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7 September 2003 Home cash incentive to boost rural communities A group of leading regional businesses has called on the Federal Government to provide a larger cash incentive to first home buyers in regional areas. Champions of the Bush Executive Officer Darren Chester said the organisation was supportive of a recommendation in the recently released Rural Business Development Analysis (RBDA) 'A Plan for Action'. "The independent panel recommended the government undertake detailed research into the potential benefits of providing regionally based incentive payments over and above the existing First Home Owners Scheme," Mr Chester said. "First home buyers are currently able to access a $7000 grant. We are fully supportive of an additional incentive payment to regional home buyers as extra enticement for young families in particular to either stay in country towns or relocate. "The RBDA plan highlighted that home ownership is a form of commitment to a region which is only exceeded by family ties. "If we can make it more attractive and easier for young families in particular to buy their own home in regional areas, we will go a long way towards retaining skilled workers and helping businesses prosper." The RBDA plan was prepared by an independent panel chaired by Dr John Keniry. The plan stated that an extra regional home grant would stimulate economic activity and create jobs in regional areas. Mr Chester said the RBDA plan had also identified leadership development among young people as a key concern for regional communities, describing it as "an issue of national importance". "Champions of the Bush supports extra emphasis on regional leadership training to help drive sustainable growth," he said. "Supporting our young people, encouraging them to be innovative and creative and letting them know they can have successful careers in regional areas requires a complete change in attitude from governments and country people themselves. "As parents, we've got to stop telling our kids they have to move away to be successful and teachers have got to encourage the entrepreneurial spirit in our young people who will be the business leaders of tomorrow. "The RBDA plan highlights the importance of regional businesses to the nation's economy. Small and medium size businesses are the wealth creators in regional Australia and Champions of the Bush urges the government to implement the plan's recommendations to support further investment and provide specialist support services to assist regional businesses." Media
information: For further comments contact Darren Chester on 0351 55
3719 or 0412 153 719.
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