Developing Australia's Regions: Theory & Practice

Delves behind the too-often negative media headlines and stereotypes about regional Australia, and considers the true state of Australia’s regions, including metropolitan regions, and what can be done to improve their economic, social and environmental well-being.

Draws national and international experience as well as regional development theory to set out the principles and strategies that can be used to establish a stronger future for our regions.

A ‘hands on’ book that provides concrete guidance for policy makers, local government officials and economic development practitioners and will allow readers to better understand the often complex world of regional development and policy.

Developing Australia’s Regions considers these key issues for Australia’s regions:

• Government policy in promoting economic development;
• The achievements of economic development agencies;
• How we can best achieve ‘Green Regions’ that are both internationally competitive and ecologically sustainable;
• The promotion of new industries and new firms, whether low, medium or high technology;
• The future for regional policy in Australia, and the choices Australia faces in attempting to develop both a strong national economy and a vibrant set of regions.

1. An Australia of Regions
2. Defining Local and Regional Development
3. What is a Region and Why Does it Matter?
4. Australia’s Diverging Regions: Causes, Outcomes and Policy Challenges
5. Local Economic Development in Resource-based Economies
6. Sunrise Industries: Engines of Regional Growth?
7. The Practice of Local and Regional Economic Development
8. Indigenous People and Australia’s Regions
9. Infrastructure and Services
10. Green Regions
11. Local and Regional Development Policy for Australia