ILWS - Institute of Land, Water and Society

Economics and Regional Development

Led by Prof Mark Morrison

The Economic and Regional Development (ERD) group consists of researchers within Charles Sturt University that focus on achieving sustainable communities. The ERD group was established in 2006 and has 13 members and 27 associate members. Members are based on the Albury, Bathurst , Orange and Wagga Wagga campuses.

Researchers within ERD conduct research on environmental economics, agricultural economics, and regional and international development.

Grant bodies supporting research undertaken by ERD members include Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR), Australian Research Council (ARC), CSIRO, Land and Water Australia (LWA), Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC), US Environmental Protection Agency and the US Forestry Service.

The vision of the ERD group is to conduct research that will assist in developing viable and healthy economies for regional communities that improve environmental quality.

The ERD group seeks to:

• Provide information and develop innovative tools to improve decisions for sustainable resource management
• Conduct research that will provide understanding of the problems facing regional businesses that will improve their competitiveness
• Form partnerships with government and other agencies
• Disseminate research results through publications, workshops and conferences
• Encourage involvement in multi-disciplinary research

Key Research Strengths

Environmental and Agricultural Economics

• Agribusiness Research
• Benefit­cost analysis
• Climate change modelling
• Demand management of electricity and water
• Environmental marketing
• Market based instruments
• Non­market valuation
• Technology adoption

Regional and International Development

• Agricultural cooperatives
• Aging and social services
• Ethnic entrepreneurship
• Impacts of international and domestic markets on regional development
• Industry networks
• Input­output modelling
• Regional migration
• Skill development and labour markets
• Telecommunications

Examples of Completed Research Projects

Understanding landholder constraints to the uptake of market-based instruments and incentives, funded by Land and Water Australia , Northern Rivers CMA, Central West CMA.
This project involved researchers from ERD, Queensland Department of Natural Resources and Water, and CSIRO. Participation in Market­based instruments (MBIs) and other incentive programs is often low. Using four case study areas in NSW and Queensland , this project identified:

• Landholders most likely to participate in MBIs and incentives
• The attributes of MBIs and incentives that will encourage participation
• How preferences for these attributes change across farmer segments
• The most effective mix of MBIs and incentives for different sub­catchments
• Appropriate communication strategies to maximize participation
• Outcomes:
  Working Paper 1 - Understanding land manager constraints
  Working Paper 2 - Participation in MBI and Incentives
  Working Paper 3 - MBI: Expert Interviews

Contact: Prof. Mark Morrison ( mmorrison@csu.edu.au )

Examples of Current Research Projects

Project 1: An Analysis of the Regional Nursing Labour Market in Australia
The project involves researchers from ERD, and the School of Nursing , Charles Sturt University . The purpose of this project is to provide understanding of the reason for shortages within different areas of nursing in regional areas, including hospital and aged care services. The case study area is the Central West region, and research partners include Orange Base Hospital , and St. Vincent Health Services ( Bathurst ). The project will involve investigation of why there are shortages in different areas of nursing. The specific focus will be on how work related issues (leg timing of shifts, job descriptions, total work load, supervision) are causing nurses to leave this market. The effects of these shortages on the provision of medical services are also examined.

Contact: Dr PK Basu ( pbasu@csu.edu.au )

Project 2: The Economic and Social Implications of Ageing in Central West New South Wales.
Rural and regional populations are some of the most rapidly ageing populations in Australia. The economic and social implications of this for maintaining sustainable rural and regional communities are yet to be clearly identified and understood. In the short term, this project will plot the network of public and private infrastructure and services supporting an ageing population in the regional city of Bathurst and its surrounding rural villages. In the longer term, in partnership with local government, state regional development and community groups, it will aim to assist in the development of the aged care industry in the Bathurst-Orange region.

• Research in Progress Summary (PDF)

Contact: Dr Jenny Sappey ( jsappey@csu.edu.au )

Project 3: Cosmopolitan Heritage in a Multicultural Society: Ethnic Communities and the Built Environment in Australian Cities and Towns.
The project is funded through ARC Linkage Grant and involves researchers from Charles Sturt University and University of Technology , Sydney . Industry partners include National Trust of NSW, The National Trust of Australia (WA), Department of Premiers and Cabinet, QLD, and National Trust of South Australia. This project investigates the historical and contemporary contribution of ethnic communities to the built environment of Australian cities and towns in urban and regional areas. The impact of minority ethnic communities on the built environment has largely been ignored in the Australian immigration debate. The research seeks to undertake:

• Provide a stock take of ethnic heritages insight into social aspects of the built environment
• Provide understanding of how ethnic heritage relates to community relations
• Investigate ethnic precincts and the links between ethnic heritage and increased tourism

Contact: Dr Branka Krivokapic­Skoko ( bkrivokapic@csu.edu.au )

Project 4: Bridging the gap between seasonal climate forecasts and decision makers in agriculture.
This project involves researchers from Charles Sturt University , NSW Department of Primary Industries, and from various government organisations and universities in the Philippines. Seasonal climate forecasts are made prior to the start of an agricultural season. These forecasts about rainfall and temperature are provided to farmers to help in their crop management decisions. Using case studies in both the Philippines and Australia , the project has two aims. The first is to assess the value of seasonal climate forecasting to farmers. The second is to identify ways of making seasonal climate forecasting more valuable for farmers.

Contact: Prof. Kevin Parton ( kparton@csu.edu.au )

Members, Publication List and Projects

• Members
• Projects
• Publications

Partner Organisations

Partner organisations of ERD include the Western Research Institute, NSW Department of Primary Industries and CSIRO Land and Water.

Contacts

Professor Mark Morrison
Ph 02 6338 4253
Email mmorrison@csu.edu.au

Professor Eddie Oczkowski
Ph 02 6933 2377
Email eoczkowski@csu.edu.au