An expert panel involving Wodonga mayor Anna Speedie has told the federal government its funding programs for regional areas are seen as "scattered" and recommended its approach be reformed.
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The recommendations in response to the government's Regions at the Ready report were made back in March 2019, but were only released publicly late on Friday.
Cr Speedie was one of four people on the expert panel, and one of two councillors.
They said up to $2 million per year should be provided to every Regional Development Australia committee - which includes Hume in the North East and Murray and Riverina in southern NSW - for distribution as part of a "rural development fund".
It was also recommended each area have its own regional deal, such as the one signed for Albury-Woodnga last week, and a white paper be "delivered as soon as possible" to look at how to grow each regional area.
In making their recommendations, the panellists had access to submissions and consultations with regional stakeholders.
"The expert panel heard that the lack of a strategic Commonwealth approach to regional development makes it difficult for applicants to understand how their projects fit into the bigger picture. Some stakeholders described the process as 'scattered'," the panel stated.
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The North East's High Country was used as a positive example, with panellists praising the investment of $12 million over 10 years to help make regions such as Wangaratta and Bright premier cycling destinations.
"The quality and extensiveness of the cycling infrastructure, combined with the nature-based and culinary experiences, delivers a strong destination appeal," the panel report stated.
The federal government is yet to implement any actions from its Regions at the Ready report or the panel's recommendations, with Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack saying last week that the government's primary concern was dealing with the coronavirus pandemic.
"If this is the government's idea of putting out the trash on a Friday night, then pity help us in regional Australia," she said.
"I am flabbergasted that it took the government 16 months to finally make it public and only after I worked with Senator Rex Patrick to force its publication through a Senate order.
"I note the report calls for the government to deliver a white paper on the future of regional Australia by July 2020.
"Well, here we are, in July 2020, and because of the government's inaction, we have no plan, no blueprint for the future of our regions."
