Report from the National Rural Women's Summit 

The ability of remote, rural and regional Australia to competitively gain access to connect with and supply products to other parts of the nation, as well as the world, is constrained by deficits in infrastructure and unnecessary regulatory burdens. The challenge of providing improved infrastructure and new technology in the areas of transport, communication, education and water for remote, rural and regional Australia is considered a crucial priority for improving productivity and efficiencies and taking advantage of new opportunities. (2020 Summit 2008)

Topic scope

This workshop considered the infrastructure issues for and needs of rural, regional and remote Australians (informed by a report of the National Rural Women’s Coalition Transport: The Fabric of Rural and Regional Australia prepared for the Office for Women) including:

• Transport to and within regional Australia
• Support for the transport industry – truck drivers and owners
• Safety implications of inadequate transport, especially in remote areas (including islands)
• The need for an integrated and uniform rail, air and seaport system for goods and passengers through a partnership between States, Territories and the Commonwealth
• The costs of aviation fuel affecting mustering in remote areas and school transport in the Islands
• The need for return home services for remote patients as part of patient health care
• Taxation review needs to consider proportionally negative affect of GST in remote communities that do not have the ability to reclaim
• The need for Isolated Patient Travel and Accommodation Services to be more responsive to the needs of the range of people in rural and remote Australia
• Alternative fuels and energy forms
• Public transport in rural localities and establishment of transport hubs in regional centres
• Include transport occupations on skills shortages lists

• Telecommunications access
• Profit-driven supply means remote communities have ageing infrastructure
• The need for maintenance that enables IT based remote health and education
• Equitable access to telecommunications and the internet for people with disabilities
• Implementation of digital technology
• Technology for upskilling in rural and remote areas that is currently cost prohibitive
• Subtitling of TV programs should be available in all areas of Australia
• Connect Australia must be rolled out

• Infrastructure required to support communities and economic development
• Housing – need for affordable housing to attract workers and aged care facilities
• Need to ensure disability access to buildings and the built environment in the regions
• Electricity - Single Wire Earth Return System is unreliable and does not support industrial growth
• Solar subsidy expanded to rural and remote businesses
• Aviation infrastructure - maintaining and developing aviation ground support at airports where Local Government cannot afford it as it is required for the Royal Flying Doctor Service
• Infrastructure Australia could initiate a round of rural consultations

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Our Vision

All Australians should have equity of access to efficient and affordable infrastructure, transport and telecommunications. These are essential to:

• Enable us to be safe (women’s health and safety)
• Allow our businesses to prosper and grow
• Let us participate equally
• Build social inclusion and reduce social isolation
• Create sustainable communities
• Build a stronger relationship between urban and rural communities

Priority Recommendations

Transport

1. Retain and increase the diesel fuel subsidy;
2. Fuel levy to be based per litre NOT per price;
   Urgent research, development & implementation of alternative energy forms/fuels to reduce the cost of food / business etc;
3. Increase uniformity of, and simplify, transport and trucking documentation for cross-border transport operators;
4. Increase Mobility Allowance for people with disabilities in rural and remote Australia; and
5. Federal Health Minister asks State/Territory Ministers to consider changes to patient transport schemes to fund patients returning from treatment and not just to treatment; also, not a dollar figure per week, but based on need.  For example three times a week for dialysis or radiotherapy. (Refer Health Recommendation 3.)

Telecommunications

1. Develop a holistic telecommunications package for all Australians, using digital technology to deliver equitable, affordable and reliable access to broadband, mobile and landline, to enable safety, business, and community sustainability. The package should also invest in maintenance and technical support to enable users to use the new technology;
2. Government ownership of basic telecommunications infrastructure creates economies of scale and guarantees equity (should be considered an essential service). Under private ownership, upgrading ageing infrastructure in regional Australia is not profitable;
3. Invest in new satellites to enable digital technology; and
4. Ensure ongoing funding for the National Relay Service and ensure it delivers to rural and regional Australia.

Infrastructure

1. Reinvest in a community infrastructure program (like Regional Partnerships) with a transparent process;
2. Expand the solar subsidy to all businesses;
3. Consider community housing investment (based on WA model) to provide affordable housing in high cost areas, to increase employment – based on access for people with disabilities and ageing in place; and
4. Strengthen partnerships with local government to maintain regional air strip and on-ground support and airport facilities, these are vital for the Royal Flying Doctor Service health/safety.