Beyond the Conventional Wisdom: Rural Development as If Australia's Rural People and Communities Really Mattered.

Examines the context of rural communities in Australia and the extent to which inaccurate stereotypes about rurality have misshaped public policy and programs. Advocates developing a rural development plan that capitalizes on the unique attributes of rural Australia and focuses on rural empowerment, environmental concerns, entrepreneurship, and relevant rural education. Contains 90 references. (LP)