The Bush Summit, hosted by News Corp Australasia and showcasing regional Australia, addresses the challenges facing rural communities and identifying solutions. 

The Victorian edition of the conference saw regional and business leaders across a range of sectors, joined by politicians and policy makers. 

Mr Guerra joined the panel discussion on business resilience, moderated by Herald Sun Federal Political Reporter Jade Gailberger and featuring Business Women Albury-Wodonga Chair Desiree Georgiou and North East Water Managing Director Jo Murdoch. 

Mr Guerra acknowledged regional Victoria grappled with digital and transport connectivity issues, tight supply of talent and the housing crisis. He called on governments to work with the private sector to allow small and medium enterprise the certainty they need to operate. 

“Ninety per cent of employment is through the private sector and our view is that there’s no problem in the world that can be solved without the private sector involvement,” Mr Guerra said. 

The skills shortage was a recurring theme of the summit. Mr Guerra said while we should be celebrating the fact that a majority of people are in employment, this does present challenges. 

“It means as a state, our businesses are growing. They need more talent. Yet we’re at full employment. 

“We need more people into the country, which is controversial because we’ve also talked a lot about the housing shortage as well. 

“How do we attract [graduates and trainees] into regional Victoria and how do we keep them in regional Victoria? Part of that is around the communities that regional Victoria is able to provide. 

“You can’t have more people in country if you don’t have the housing to support that as well.” 

A two-fold solution is based around equity and opportunity, Mr Guerra said. 
In terms of equity, it’s a matter of consistency in delivery of housing, health, telecommunications, schooling and transport. 

“If we don’t have the same experience in regional Victoria that we do in metropolitan Victoria, the gulf between the opportunities in the state starts to broaden,” he said. 

“We’re part of a global economy now and the way we stay connected is … through digital technology.” 

“Closing the gap and keeping communities connected is going to be a blend of in-person as well as technology. And we can’t accept differences between different areas.” 

In terms of opportunity, Mr Guerra refers to having a long-term vision for Regional Victoria’s prosperity. 

“The opportunity piece is about the plan. Where do we want to go with regional Victoria?” 

“Farmers are the original innovators of the state and if you look back over history, Victoria’s been richer because regional Victoria has performed. 

“Let’s put some big ideas out there and put the plans behind it to make it happen.” 

The panel also heard from Ms Murdoch about North East Water’s plans for adaptation to climate change and infrastructure, some of which dates back nearly 100 years. 

The water utility is constantly seeking opportunities with the private sector and increasing capital expenditure while master planning for all 39 towns in its catchment. 

It is also focusing heavily on waste as a resource and promoting a circular economy to reduce costs and bills for clients. 

Ms Murdoch is “optimistic about the future”, particularly around “courageously investing in infrastructure” and educating the next generation – in partnership with vocational institutions and a vision for an education centre at the West Wodonga Resource Recovery Hub. 

“Imagine if you could bring students from all levels in there and they can learn about how you turn waste into a valuable resource. 

“Set a vision, stick to it and we all work together, I actually think we can overcome these hurdles and attract the right people.” 

Ms Georgiou owns a beauty salon and says the biggest challenge is cashflow, with many people still reliant on afterpay services. 

Joint government and Chamber initiatives around business grant programs and support for mothers helps, but so does community support. 

“It really comes down to basics: getting back and supporting your own community and getting to know other business owners and getting that networking because that’s where it all starts. 

“All of these ideas are great, but unless you’ve got people to bounce them off and work with, it’s never going to happen. 

“So I think definitely get out in your in your own community and start working alongside those other business owners as well.” 

Herald Sun Editor Sam Weir concluded the Bush Summit 2023 with the acknowledgement that we must support and grow the resilience of regional economies through policies that encourage business and industry investment.