Population decline and service provision in regional Australia: a South Australian case study

A Federal Government sponsored Regional Forum conducted in Whyalla in July 1999 highlighted the service provision problems confronting rural and remote regions in northern South Australia. This paper considers the nature and extent of population loss in this part of Australia and its impact on the quality of life. The paper goes on to consider the sorts of policy responses that are needed both to sustain current populations and guarantee the residents of these regions access to services.