Evocities is one of 77 organisations to make a submission to the Senate Inquiry on the 'Future role and contribution of regional capitals to Australia'.

"Often faced with the challenge of servicing a regional population beyond their Local Government Areas, regional capitals have identified that economic benefits exist from the improvement in quality of public facilities and infrastructure," Evocities Steering Committee chair Peter Adams said in the submission.

"Continued support is also required for soft infrastructure initiatives such as the Evocities project, which actively drives population shift from capital cities, builds the skilled labour base of the region, increasing workforce diversity and providing a greater choice for investors and employees."

Regional Capitals Australia (RCA) chair Deidre Comerford said national leaders must take a look at the potential that sits outside the urban growth boundaries of capital cities.

She said a recent report by Infrastructure Australia forecast growing congestion would cost Australians $53 billion by 2031.

"What we needs is infrastructure funding that targets the areas of greatest return: regional capitals," Cr Comerford said. "This sort of strategic investment will be more effective than just funneling money into the areas around capital cities to try and cope with current congestion."

The 'Future role and contribution of regional capitals to Australia' Inquiry will be delivered by the Senate Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee. Following regional hearings, a report by the committee is due in December.