This research investigates the potential for Australia’s regional areas to attract and sustain population and economic growth, examining whether particular international strategies and Australian models for supporting development have been effective.

Key points:

• There is rising interest in the potential for Australia’s regional areas to attract and sustain population and economic growth. This study investigated this potential, examining international and Australian models for supporting development beyond capital city centres.
• Through a research evidence review and in-depth analysis of 12 international and Australian case study regions, the study found that there is no single model for regional planning, development, or governance. Rather, there has been a general trend towards place-based regional interventions, which focus on unique regional attributes and opportunities.
• While recognising the economic benefits of agglomeration in major cities, the international review highlighted opportunities for smaller centres to succeed by specialising on particular economic strengths or locational advantages, provided they are well connected to a larger city and/or regional network.
• Consequently, this research finds potential to better support regional areas through spatial planning and investment strategies, which recognise their unique place-based identity, fostering key specialist areas for growth while preserving and enhancing natural and cultural amenities and high quality of life.