CQU launches unique research centre to study regional economies

The new centre will study supply chains and industries in regional Australia.

L-R: CQUniversity Vice-Chancellor & President Professor Nick Klomp, Member for Capricornia, the Hon. Michelle Landry MP, Minister for Regionalisation, Regional Communications and Regional Education, Senator the Honourable Bridget McKenzie & CRESC Director Professor Delwar Akbar PHOTO: Contributed

A unique research centre studying the economics of regional Australia has been officially opened at CQUniversity’s main campus in Rockhampton.

Centre for Regional Economies and Supply Chains (CRESC) is a new centre that will be focused on studying economic systems outside of metropolitan areas and aims to boost the prosperity of regional communities.

Although the centre was officially opened on July 15, the program has been operating for several months and its researchers have portfolios stretching back many years.

The new centre’s director Professor Delwar Akbar said CRESC had already secured more than six projects.

He said they had the benefit of the power of place, with researchers based in Bundaberg, Mackay, Townsville and Cairns as well.

Some of the topics that will be studied include productivity, supply and quality of life.

Specific projects currently underway include a Situational Analysis of the horticulture sector across Northern Australia, consumers’ preferences and willingness-to-pay for improved environmental standards of agricultural produce in the Great Barrier Reef region, and a review of voluntary carbon standards for farmers.

“We have combined the expertise of our leading researchers in issues focused on the development and enhancement of economic systems, the tourism industry and supply and value chains as these are very vital to regional and rural communities,” Prof Akbar said.

CQU vice-chancellor Nick Klomp speaking at the launch of CRESC. PHOTO: Lachlan Berlin

CQUni Vice-Chancellor Nick Klomp said the challenges facing regional Australia were thin markets, workforce and skills, logistics and delivery of services, and location of markets.

“Researchers from the centre will do this by working with a broad range of stakeholders including industry leaders, business owners, state and local governments, and community organisations to generate an understanding of the issues and challenges affecting regional Australia,” he said.

“In particular, the centre will place a concentrated focus on the continued growth and prosperity of Northern Australia.”

Senator Bridget McKenzie speaking at the launch of CRESC. PHOTO: Lachlan Berlin

The Federal Government’s new Minister for Regionalisation, Regional Communications and Regional Education Bridget McKenzie attended the opening ceremony in Rockhampton, joined by local Capricornia MP Michelle Landry.

Senator McKenzie said the unique research centre would have 15 researchers collaborating across the world.

She said the challenges of regional communities were not limited to Australia, but were global.

“Anyone who doesn’t want to sign up to that doesn’t understand how important regional Australia is to our nation,” she said.

According to Senator McKenzie, funding for services such as schools and hospitals wouldn’t be possible without regional industries.

Ms Landry, now Assistant Minister for Regional Tourism, said there was a tourism element involved in regional Australia’s economic situation, and stakeholders had told her that they worried how they would get through the challenges.

“There was significant investment in research funding in the 2020–21 Budget, including an additional $1 billion injection to the Research Support Program to help universities address financial pressures faced due to COVID-19,” she said.

She said people in Central Queensland were lucky because it was easier for people to drive there, compared to more distant places like Cairns and Darwin.

“I’m looking forward to working with out sectors right across Australia to see how we can move forward with that area in particular,” she said.