4.
Resilient rural areas and communities
The southern rural area needs to cope with dispersed communities, limited local jobs and services in many locations, and ongoing changes such as the impacts of climate change.
Rural resilience is important for communities and businesses to survive, adapt, and grow even when faced with stresses and shocks. Stresses may develop over time with gradually increasing impacts on communities such as national or global economy changes, supply shortages or degrading environment. Shocks may be sudden with large impacts such as natural disasters, accidents, or sudden disruptions in services or products.
Rural community resilience includes:
- Economy / employment - access to resources and jobs / a diverse rural economy
- Social connectedness – including family and community networks or community events
- Community infrastructure - access to community services and facilities
- Knowledge, skills, and awareness – including emergency preparedness and community safety
- Housing - safe, diverse, and healthy housing.
3. Considering the areas of resilience outlined above, how resilient do you think your local community is?
