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6 February 2006 More infrastructure required for expanding NE Region The "Champions of the Bush" association of companies is calling for greater investment into regional infrastructure by the Australian capital markets. They believe that the 3 levels of government should encourage structures for infrastructure projects that invest regional superannuation contributions in NE Victoria. The group of 10 business executives from regionally based companies met at Brown Brothers Winery in Milawa today, and heard from representatives of the Indigo Shire Council about the development impacts of business growth in the North East. Chairman John G Brown AO said that the group was pushing for government and capital market support for greater infrastructure investment outside the capital cities. "Our growth demands in NE Victoria are important, and commensurate infrastructure is a critical element for business competitiveness, job stability, and country lifestyle. We should be able to harness the billions of invested superannuation dollars to augment government funded infrastructure," he said. Champions of the Bush believes that more innovative approaches are required, and is working with several national initiatives to help address the problems encountered during regional growth. The National Seachange Taskforce¨ of 65 seaboard municipalities is an example of Councils working together to address their common lack of infrastructure. Regional planning examples from around the world have been analysed in research by the University of Sydney, and Champions of the Bush is working with the Taskforce to pursue new investment mechanisms that could finance major projects to $20 million. They believe that whilst experiences from North America and Europe cannot necessarily be replicated in regional Australia, much can be learnt from approaches applied elsewhere. "We may be relatively small in population, but some of Australia's large superannuation investment capital should be applied to support growth in the regions. We are canvassing these prospects nationally, and receiving a lot of support from many different sectors," Mr Brown said. The Beef Australia 2005 Year Book recently featured a 4 page coverage of the Champions of the Bush objectives, and Mr Brown believes that the group of companies is gaining additional allies across Australia. "Our Back to the Bush campaign in Provincial Victoria has received significant coverage, and we are hoping to promote the regional origins of many of the champions from the Commonwealth Games during this year," he said. ® Additional background at: http://www.seachangetaskforce.org.au/Members/members.html Contact: John G Brown AO, Ph: 03 57 205 401 B/H (or Geoffrey Carruthers Ph: 0419 885 672) E: jgbrown@brown-brothers.com.au OR info@championsofthebush.org.au
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