The governance of mining regions in Australia (2000–2012).

This article explores forms of public administration and public policy associated with the governance of mining regions in Australia, many of which experienced unprecedented levels of resource-based development during the country's most recent mining boom. Drawing on data from a two-year investigation into the governance challenges associated with the resources boom, the authors document the different approaches adopted by State government authorities to deliver public infrastructure and services to mining-affected regions. This paper introduces a typology that classifies State government action by the extent to which it enables, influences, or harnesses private sector action to deliver public services. Analysis reveals that a range of environmental variables affect the prevailing governance model. Adopting a contingency approach, it is argued that governance arrangements should be viewed as dynamic, with State governments engaging in different approaches to policy implementation in response to location-specific environmental factors. • Individual state governments respond differently to demands for infrastructure and services in mining communities. • State government approaches are categorized according to whether they enable, influence, or harness private sector action to deliver public services. • Western Australia, Queensland and South Australia during the mining boom are characterised as enabling state, influencing state or minimal state. • The paths followed by each state were contingent on critical external influences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]