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

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.