Our research with and for industry and community
CBLG is committed to conducting research that is not only relevant but also impactful. Some of our research projects are cross-disciplinary in nature and have a strong applied focus, often involving collaboration with researchers from various disciplines outside CBLG. We emphasize co-designing and co-producing research projects with stakeholders from different sectors in Northern Queensland, the Tropics, and beyond.
Our researchers assume prominent roles in providing guidance to government agencies, corporations, and nonprofit organisations regarding business and economic transformations, law reform, and policy matters. They serve as intellectual leaders, shaping the direction of transformation and reform across key sectors that hold particular significance in Northern Queensland, the Tropics, and beyond. Through our collaborative efforts and expertise, we strive to make a positive difference in society and contribute to the betterment of the regions we serve.
Our research connections with practice encompass a diverse range of featured sectors, which we have carefully selected. It is important to note that this list is by no means exhaustive, as our engagements extend beyond these sectors.
CBLG’s research in the Tourism, Leisure, Hospitality & Events sectors
CBLG has international recognition for the research it produces in this area. With a key focus on sustainable tourism, CBLG has been highly ranked globally, in for example, The Shanghai Global Ranking of Academic Subjects and the QS Subject Rankings.
Research Lead: A/Professor Denis Tolkach
Example 1: Cultural Tourism Recovery post COVID-19 in Southeast Asia
Problem:
Cultural tourism is a major income stream for regional communities in Australia and in ASEAN countries. These communities have been severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, as international and domestic tourism has been disrupted. Local governments, small businesses and community organisations often lack access to knowledge and support opportunities to overcome crises and advance economic and community development.
The Solution:
A hybrid workshop series were conducted in Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia and Philippines, bringing together government, business, academia and community organisations involved in cultural tourism in regional areas. Funding was provided by Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Australia-ASEAN Council. The workshop series engaged over 700 individuals. Besides capacity building during the workshops, the project generated a wealth of educational resources.
Recorded workshops (Dr Denis Tolkach) are available to public on YouTube.
CBLG’s research in the Health Care & Services sectors
CBLG’s research is used by a variety of stakeholders in various health services sectors. Illustrative projects include human resource management and remote workforce management practices, and business model innovation projects for regional health service providers. Amongst the many research collaborations, CBLG researchers have worked with, for example, the Menzies School of Health Research, WA Country Health Services and Queensland Health’s Remote Mental Health Team.
Research Lead: Professor Zhanming
Example 1: National collaborative health commissioning training program
The Policy Problem:
Health commissioning across Australia’s Primary Health Networks (PHNs) has become increasingly complex, requiring capabilities in needs assessment, service design, contracting, and evaluation. However, capability development in commissioning has been fragmented, with limited standardisation across the 31 PHNs and the Department of Health and Aged Care. This has resulted in uneven commissioning quality, inefficiencies in service delivery, and missed opportunities for system-level learning and coordination.
The Solution:
Development of a nationally coordinated training program and Community of Practice (CoP) to build commissioning capability across PHNs. Led by James Cook University in partnership with Hunter New England and Central Coast PHNs, the initiative establishes a structured, evidence-informed curriculum combined with peer learning and knowledge exchange mechanisms. The program is designed to standardise commissioning practices, enhance decision-making capabilities, and embed continuous learning across the national health commissioning system.
Output and Impact:
A national training program for health commissioning to be delivered to staff across 31 PHNs and the Department of Health and Aged Care, commencing with the first cohort in January 2026. The program establishes a sustained Community of Practice, enabling ongoing capability development, cross-network collaboration, and diffusion of best practices. Expected impacts include improved commissioning quality, greater consistency in service design and delivery, and strengthened system-wide efficiency and effectiveness.
Example 2: Building the capabilities of mid-level health service managers
The Policy Problem:
Mid-level managers in regional, rural, and remote health systems play a critical role in translating strategy into operational delivery. However, these managers often operate in conditions of professional isolation, limited leadership development opportunities, and insufficient organisational support. This constrains their ability to effectively manage staff, deliver high-quality care, and sustain workforce engagement—ultimately impacting service quality, efficiency, and staff retention in underserved regions.
The Solution:
An evidence-based capability-building project to assess, strengthen, and support the leadership and management capabilities of mid-level health service managers. The project identifies capability gaps, examines contextual barriers (e.g., isolation, resource constraints), and develops targeted strategies to enhance managerial effectiveness. Partnering with Townsville Hospital and Health Services and Northwest Hospital and Health Services, the project integrates diagnostic assessment with actionable capability development interventions tailored to regional health system needs.
Output and Impact
Delivery of a diagnostic framework and targeted capability development strategies for mid-level managers in regional health services. The project provides partner organisations with evidence-based recommendations to improve leadership support structures, reduce managerial isolation, and strengthen workforce management practices. Anticipated impacts include improved staff retention, enhanced service efficiency, and higher quality of care, contributing to more resilient and sustainable regional health systems.
CBLG’s research in the Agriculture & Aquaculture sectors
CBLG’s researchers play a significant role in advancing sustainable aqua- and agriculture practices and industries. Collaborating with the Tropical North Queensland (TNQ) Hub, we support farmers in various sectors, including sugar, beef, dairy, vegetable, citrus, and tropical fruit. Our focus is on empowering them to undergo a transformative journey towards enhanced drought resilience. Through our research, we foster sustainable practices and drive positive change in the aqua- and agriculture sectors.
Research Lead: A/Professor Rachel Hay
Example 1: Integrated water models for Australia
The Policy Problem:
The Australian government identified the multitude of integrated water models and needed a way to decide which was fit for a particular purpose and the assumptions of each.
The Economics Solution:
The technical report provides a framework and taxonomy that allowed a simple classification of integrated water models according to the objective function being maximised and the associated constraints.
Stoeckl, N., Grainger, D., Esparon, M., Farr, M., Larson, S., Kennard, M., Álvarez-Romero, J.G., Cattarino, L., Adams, V., Douglas, M. and Pressey, B., 2016. Integrated models, frameworks and decision support tools to guide management and planning in Northern Australia. James Cook University, Townsville.
CBLG’s research in the Financial Services Sectors
Our researchers work with financial institutions, and government agencies to inform policy design and industry best practice across the financial services sector.
Example 1: Australian superannuation funds disclosure index and practices
The Policy Problem:
Since the introduction of the Superannuation Guarantee in 1991, Australian working adults can choose their preferred superannuation funds. The MySuper product was introduced under Australian legislation in 2012 as a standard default option that can be compared across different superannuation funds to aid decision making for the Australian working population. The Stronger Super Reform in 2013 recommended that disclosure and communication of superannuation funds be improved to provide transparency and quality information to enhance decision making.
The Solution:
Preparation of a commissioned paper for the Australian Centre of Financial Studies to develop a disclosure index for Australian superannuation funds and disclosure practices with the MySuper product in 2016.
Four superannuation funds disclosure indexes were developed, including SuperGov Index, SuperInvest Index, SuperFee Index and SuperInfo Index. While governance information has been transparent, disclosure about fund fees and costs, and investment products used to be limited. An additional index, namely MySuperInfo, was then developed to provide access to the implementation and information disclosure of MySuper.
Cam, M-A, Awan, O. & Tan, M. (2018), Superannuation Fund Disclosure: Past, Present and Future, prepared for Australian Centre of Financial Services Commissioned Paper Series, October, Melbourne.