The Socio-economic Impacts of Long Distance Commuting (LDC) on Source Communities

This research project examines the socio-economic implications of long distant commute (LDC) workforce arrangements in the resources sector for two source or resident localities, and communities in regional Australia (as distinct from the host communities where mines operate). They are distant from mining operations, but now home to significant or growing LDC population cohorts. Focusing on these two Western Australian case study sites, Mandurah in the Peel region, and Busselton in the South West region, the project has employed a multi-method, iterative approach to identify and document the size and distribution of the LDC cohort in each case study area, and the associated diverse but interrelated effects and issues. Between late 2012 and early 2013 the researchers conducted desktop research, analysis of existing publicly available data sets, semi-structured interviews and focus groups with service providers and LDC participants, and an on-line survey again targeting LDC workers and spouse.