John Barilaro has unveiled a new package to attract more businesses and investments to regional NSW.
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The Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW was in Parkes on Monday morning to announce a landmark Investment Attraction Package.
He also used the opportunity to showcase the state’s first Special Activation Precinct at Parkes, announced as part of the NSW Government’s 20 Year Economic Vision for Regional NSW on July 30, to Consuls-General and Trade Commissioners from 12 NSW international trading partners – from Austria, Canada, China, Czech Republic, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, the Netherlands, New Zealand and Saudi Arabia.
The Attraction Package features financial incentives totalling $20 million and interest free loans targeted towards offsetting government levies and duties, such as payroll tax, and relocation assistance to drive new jobs and investment in regional NSW.
The Skills Relocation Assistance program will see up to $10,000 per eligible skilled worker to help meet the cost of moving from the city to the country and temporary accommodation for three months.
Mr Barilaro said the package would transform regional NSW’s attractiveness to interstate and global businesses and make regions across the state even more competitive.
“This is a massive boost for businesses and job seekers in regional NSW,” he said.
“We already have the largest and most diverse regional economy in Australia, but we have recently missed big opportunities because other states have outbid us with more attractive investment incentives.
“That is not good enough for a state that boasts all the natural advantages to be the strongest economy in the nation."
The Investment Attraction Package for Regional NSW also includes businesses, who are looking to invest in or move to regional NSW, working with an appointed Regional Investment Coordinator to provide easy access to incentives, smooth the planning process, help lodge applications and liaise with government departments.
It is more important than ever to keep money flowing through regional economies and bringing new businesses and skilled workers to towns means more customers.
- Deputy Premier John Barilaro
The Special Activation Precincts are also part of the Attraction Package.
“Businesses have been calling for payroll tax relief, access to skilled workforce and quicker planning approvals,” Mr Barilaro said.
“We also know that Government is often difficult to navigate which is why we are establishing a professional investment concierge who will hold the hand of potential businesses each step of the way and develop a bespoke support package for each eligible business.”
The Special Activation Precinct at Parkes will serve as an inland port, bringing regional suppliers closer to their customers and creating new jobs.
“With existing highway and rail links and the support of already established transport companies such as SCT Logistics and Pacific National, the Parkes Special Activation Precinct will bring specialist industries together and attract additional investment,” Mr Barilaro said.
“Our work to secure investment in regional NSW is about bringing more businesses to the regions, supporting businesses already in regions and helping them all to be successful, because success means more jobs and a better future for those towns.
“With the entire state in drought it is more important than ever to keep money flowing through regional economies and bringing new businesses and skilled workers to towns means more customers for local suppliers, retailers, restaurants and cafes as well as opportunities to welcome new friends and enjoy diverse cultures.”
For information about the Investment Attraction Package for Regional NSW and the investment concierge service, go to: www.industry.nsw.gov.au/regional-investment
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