Recent Literature on Manufacturing in Australia

Summary

This article reviews recent literature on manufacturing in Australia, with a focus on its geographical distribution and locational factors. It notes that despite manufacturing's significance in the Australian economy (employing about 30% of the workforce in 1960), geographers have given it scant attention, partly due to limited statistical data and strict disclosure rules. The author systematically surveys various sources, including the manufacturing map in the Atlas of Australian Resources, official industry surveys, studies of individual industries, regional and town-planning reports, and discussions on locational factors such as freight costs, energy supplies, and overseas investment. The review highlights that existing studies largely describe distribution patterns without deep analysis, and points to future challenges such as workforce growth. This overview serves as a valuable research guide for geographers, revealing both research gaps and future directions in the field.