I’ve welcomed news that regional NSW will be a key focus for jobs growth under a plan to create an additional one million new and rewarding jobs over the next 20 years.

While it is pleasing that regional NSW currently leads all other regional areas across Australia when it comes to job creation, there is no question that workplaces are changing and workforces will need to continue adapting over coming decades. This strong focus on jobs growth is great news for the Oxley electorate.

The Premier’s release of Jobs for the Future report outlining how NSW can harness opportunities and respond to challenges to create 1 million new jobs is supported by the announcement a $30 million funding program will be established to specifically grow jobs in regional NSW. Funding will: 

- Help fast-growing, small-to-medium size companies to access the funds they need to grow jobs through a $50 million loan guarantee program and a $3.5 million direct loan pilot program

- Assist start-up companies to further develop by setting aside $10 million to grow the State’s network of incubators and accelerators, and $3 million in 2016-17 for direct grants to start-ups

- Attract large and international companies to base their headquarters in NSW through use of a $30 million fund.

The government has engaged some of the best business minds to help design the jobs growth package. The innovative financial support programs have been specifically developed to have maximum job creation impact for NSW as a whole, and regional NSW in particular, which will see:

- $6 billion for regional infrastructure from the Rebuilding NSW plan

- $39 million to fix mobile black spots

- $32 million to build the Murray-Darling economy

- $110 million to boost regional tourism.

More information can be can be viewed at www.jobsfornsw.com.au