ABSTRACT
This chapter provides an overview of that framework and, in general terms, the study of property. It reflects on how, in a comparatively short period of time, real property has grown into a sophisticated and discrete discipline. The chapter provides forward some fundamental principles and structures that will assist in contemporary study and research. Rural production and rural regions have always been important in Australia, as perpetuated by notions of a ‘bush’ heritage and culture. Practically all of Australia’s major cities are located near the coast, with 90 per cent of the population residing within 80 kilometres of the ocean, mostly along the south-eastern seaboard. In Australia, company property assets typically represent a significant proportion of the total asset base. In the past, these assets, described as ‘non-current’ on balance sheets, were often seen as passive, ‘book value’ investments. In Australia, universities and Technical and Further Education institutions provide a range of property study programmes.
