An analysis of the process of rural change in response to economic, environmental, and social aspects: a case study of Moree, NSW
thesis
posted on 2025-07-16, 06:41 authored by Mahtab Saeidi Manesh<p dir="ltr">Since the 1980s, Australia's regional policy has been shaped by neoliberal ideology, prioritising market forces over government intervention. The negative consequences of this approach led to adjustments in regional development policy. Rural communities in Australia are now facing significant challenges due to a multitude of factors, including climate change, economic shifts, and demographic changes. These factors contribute to rural change, characterised by transformations in landscapes, economies, and communities. Thus, the question to be asked is how these changes unequally affect the well-being of rural communities and the natural environment. The impacts of rural change on the well-being of rural communities and the natural environment are of critical importance, yet there is a lack of research in this area. Therefore, this research was intended to address this gap by conducting a case study in Moree, a rural town in northeast New South Wales, Australia, examining the motivations, outcomes, and implications of rural change through a mixed-methods approach that includes semi-structured interviews and GIS mapping. The qualitative and quantitative data were analysed through a political ecology lens to understand the lived experiences and complexities of rural change and its uneven effects on the well-being of individuals and the environment. The study highlights that rural change includes a range of social, economic, and environmental dimensions, and is intended to shed light on the interconnectedness of these factors. It indicates that rural change is a complex process that unequally impacts vulnerable populations, emphasises the influence of neoliberal ideology and climate change, identifies challenges in water availability and social dynamics, and advocates for sustainable, socially just regional policies that prioritise the well-being of local inhabitants and the environment.</p>
