Housing beyond the capitals
There has been, in the past, a relative policy neglect of the issues facing non‐metropolitan Australia, although in recent times this neglect has come to be recognised. This paper identifies similarities and differences between metropolitan Australia and the part of Australia lying ‘beyond the capitals’. It uses recalculations of data from the 1991 and 1996 ABS censuses to provide an overview, then uses previously unpublished data to focus on housing related issues. The analysis shows that whilst there are a number of differences between the two areas there are also a number of unexpected similarities. The paper ends with conclusions and recommendations for public policy.
Levels of Economic Opportunity in New South Wales Regions
This paper examines the spatial patterns of a number of indicators of economic well-being across the state of NSW. The aim is to determine the extent to which the spread of indicators has worsened or improved for the period 1976-1986. Spatial analysis is undertaken at regional and local government area scales. Whilst there is evidence of a more even spread of opportunity and service levels, key indicators of financial services employment, household incomes, unemployment and workforce participation rates have worsened. Sydney's primacy is not threatened and questions are raised about the growth prospects for non-metropolitan NSW.
Population turnaround and the peopling of the countryside? Migration from Sydney to country districts of New South Wales
SUMMARY The notions of ‘population turnaround’ and migration equilibrium are examined in an analysis of outmigration from metropolitan New South Wales to non‐metropolitan districts, with particular reference to the 1976–81 period but with inclusion of data from the 1986 Census of Population and Housing. While the outmigration from Sydney has been substantial, and in some respects resembles the ‘turnaround’ which was underway in other western countries, it has been spatially confined. While the outmigration from Sydney lessened during 1981–86, it still remained significant. Meanwhile, regional labour force migration and movement from other state capital cities was contributing more to the population inflow in southern, western and some northern areas of New South Wales. An analysis of economic correlates of outmigration and more recent sample survey data suggests that while economic factors have been significant in the outmigration, environmental and lifestyle factors have been influential, and that some o...