Improving our understanding of the effects of low carbon policies on the Australian economy and regions. Climate change mitigation policies at a national, and also at rural and regional level, is being demanded. Accurate, unbiased, and open debate with clear assumptions is critical. Greater student interest and expertise in the analytical skills is vital. More than one national model must be used and new models must incorporate more detailed data, especially on the interaction between the econo ....Improving our understanding of the effects of low carbon policies on the Australian economy and regions. Climate change mitigation policies at a national, and also at rural and regional level, is being demanded. Accurate, unbiased, and open debate with clear assumptions is critical. Greater student interest and expertise in the analytical skills is vital. More than one national model must be used and new models must incorporate more detailed data, especially on the interaction between the economy and the environment. Unfortunately, Australia has fallen behind other developed countries in building this capacity.Read moreRead less
Water and Energy profiles for Sydney: Towards Sustainability. The critical problem of urban sustainability is addressed in collaboration with NSW Landcom. The sustainability problem in Australian cities arises largely because urban management systems have failed to account for the effects of the built environment on water and energy consumption patterns. Cities such as Sydney, and its western regions, require urgent attention due to huge foreseen urban growth and development. By examining the ne ....Water and Energy profiles for Sydney: Towards Sustainability. The critical problem of urban sustainability is addressed in collaboration with NSW Landcom. The sustainability problem in Australian cities arises largely because urban management systems have failed to account for the effects of the built environment on water and energy consumption patterns. Cities such as Sydney, and its western regions, require urgent attention due to huge foreseen urban growth and development. By examining the nexus between built environment composition, socio-economic factors and ecological 'load' new insights to this important matter are gained. Results will provide new strategies and models for urban management systems that will enhance environmental efficiency and effectiveness. Read moreRead less
Improving the contribution of protected areas to quality of life in rural and regional communities. This research addresses the fundamental question of how local communities value the contribution of natural and cultural heritage, in particular in Protected Areas, to their wellbeing, and how these 'community' values differ from those of protected area managers and policy makers. It examines the role of nature based tourism as a vehicle for improving quality of life in rural communities, and how ....Improving the contribution of protected areas to quality of life in rural and regional communities. This research addresses the fundamental question of how local communities value the contribution of natural and cultural heritage, in particular in Protected Areas, to their wellbeing, and how these 'community' values differ from those of protected area managers and policy makers. It examines the role of nature based tourism as a vehicle for improving quality of life in rural communities, and how regional development strategies can be enhanced through the contributions of Protected Areas.Read moreRead less