ABSTRACT
This chapter considers property sectors and land uses in Australia's regional and rural areas. It attempts to define those sectors and sub-sectors and observes some of the overall characteristics, evolution and current direction of uses. The chapter aims to provide some current commentary on those activities and how they influence land use capacity and value. Rural land uses can be defined as those primary activities directly deriving income from plant cultivation and animal husbandry – that is, farming and grazing activities. A rural asset, region or community is one where the principal activities and income derived are from the land–typically in the form of cultivation, livestock and associated uses and support services. The status and future of rural towns and service centres provide an important contemporary example of these evolution processes. The concept of ‘a living area’ can assist in the understanding of individual rural enterprises within their sub-sector and market.
