Fiona Nash (NSW, National Party, Deputy Leader of the Nationals) Share this | Hansard source

I thank the honourable senator for his question and acknowledge his very deep commitment to the people of rural and regional Australia. I am pleased to advise the Senate that this government is investing billions of dollars in road, rail, telecommunications, health and education infrastructure and community facilities right across the country.

As part of our commitment to supporting local communities, particularly in rural and remote Australia, last week I was pleased to announce the successful projects under round 3 of the National Stronger Regions Fund. Under round 3, we are investing $126 million into 67 projects right across the nation—projects ranging from $25,000 up to $10 million that will deliver huge benefits for local communities. The great news is that that $126 million will leverage an extra $336 million in partner funding, meaning that $462 million will be invested as part of round 3. I think this goes to show what can be achieved under a very strong coalition government.

What this means for communities right across the country is not only are we improving their quality of life but we are also strengthening their economies. In Dubbo, we are investing $6.6 million to upgrade the Dubbo airport and aeromedical facilities—a tremendous initiative. In Bega, on the south coast of New South Wales, we are investing $855,000 to upgrade the community owned aged-care facility, Hillgrove House. Mr President, in your own state of Tasmania we are investing more than $3.8 million in the Circular Head community wellbeing centre. These are just some of the projects that are investing, in partnerships with people across rural and remote communities, to ensure that we have strong economies and strong futures.