Outback (region)


The Outback Region is one of seven regions used by the Local Government Association of South Australia to describe the territories used by its regional groupings of local government areas.

Geography

It is by far the largest region, with very nearly 80 percent of the land area of South Australia, but less than one percent of its population, making it simultaneously by far the least populated and the least densely populated of all seven regions. The region encompasses all areas north and west of the more densely populated southeastern part of the state, all the way to its northern border with the Northern Territory and to its western border with Western Australia. It also borders with Queensland in the northeast, and with New South Wales in the east.
The Outback Region has a population of 12,496. In total, there are some 60 settlements and communities, including aboriginal communities.
Four of the five aboriginal councils of South Australia fall within the boundaries of the Outback Region. They are listed with the Local Government Areas below. Only Gerard falls within Murray Mallee region, which is southeast of the Outback Region.

Largest towns

The largest towns of the Outback Region, with their 2006 census population figures which account for more than 70 percent of the Outback Region's population:
TownTypePopulation
foundedLocal Government Area
Roxby Downsmining town40551988Roxby Downs
Coober Pedyopal mining town19161915Coober Pedy
Leigh Creekcoal mining town5481888Outback Areas Community Development Trust
Andamookaopal mining town5281920sOutback Areas Community Development Trust
Indulkanaaboriginal community339 Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara
Pukatja aboriginal community3321938Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara
Amataaboriginal community3191961Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara
Mimiliaboriginal community3031972Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara
Woomeramilitary facility2951947Outback Areas Community Development Trust
Oodnadattacattle station2771890Outback Areas Community Development Trust

Local government areas

On the local government level, the Outback Region is composed of seven units, with a wide range in area from 76 to 624,339 km²: