Could self-driving cars & other innovations end the tyranny of distance in regional Australia? episode artwork

EPISODE · May 25, 2026 · 54 MIN

Could self-driving cars & other innovations end the tyranny of distance in regional Australia?

from Big Ideas · host Australian Broadcasting Corporation

Communities that once built their future around coal and agriculture are asking: what do we become next? Regional Australia usually gets left behind when industries change and young people leave. But it's also — quietly, persistently — reinventing itself. Remote work is reshaping where jobs can be done. AI and digital innovation are opening new doors.Presented at the SEGRA National Regional and Economic Development Summit in Lithgow, New South Wales, in partnership with the City of Lithgow and their Lithgow Emerging Economy Project (LEEP)SpeakersJackie SchirmerDirector of Environmental Governance, University of Canberra. Founded the Regional Wellbeing Survey in 2013Dr Jess JenningsRegional and Rural Consultant and former mayor of Bathurst regional councilBjorn JarvisHead of Workforce Futures Program at Jobs and Skills AustraliaAshley Bland (host)Chair of the SEGRA Foundation Board; Associate Partner and Business Development Manager for Green Homes InternationalFurther informationRegional Wellbeing Survey

Episode metadata supplied by the publisher feed · Published May 25, 2026

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Could self-driving cars & other innovations end the tyranny of distance in regional Australia?

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