Small country towns deserve government support at all levels in the 21st century

The Sydney Olympic Games has given rise to a debate about our national destiny and the economic and cultural impetus given to the nation by the Games. With the inclusion of stock riders in the opening ceremony and the boisterous welcome given to the Olympic torch in country areas, it is timely to consider the place of agriculture and rural life in that destiny, and as part of any future social policy considerations.

Much has been written about the seemingly inevitable demise of the smaller country towns, yet in the past 200 years some Australian towns have periodically sprung into being, enjoyed a period of boom, and then have declined rapidly, in some cases disappearing all together.

Many of the gold rush towns in Victoria and NSW in the 19th century are examples of this phenomenon.

But the country towns that have survived since their initial settlement until today obviously provide a continuing focus for the surrounding district they serve and cannot be simply written off.

In order to survive to this point they have needed to be cohesive, supportive communities which satisfy the basic need for human beings to be connected to others in a social framework, whether large or small.

Many people choose to live in small country towns because they enjoy the feeling of knowing and being known, an element that is not always present in larger communities.

It is unreasonable to view country towns solely as economic units. These communities provide a useful and valuable alternative lifestyle to that seen in much larger communities, and their viability should not be judged on economic factors alone.

Many of these smaller towns exist as agricultural service centres. This is another reason why they should be judged as worthy of maintenance and ongoing support.

Although agriculture’s share of gross domestic product has fallen, and Australia no longer rides on the sheep’s back, agriculture remains one of our most efficient industries and our farmers are some of the world’s best. Unlike other countries, they do not receive subsidies. Farmers, like every other group in our community, require appropriate support in their professional and personal lives, and it makes economic and social sense for a

profitable and healthy farming sector to have access to nearby facilities.

Another challenge is Australia’s vast size. With settlement concentrated on the coastal fringe, careful planning is required to ensure an equitable provision of infrastructure, such as transport and communications facilities.

Access to modern information technology and communication facilities has grown in importance to become an absolute necessity of rural life. A strong, competitive communications sector (further enhanced by the complete privatisation of Telstra) should be one factor which will enable people to remain living in the country if they wish.

Part of the challenge of the information age will also be to provide computer education for all age groups if we are not to end up with an information-poor sector of the population which will be unable to access online technologies. This should ensure that all Australians will have the opportunity to participate in the information revolution.

There can be no doubt that many small country towns see the best and the brightest of their secondary students depart for life in the city, never to return. Equally, these towns feel themselves at a disadvantage when trying to attract educated professionals who may able to revitalise the town and provide much needed resources and facilities.

For graduates contemplating a move to rural Australia, there are the complexities and challenges of a lack of peer group support, cultural and professional isolation, and the problem of accommodating a dual-career family in a country town. For business contemplating a move, there is the question of small economic markets, the acquisition of skilled staff and a lack of infrastructure.

State and Federal governments have an important role to play in some of these areas, and an equally important role can be played at the local level by responsive local government and community leaders.

At the regional summit held in Canberra last November, inspiring accounts were given of rural communities which have talked together, considered their options, and forged ahead with plans to revitalise their town or area.

These initiatives should be a partnership between Federal, State and local govermnent, with additional support from local organisations and individuals. The success of community banks in Victoria is a good example of people working together to address a need and find a solution.

Small country towns need not die. Indeed, they have an important place in our future. The challenge for government is to endeavour to create the circumstances for them to remain relevant and viable in the information age.