The economy of regional Australia is worth almost $600 billion. If treated as a separate country, regional Australia would be in the top 30 global economies and the 6th largest by land area.

Communities across regional Australia are diverse. Some communities are thriving while other communities are in slow decline. Current challenges facing regional communities include climate change, an ageing population, skills shortage, government service provision and access to markets.

State Governments are working to make the regions more attractive and there is an increasing focus on growing regional Australia from the Commonwealth, including a series of city and regional deals.

At this event SGS National Leader for Economic and Social Analysis Terry Rawnsley, presented key research insights​ followed by a panel discussion.

Panellists for this event included:

• SGS National Leader for Economic and Social Analysis, Terry Rawnsley
• SGS Principal and Partner, Andrew McDougall
• SGS Associate, Marcia Keegan
• Professor of Design and Built Environment at University of Canberra, Barbara Norman

SGS Non-Executive Director and Chairperson, Elizabeth Crouch moderated the panel discussion.