50,000,” she said.

“Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo and Wodonga are the focus at the moment. We’re on the fringe. Our challenge is to show people what we do have to offer. What we do have is something different to the hustle and bustle of the larger cities.”