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Rural or urban – what's the difference?

conference contribution
posted on 2023-05-24, 23:58 authored by Eyles, KJ
This study used 2006 ABS Population Census and ABS Agricultural Census data to examine differences and similarities between, and among, rural and urban Statistical Local Areas (SLAs) in Tasmania, in terms of population, farmers and agricultural land use characteristics. Policies and programs aimed at rural/urban populations and land use; and location decisions related to economic or social activity, are often based on generalisations about rural/urban characteristics. The efficacy of the dichotomous classifications of ‘rural’ and ‘urban’ was explored by comparing variability amongst SLAs. SLAs were classified as rural or urban based on the proportion of the population living in urban settlements with a minimum population of 1,000. Visualisation of characteristics for SLAs using ordered dot-plots enabled comparison between SLAs. Predominance of farmers, both as working residents and in the workforce, was the only characteristic for which there was a clear difference between rural and urban SLAs. Population density also differed markedly, with all rural SLAs having population densities less than that for Tasmania as a whole; and all urban SLAs, bar one, having greater population densities. For all other population, farming, and agricultural land use characteristics tested there was substantial overlap between rural and urban SLAs, revealing a high level of variability. From these results, it is evident that generalisations about populations and farming in rural or urban areas cannot be made with any degree of certainty. Whilst differences may be observed when data are aggregated for rural and urban areas, when disaggregated spatially it becomes clear that labels of ‘rural’ and ‘urban’ may in fact mask a great deal of variability across both rural and urban SLAs. This study demonstrates that the only unequivocal conclusions that can be drawn about populations and farming in Tasmania are that urban areas typically have greater population densities than rural areas; and in rural areas farming as an occupation is more important than in urban areas.

History

Publication title

Inspiring Connections

Editors

Kristian Ruming

Pagination

1-2

Publisher

Institute of Australian Geographers

Place of publication

NSW

Event title

Institute of Australian Geographers Conference

Event Venue

Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW

Date of Event (Start Date)

2012-07-02

Date of Event (End Date)

2012-07-04

Repository Status

  • Restricted

Socio-economic Objectives

Employment patterns and change

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    University Of Tasmania

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