208-235 Regional Development

This subject introduces the Australian rural and regional environment including its geography, demography and biophysical resources, economics, social status and trends, and governing mechanisms. In particular the subject is divided into two main topic areas: location theory, which attempts to determine why economic activities are located where they are; and regional economic development theory, which seeks to explain why some regions prosper while others do not. It also attempts to develop strategies that will enable a region to enhance its economic development potential and explain patterns of trade.

Topics include: regional development - the Australian perspective; Australia's changing global environment; is big beautiful? the contrasts of urban and regional Australia; demographic changes in Australia; patterns of people work and investment in Australia; scale, externalities, and agglomeration: the evolving structure of global industry; technology transitions and patterns of growth; fostering community development.

A 3-hour end-of-semester examination (60%) a 3000-word assignment (20%) and tutorial worksheet exercises equivalent to 2000 words (20%).