But despite greater road funding in recent years, the regions are still not receiving their fair share of this wealth.

New Premier and former treasurer Gladys Berejiklian appears to be recognising this with a new found regional push. It is partly based on political expediency following the Nationals’ hiding in the Orange by-election and fear of a country backlash at the next election. 

But there are real and practical reasons why the State Government should back the regions. Sydney is busting at the seams and places like Goulburn, are ripe to scoop up the cream.

Goulburn Mulwaree Mayor Bob Kirk is right to lobby for greater incentives for metro businesses to relocate to rural areas. The council is trying to lure businesses from western Sydney and Badgerys Creek but is hardly operating on a level playing field. How can we possibly compete when other States can offer much more?

Cr Kirk makes a compelling case to politicians with a company offering more than 400 jobs preferring to come here but being enticed away by South Australia and Victoria.

Deputy Premier John Barilaro could be a sympathetic ear. He has been appointed Minister for Regional NSW, showing the State’s serious intent on this front. We’re confident Goulburn MP Pru Goward will also push the case.

Councils cannot afford to foot the bill for incentives. They are already struggling with cost shifting and infrastructure funding. But they can lay the groundwork. More than ever, marketing campaigns must hit the mark. There is uncertainty within Goulburn business circles whether the Right Now in Goulburn campaign is fully working.

But the council has made strides in promoting the city as a vibrant place with affordable land and a welcoming community. It has also completed an employment lands strategy aimed at rezoning areas for job creating activities.

We have a pipeline catering for high water use industries, a soon to be upgraded wastewater treatment plant, a performing arts centre in the wind, a happening CBD and a rich arts and cultural scene.

Goulburn is doing its bit. It is in the State’s interests to divide the economic spoils for the regions if it is serious about decentralisation and growing rural economies.