CQU Professor and Rockhampton resident Geoffrey Lawrence is bringing his concerns about Central Queensland economic development to Brisbane, closer to politicians and lobbyists who make the decisions and write policy on rural and regional investment and land management.

As head of Central Queensland University’s Institute for Sustainable Regional Development, established in 1998, Professor Lawrence has looked closely at community-based issues, researched those issues, and derived local solutions to solve local problems.

A farewell for Geoff, to wish him every success for the future, will be held at 330pm Friday, March 22nd, on the lawn on the western side of the Chancellery Building.

Geoff steps down from his position to become the Professor of Sociology and Head of the School of Social Science at the University of Queensland, widely regarded as the most prestigious professorship in sociology in Australia.

Surrounded by plants and overlooking Rockhampton from his third floor office, Professor Lawrence says the Institute and Central Queensland University are strong and will continue to “engage” the region. “It’s what we do best. Locally-based research that’s relevant and applied to a community that’s changing.” CQU Vice Chancellor Glenice Hancock said the university takes pride in the success of Lawrence. “Geoff will now spread the learning and experience he’s acquired at CQU more broadly.” Geoff has written and edited scores of books about the social, agricultural, economical transformation of rural Australia over the last few decades. His latest, A Future for Regional Australia, criticises current federal policy, and outlines some positive initiatives for communities. “There’s no future for regional Australia unless there are policy changes at the federal level that make rural Australia productive, socially viable, and ecologically sustainable,” said Geoff. “The foundations of Australia are in need of major repair.... But we’re not seeing any investment or increased government services in the region.” Professor Lawrence intends to change that.

Starting at CQU in 1993 as the Foundation Professor of Sociology, Geoff established the Institute for Sustainable Regional Development in 1998 and directed more than 50 research projects in the region, largely supported by approximately $3 million of external funding.

“One of CQU’s greatest achievements is our close association with Fitzroy Basin Association. It has become a catalyst for helping to spur sustainable development in the region, and is a model for other catchment groups around Australia.” And while he’s leaving Rockhampton for Brisbane, Geoff will continue to focus on the Central Queensland region. “Regional Australia is missing out on the socio-economic advantages that globalisation brings Clearly, what is needed in Central Queensland is a composite or holistic understanding of the relationship between economy, society and environment. CQU and I will continue to work on sustainable development in Central Queensland.”