Regional thinking

Understanding the particularities of regions draws into focus issues of spatial, financial, social and cultural equity, which Judith Brett argues were at the foundation of the formation of the federation of Australia.1 The diversity of regional towns and cities that are spread across a large geographic area presents social, cultural and economic challenges as well as opportunities. The combination of small populations and disconnection from major centres creates issues for the provision of services, particularly health and education. At a financial level, municipalities with small populations generate a modest rate base that needs to cover a range of services. Major infrastructure projects can provide a boon to regional areas, with funding from state and federal governments facilitating projects that could not be funded locally. But as Paul Collits argues, although these projects may provide services and inject funding, they are not necessarily the key to regional revitalization. He emphasizes the need to distinguish between government spending on regional Australia and proper regional policy.