Regional Australia

Regional Australia is a term used to describe the rural and remote areas outside the major urban centers of Australia. The region covers approximately 98 per cent of the Australian landmass and is home to approximately one-third of the country's population. It is characterized by its unique landscape, rich cultural diversity, and strong sense of community. The region is made up of a diverse range of communities, including small towns, farming regions, and indigenous communities. Regional Australia includes all the cities, towns and areas outside of Australia’s largest capital cities: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth and Canberra. Regional Australia is a driving force to the prosperity of the country, adding strength, vitality and diversity to the nation’s economic performance. The regions are home to nearly 9 million Australians (around 35 per cent of the total population), produce approximately 40 per cent of the national economic output, and employ around one third of Australia’s workforce. They also share comparable economic performance with the major capitals in output, participation and productivity, with comparable unemployment levels. There are different types of regional communities and different factors that will shape their futures. When analysing future trajectories of regional communities, the most relevant factors are their population, their industry and their proximity to a capital city.

Regional Cities, which have populations of over 50,000 people. They have diverse economies and the chance to use their size and diversity to shape their own future.
Connected Lifestyle Regions, which do not have city population size but are close to our major metropolitan regions. They will be influenced by their connection with these cities.
Industry and Service Hubs, they are regional centres with between 15,000 and 50,000 residents, located further from major metropolitan areas. Their performance is linked to industry outcomes, but their population size means they could be resilient to change.
Heartland Regions, they are smaller regional areas that are not close to other major metropolitan or Regional Cities. Industry trends and local ingenuity will shape their future.

Rural and Regional Australia makes a marked contribution to the well-being of the entire country. They provide many of the basics of Australian life – food, clean water, energy, building materials, and places for recreation. They are the gateway to Australia’s iconic outback, national parks and wilderness, countryside, and most coastal areas. They are also integral to the nation’s economy and the nation’s defence. The regions are the backbone of Australia’s exports sector. The major industries of Regional Australia are agriculture, forestry, fishing, mining and tourism which accounted for nearly 60 per cent of Australia’s merchandise exports in 2016. Agriculture is the backbone of many regional communities and the sector contributes significantly to the national economy. The region is renowned for its high-quality produce, including wheat, barley, dairy products, and meat. Mining is another key industry in Regional Australia, with the region producing a significant amount of the country's natural resources, including gold, coal, and iron ore. The sector provides significant employment opportunities for local communities. Tourism is another important industry in Regional Australia, with the region offering a range of unique experiences for visitors, including beautiful natural scenery, indigenous culture, and outdoor adventure activities. Tourism plays a vital role in supporting regional economies and providing employment opportunities for local communities.

Many regional areas are experiencing significant growth and development, with new industries emerging and existing ones expanding. The Australian government has recognized this significant role that Regional Australia plays in the country's economy and has implemented several initiatives to support the region. The government has allocated significant funding to support the development of infrastructure in regional areas, including transport, healthcare, and education facilities. The government has also introduced several programs to support the economic development of regional communities. These include programs to support small businesses, promote entrepreneurship, and encourage the development of new industries in the region. The Australian government also has implemented various incentives to encourage migration to regional areas. These incentives include easier access to permanent residency and a range of other benefits such as lower taxes, more flexible visa options, and better access to education and healthcare services.

On a final note, Regional Australia is experiencing a period of growth and development. With the emergence of new industries and businesses, there is an increased demand for skilled workers in regional areas. This has resulted in an influx of people moving to regional areas, creating new opportunities for those already living there. As more people move to Regional Australia, the economy is booming and job opportunities are becoming more available. This growth presents a unique opportunity for those looking to make a career change or start a business in the area. From lower living costs to access to natural beauty, job opportunities, and government incentives, there are many reasons to consider making the move to Regional Australia. So, if you're looking for a change of pace and a better quality of life, Regional Australia is definitely worth considering.

Source: Parliament of Australia and Regional Australia Institute