Beyond the State: shaping governance and development policy in an Australian region

he role of the state in regional development is often unclear and contested. In Australia's Gippsland region, in the east of the state of Victoria, state actors shape trajectories of development while limiting local input to consultative forums. However, this account of regional governance obscures the role of marginalized actors. Despite limited opportunities for meaningful involvement, less powerful social groups can be influential by strategically engaging with state structures and local communities. Drawing upon a strategic-relational approach, with specific reference to the regional politics of scale, territory and relationality, this empirical study considers the role of the state and marginalized actors in shaping regional development policy.