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Specialisation and Growth: Evidence from Australia's Regional Cities

Author

Listed:
  • Andrew Beer

    (Department of Geography, Flinders University, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide, South Australia, 5001, Australia, andrew.beer@flinders.edu.au)

  • Terry Clower

    (Center for Economic Development and Research, University of North Texas, 1155 Union Circle, Denton, Texas, 76203, USA, tclower@unt.edu)

Abstract

This paper draws upon the 2001 census to examine the impact of national economic reform on the growth of regional cities. The paper argues that regional cities in Australia have taken on new roles within both their region and the national economy. It argues that deregulation of the economy has contributed to the growth of some regional cities and especially those that have been able to deepen their economies. Through the use of regression analysis, the paper suggests that regional centres that have witnessed an increase in the level of specialisation within their economy have, on average, grown more quickly than other cities. The paper concludes with a discussion of the implications for our understanding of the evolution of urban systems.

Suggested Citation

  • Andrew Beer & Terry Clower, 2009. "Specialisation and Growth: Evidence from Australia's Regional Cities," Urban Studies, Urban Studies Journal Limited, vol. 46(2), pages 369-389, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:urbstu:v:46:y:2009:i:2:p:369-389
    DOI: 10.1177/0042098008099359
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. McFarlane, Jim A. & Blackwell, Boyd D. & Mounter, Stuart W. & Grant, Bligh J., 2016. "From agriculture to mining: The changing economic base of a rural economy and implications for development," Economic Analysis and Policy, Elsevier, vol. 49(C), pages 56-65.

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