Abstract
Globally, many well-located towns with high amenity value and attractive locations are experiencing external demands which impact them– such as those emanating from urban areas for lifestyle, rural idyll, tourism retirement and niche production opportunities. These are the outcome of globalisation, interconnection and mobile wealth, which have dramatically affected how many small towns are transforming. Consequently, small towns have to respond creatively to the challenges they face in light of these global processes. This research uses a mixed-methods approach to investigate the cause, consequences, and benefits of such changes in the Cromwell Basin, including the implementation of various externally funded major development projects. In particular, this study seeks to either confirm or deny the relevance of the international and domestic literature surrounding the reasons behind the small-town decline or growth. The study also aims to establish the current situation of rapid growth within the Cromwell Basin and identify potential recommendations for governing agencies.
The Cromwell Basin was chosen as a case study as it provided a balance between multifunctional land-use change and the influence of major development projects on small-town growth. This research found that the Cromwell Basin has undergone a profound change in the last forty years since the construction of the Clyde Dam influenced land-use and the diversification of pastoral land. The diversification of contemporary land use has been directly linked with the historical use of the land. However, the findings suggest that many additional factors have also influenced the land use and development that the Cromwell Basin has been experiencing.
These findings suggest that the Cromwell Basin has the characteristics of a multifunctional environment. From a planning perspective, this presents several challenges and opportunities for the future. The research found that the planning approach is often reactionary and does not keep up with the extensive growth. Four recommendations are presented that guide the territorial authority and local community to assist in better planning outcomes into the future.