SENATOR THE HON BRIDGET MCKENZIE
MINISTER FOR EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AND NATIONAL RECOVERY AND RESILIENCE, MINISTER FOR REGIONALISATION,
REGIONAL COMMUNICATION AND REGIONAL EDUCATION
THE HON MICHELLE LANDRY MP
FEDERAL MEMBER FOR CAPRICORNIA
ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES
ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR REGIONAL TOURISM
JOINT MEDIA RELEASE
Research on issues vital to regional and rural areas including local economies, tourism development, and supply and value chains will be boosted thanks to a new facility based at Central Queensland University.
Speaking at the launch of the Centre for Regional Economies and Supply Chains (CRESC), Minister for Regionalisation, Regional Communications and Regional Education Senator the Hon Bridget McKenzie said improving research links between universities and industry would be key to strengthening regional economies and boosting national prosperity.
“This centre will help tourism businesses in Northern Australia, including the Great Barrier Reef region, to balance the desire for regional development with protecting our natural resources,” Minister McKenzie said.
“The research outcomes the centre will generate will help us gain a better understanding of agri-food supply chains to ensure we stay resilient and optimise the distribution of products such as meat and seafood.
“It will also encourage entrepreneurial thinking in regional communities, business and industries to improve tourism development and sustainability.
The Federal Member for Capricornia Michelle Landry said “As Assistant Minister for Regional Tourism I commend CQ University for once again leading the way in innovative research. As an educational institution the courses and research it offers are truly unique and tailored to the needs of Regional Australia.”
“The Liberals National Government is committed to supporting Australia’s high-quality research system so that we keep producing world-class research.
“Australian universities play a critical role in ensuring our excellence in research is being harnessed to build jobs and innovation to drive our economy forward.
“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.” More information about the CRESC can be found at: www.cqu.edu.au/research/organisations/centre-for-regional-economies-and-supply-chains-cresc
