The Regional Australian Institute, which says it produced the report to challenge Australians on the way they think about non-metropolitan areas, also lists Corangamite Shire as a heartland region.

“For too long, regional Australia has been viewed and governed using a one-size-fits-all attitude and approach,” said RAI chief executive Su McCluskey.

“A greater recognition in public discussion of these different types of regions is important in the future.

“There is also potential to put better policies in place for regional Australia if we understand the range of future options for these type of places and respond with initiatives to suit. The report says the future of industry and services hubs such as Warrnambool and Mount Gambier is linked to the fortunes of key local industries and their ability to competitively service these industry needs.

“As much as the keystone industry is of fundamental importance, it is not the case that their fate is out of their hands,” the institute says. 

“Industry and service hubs are some of Australia’s oldest towns.”

The institute says heartland regions such as Corangamite Shire will remain an important part of regional Australia for as long as primary industry remains an important part of the wider economy. It also says the future prosperity of heartland regions depends on the  ingenuity and creativity of local leaders.