In celebration of SEGRA’s (Sustainable Economic Growth for Regional Australia) 20th anniversary, Rural Society is pleased to provide readers with this special edition that showcases research presented at the SEGRA National Conference held 25–28 October 2016 in Albany and the Great Southern region of Western Australia. Focused upon building “naturally stronger regions for regional Australia”, this conference explored factors enabling regions to transform natural assets while growing, maintaining and retaining local values around the environment and lifestyles. With SEGRA’s mission, “to explore the key issues affecting regional, rural and remote Australia and be part of providing positive sustainable outcomes to ensure future prosperity” (http://2016.segra.com.au/about/index.html) and Rural Society publishing “social research of interest and relating to rural communities and societies” (http://www.tandfonline.com/action/journalInformation?show=aimsScope&journalCode=rrso20) that explores social problems for the purpose of building sustainable communities, this edition features five topics critical to rural and regional Australia’s sustainable future.
First, the topic of biodiversity conservation on private land at rural–urban nexuses is explored in the first manuscript by Associate Professor Rosemary Black and Dr. Luisa Perez-Mujica of Charles Sturt University and Dr. Shelby Laird of Stephen F Austin State University, Texas in the United States. Drawing upon survey findings of residents’ attitudes, knowledge and behaviours, the research offers practical insights local government and conservation organisations may utilise to increase biodiversity strategies and conservation actions in regional and rural communities.
Second, the hot topic of renewable energy experiences in Queensland and South Australia is examined by using multiple data sources by Dr. Breda McCarthy and Professor Lynne Eagle of James Cook University in Queensland. Taking a “complex systems” approach, the authors critically review the vastly different experiences of these two Australian states’ experiences with, and approaches towards, energy provision, deducing that greater collaboration is required, along with addressing energy security concerns, to minimise conflict and enhance future energy transitions that can deliver more sustainable alternatives.
Third, we learn how Australia’s experience with community food hubs compares with international models as Dr. Nicholas Rose from the William Angliss Institute in Melbourne presents a critical literature review and case study arguing the potential of food hubs for regional economies, producers and consumers alike. Advocating for the necessity of transitioning to more sustainable agriculture, this manuscript applies a social justice lens to our global food system, offering excellent food for thought in the process!
Fourth, we encounter the concept of “resilience”, a term that loosely links each of these five manuscripts together as all work to conceptualise and articulate how we may collectively build robust, resilient rural and regional communities. In the article penned by Professor Paul Plummer and Dr. Fiona Haslam McKenzie at the University of Western Australia, this concept is put to robust economic modelling to offer an empirically informed analysis of four Western Australian regional economies’ levels of resilience. Findings revealed the centrality of each region’s unique circumstances to shaping development outcomes, with each of the four regional economies analysed exhibiting differing outcomes and resilience. These findings may be of particular interest to policymakers as their research highlights the relevance of locality to resilience and may be of import to those considering strategic investments, strategies and decisions, economically and otherwise.
Completing this special edition, the fifth article explores the topic of long distance commuting (LDC) which has appeared recently in Rural Society general edition articles by national and international authors. In framing LDC’s importance to rural and remote economies, Drs. Fiona Haslam McKenzie and Aileen Hoath from the University of Western Australia broaden our understanding of LDC by presenting findings of its socioeconomic benefits, particularly for regional and community development. Collectively, the manuscripts in this special edition offer several examples of emerging trends and solutions to complex contemporary social issues of pertinence not only to rural and regional Australia, but, moreover, to communities worldwide which are increasingly interlinked and interdependent in our global society. I would like to extend my thanks to the authors, research participants, reviewers and organisers who made this edition possible. Rural Society looks forward to receiving future manuscripts that illustrate disciplinary, multi- and interdisciplinary research to further academic and applied insights into how we may co-create socially, environmentally and economically sustainable solutions to build thriving rural societies and communities for all.