The results, released last month, show that over 60 per cent of residents believe their standard of living to be of a high level. Survey participants felt the local economy was strong and there was confidence in their ability to access skills and resources.

Regional Development Australia - Orana chair John Walkom believes the results of the survey provide important insights that can be used to support existing projects, as well as new initiatives to build a vibrant and prosperous region.

"This data will be critical to informing a number of key regional projects that address some of the key challenges our region faces.

"This will include projects related to the Murray Darling-Basin Plan, the Workforce Planning and Development study and initiatives that aim to attract skilled professionals to the region.

"It's great to see that people feel good about their community and are confident about the region's future," Mr Walkom said.

The survey, which was first conducted in 2013 by the University of Canberra, examines the wellbeing in rural and regional communities, and how this is influenced by the many social, economic and

environmental changes occurring in these communities.

Across the region more than 200 residents participated in the survey, which asked participants to respond on topics such as personal health and wellbeing, the quality of their access to services, and how they felt about the social and economic wellbeing of their local areas.

The survey also examined some of the challenges farmers have faced in recent years and how they had adapted to things such as markets, finance, climate, pest, disease and policy changes.

To find out more about Regional Development Australia -Orana's existing projects visit www.rdaorana.org.au or to view the results of the Regional Wellbeing Survey visit www.canberra.edu.au