Board members of the Institute of Sustainable Regional Development (ISRD) assembled at CQU Gladstone campus on Friday May 7 to meet with staff and to communicate the role of the ISRD within CQU and the community.

The ISRD draws from the resources and knowledge of a number of organisations to encourage innovative research and teaching programs, and strong community engagement, to provide new options for the creation of a sustainable regional Australia. ISRD Executive Director Professor Bob Miles said the meeting was held in Gladstone to give ISRD members and CQU Gladstone staff the opportunity to meet the Board and to welcome Associate Professor Bob Prater to the ISRD.

Associate Professor Prater was appointed as the first regional Head of Campus representative on the Board for the 2004 calendar year. “This appointment is made on a 12 month rotational basis to ensure all campuses have up-to-date information and access to opportunities relating to the activities and operations of the ISRD,” Professor Miles said.

Associate Professor Prater said he was keen to represent his colleagues at the Bundaberg, Emerald and Mackay campuses.

“The ISRD is an important arm of the University and it is for this reason that we have worked together to establish an ISRD office at the Gladstone campus,” Associate Professor Prater said.

While in Gladstone, Board members had the opportunity to meet with industry representatives and tour local industry sites. The ISRD goals include the production of knowledge via research, and the provision of training and information regarding sustainable regional development.