Regional Australia is experiencing a moment in history like no other. In the decade to 2020, its population grew by an average of 76,500 people per annum. A life in the regions is now more attractive than ever before.

However, as millions of Australians either choose to stay in the regions, or make the move, this surge in popularity brings with it growing pains that need to be addressed to accommodate the changing population trajectory in this country.

This document aims to assist policy-makers, industry and regional leaders to establish placed-based initiatives rather than take a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach to address the current pressures being felt in many regions. This report summarises a multi-stage project undertaken by a team at the University of South Australia for the RAI’s Intergovernmental Shared Inquiry Program in 2021-22, led by Professor Andrew Beer, a leading expert on housing in Australia.