What do you think Central Queensland would be like if it didn't have its own university? 

That's the question a panel of local experts will try to answer at tomorrow night's Universities Australia forum, hosted at CQUniversity Rockhampton.

The forum is to be moderated by ABC's Lateline host Emma Alberici, and has so far attracted more than 150 registered participants.

CQUniversity Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Scott Bowman said the opportunity to host the forum is a huge coup for the University, being one of only four universities in the country to host a Universities Australia public forum.

"Hosting this forum allows us to involve the many communities CQUniversity encompasses in a central discussion about what our university is doing and where it is heading" said Professor Bowman.

"Events like these are pivotal in the journey to becoming Australia's most engaged university, and we firmly believe that the current strength of a regional university such is ours justifies CQUniversity hosting this forum".

Vice-Chancellor Professor Scott Bowman and Universities Australia forum panelists, including member for Capricornia Kirsten Livermore MP and CEO Capricorn Enterprise Mary Carroll will be available for photos and interviews on Wednesday 4 July between 9.30am and 10.00am at CQUniversity Rockhampton, Building 32, Room G.18.

The forum will include a panel of local experts in industry, business, Indigenous affairs, academia, government and regional communities.

Rockhampton panelist and Chief Executive Officer of Capricorn Enterprise Mary Carroll said the forum is a valuable tool in assessing the link between regional universities and the communities they serve.

"CQUniversity is a key organisation in the Capricorn area, with the location and function of its regional campuses closely aligning it with economic strategy and sustainability in those areas" she said.

"This forum will provide us with a snapshot of the issues most important to the CQUniversity community, and industry partners such as myself will be able to identify opportunities from hearing public opinion first-hand." 

As well as a live panel in Rockhampton, panelists will also be connecting to Rockhampton from Mackay and Bundaberg campuses via video link.

Rockhampton panelists include CQUniversity Vice-Chancellor Professor Scott Bowman, Chief Executive Officer of Capricorn Enterprise Mary Carroll, Head of local firm Brown Consulting (formerly Graham Scott and Associates) and CQUniversity Graduate Graham Scott, Member for Capricornia Kirsten Livermore MP, and Chief Executive Officer of Darumbal Community Youth Services Margaret Hornagold.

Connecting via video link from Mackay will be Pro Vice-Chancellor (Community and Engagement) and Head of Campus, Mackay Professor Pierre Viljoen and from Bundaberg will be Phil Ainsworth, Chair of the Bundaberg Community Engagement Committee and co-founder of Jabiru Aircraft Pty Ltd.

Joining Mr. Ainsworth at Bundaberg will be CQUniversity Professor of Horticultural Science Phil Brown.

Places are still available for those wishing to attend, and RSVPs can be directed to events@cqu.edu.au.

For more information or for those unable to attend, visit www.cqu.edu.au/uaforum to submit questions and to view the live video webcast.

Questions can also be submitted while watching the webcast via SMS on 0419 392 303 or on Twitter using the #UAForum hashtag.