A strong agricultural sector, availability of regional jobs and financial capital, and improved regional liveability are not only linked but interdependent. If regionally focused stimulatory spending can be directed to maintain stability in the agricultural sector and increase regional job opportunities, this will in turn shore up the security of both regional and national economies, creating a virtuous economic cycle.

While all elements of this cycle (and many other contributing factors not included here) are intertwined, optimal points in the cycle at which government (and industry) interventions can enable or accelerate beneficial flows have been identified for this paper under key themes and priorities.

The three connected overarching themes identified in this report are:

1. Connectivity: While regional digital connectivity remains sub-standard, the farming sector and its connected socioeconomic entities cannot take full advantage of emerging opportunities in digital agriculture, productivity improvements and energy efficiency. Education and health services in regions will also continue to be constrained, undermining the potential of the agrifood sector to attract and retain skilled workers.
2. Infrastructure: The viability of the agrifood sector is reliant upon access to efficient, robust infrastructure networks for physical access to markets, and regional supply chains are critical not only for industry but also to supply communities with basic needs; yet significant deficiencies in regional infrastructure quality and access are compromising productivity and liveability.
3. Workforce: Attracting and retaining a skilled workforce cannot be divorced from the issues of regional amenity, connectivity (physical and digital) and the basic needs of housing and health services within proximity of the place of employment.

Within the context of these themes, points of advantageous intervention have been identified to help decision-makers target stimulatory spending in a manner which ensures Australian agriculture can capture opportunities from regional population growth to underpin long-lasting economic stability and social benefits.