2009

Does social capital generate positive influences on economic development and democratic governance? This question has important theoretical and policy implications for the contemporary world, especially for the developing countries. The primary goals of this study are to investigate the stock of two types of social capital--bridging soc ....

This paper draws upon the 2001 census to examine the impact of national economic reform on the growth of regional cities. The paper argues that regional cities in Australia have taken on new roles within both their region and the national economy. It argues that deregulation of the economy has contributed to the growth of some regional cities and ....

Many rural communities across America face several obstacles in the implementation of information and communication technologies (ICTs) initiatives and struggle with the best approaches for leveraging these elements into an economic development strategy. These obstacles include: lack of quality local ICTs infrastructure, funding, inabil ....

Northern Australia is a unique part of our country and integral to our national identity. It is home to the oldest living culture in the world. Its natural and cultural landscapes underpin multibillion dollar tourism, fishing and conservation industries. Its enormous reserves of minerals and resources are essential to Australia's nation ....

The bioenergy industry is relatively small in Australia. The need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions as well as future oil security issues will, however, provide drivers for the growth of the bioenergy industry. This report reviews the sustainability issues that have arisen through rapid international expansion of the biofuels industry. It also r ....

While modern telecommunications infrastructure and services have been recognised as important in stimulating regional economic development, significant disparities in their provision have been observed between metropolitan and regional areas. Some of the identified advantages of telecommunications services include the diversificati ....

Rural health is constantly experiencing the impact of persistent shortages in all clinical disciplines. This paper lists issues to consider as part of a national rural health workforce strategy in order to to generate ideas and provoke debate about priorities for rural health. Examples are provided to show how these ideas may be es ....

Territory 2030 sets the Territory Government’s direction for the next 20 years. It is a long-term plan with clear targets that provide a framework for the government’s strategic plans and policy initiatives. With education at its core, Territory 2030 sets priorities for society, economic sustainability, health and wellbeing, the environment a ....

The 'Profitable perennials' project delivered by the Department of Agriculture and Food WA in the south coast natural resource management (NRM) region aimed to facilitate the long term adoption of perennial pastures. NRM is the management of natural resources, such as soils, waterways and biodiversity, to ensure long term sustainab ....

The Harry S. Truman Dam and Reservoir project is of immense size. Many thousands of tons of raw materials were required to complete the construction of the dam and relocations. Millions of dollars were spent to acquire land, compensate those who were displaced, and to pay those who were employed in the planning, purchasing, coordinating ....

This paper investigates the determination of population and employment changes for the 125 Local Government Areas of Queensland over the 1996-06 period. The intention is to determine the flow of causality from employment to population growth and/or vice versa. Unlike previous similar studies, the role of geographic location is formally investigat ....

Micro credit represents a significant policy innovation. It is a direct investment in individuals and communities, recognising their ability to drive economic and social change. This report has been prepared to help governments understand and encourage the use of micro credit as a tool to enhance economic engagement opportunities f ....

This paper was developed as background for the meeting of the Australian Council of Local Government in June 2009. It looks at the economic downturn and its implications for local government and regional economies with particular reference to the Australian Government response. Report Locationhttp://www.bitre.gov.au/publications/2009/other_005. ....

On the land and in country towns, the battle to survive goes on forever. Increasingly, the world needs food and fibre, but squeezes out the communities which provide them. Young people leave, farmers sell up, towns die, football teams amalgamate, communities keep reinventing themselves. What's going on? What can we do? Neil Barr looks close up, a ....