Rural change in Australia: population, economy, environment

New twenty-first century economic, social and environmental changes have challenged and reshaped rural Australia.

They range from ageing populations, youth out-migration, immigration policies (that seek to place skilled migrants in rural Australia), tree changers, agricultural restructuring and new relationships with indigenous populations.

Challenges also exist around the 'patchwork economy' and the wealth that the mining boom offers some areas, while threatening regional economic decline in others.

Rural Australia is increasingly not simply a place of production of agriculture and minerals but an idea that individuals seek and are encouraged to consume.

The socio-economic implications of drought, water rights and changing farming practices, have prefaced new social, cultural and economic reforms.