Key researchers
- Dr Paul Maginn
Program Co-ordinator, Urban and Regional Planning, School of Earth and Environment - John Chandler
Associate Director, Centre for Mining, Energy and Natural Resource Law
The resources industry does not exist in isolation, but in many cases is the backbone of communities, providing social and physical infrastructure, employment and opportunity.
Climate change, water resources and community expectations are putting pressure on the fabric of regions. UWA is investing in research to understand and respond to this complex emerging new landscape so that communities become both liveable and sustainable for the long term.
New regionalism research
In the last decade ‘new regionalism’ has become a popular regional development policy in Australia – but until now, little research has been done to understand how it contributes to local economic growth.
The Institute for Regional Development is researching this concept by providing a direct comparison with international data, and offering unique insights into the dynamics of local economies. By understanding the development strategies underpinning economically sustainable businesses, localities and regions, more productive and prosperous regional and local economies will follow.
Resourcing the community benefit sector and social investors, the Centre for Social Impact is part of the University and the UWA Business School's commitment to strengthen the civil society through helping build the capacity of the community benefit sector.
Not-for-profit organisations and social enterprises face unique leadership and management challenges. They need to maintain strong relationships with diverse stakeholders, create ongoing partnerships with businesses committed to corporate responsibility, to transform philanthropy into social investment.
The Centre for the Built Environment and Health will strengthen more than a decade of research at UWA examining the impact of the urban environment on the health and behaviour of adults. It will add new programs of work with children and older adults.
In just under 50 years, Australia’s population is expected to increase to 35.5 million, and Perth’s population to grow by 120 per cent. If we want neighbourhoods that promote our physical health and reduce our reliance on cars, that encourage social connectedness, and that cater for the changing health and wellbeing needs of individuals as they age, then we must re-examine issues of urban density and the way we plan and build our cities.
In some instances in Western Australia, mining companies are a principal underwriter of social infrastructure in communities. This presents special challenges as communities can be transformed by changes in the economic and commodities cycles. Building community capacity and resilience, as well as having the tools to measure social impact and the outcome of social investment, are important requirements.
University information
CRICOS Code: 00126G
