Rural and remote areas in Australia are characterised by large distances and low population densities. Both these factors affect the range of health services available, and access to all levels of health care. Rural health issues differ from those in more populous areas (often affecting work-related morbidity and mortality) and the extent of illness is significantly worse than in metropolitan areas. Among rural residents the aged, women, the poor, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have been identified as being especially disadvantaged in access to health care. Rural communities throughout Australia face largely common issues: appropriate models of service delivery, recruitment and retention of health professionals, equitable access to health care and appropriate education and training for rural health workers. The National Rural Health Strategy (1996) specified five areas for work to improve rural health. These are: rural health care needs, resource allocation and service provision, rural and remote workforce issues, primary health care approach and evaluation and health outcomes. The Mount Isa Centre for Rural and Remote Health (MICRRH) has adopted a strategic and collaborative approach, involving local, state, national and international partners in order to establish a research program relevant to local needs and in keeping with national policies and priorities.


MICRRH began a process of strategic planning to develop its research program in January 2000. A strategic approach was adopted to minimise duplication of research efforts in the region; encourage collaboration between rural health researchers and organisations; and develop a program of research projects to be conducted and overseen by MICRRH. Continuing key activities involve consultation with rural health researchers and local stakeholders, development of our own research projects, fostering a local research capacity, and establishing a postgraduate research program.