CQU economist recognised with Order of Australia for regional impact

By Priscilla Roberts

CQUniversity economist Professor John Rolfe has been awarded a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the recent Australia Day Honours, recognising his significant service to regional economic development as an economist and author.

A long-serving academic at CQUniversity Australia and a Central Queensland local, Professor Rolfe has spent decades helping shape policy and decision-making across regional Queensland and Australia, with a particular focus on balancing economic growth with environmental and social outcomes.

Professor Rolfe said the recognition reflected the collective effort of the many people he has worked alongside throughout his career.

“It’s wonderful to be recognised,” Professor Rolfe said. 

“I work with lots of very committed and talented people across different areas of my professional life, so to be selected out of that group is very special.”

Professor Rolfe’s connection to regional economics spans four decades, beginning with his Honours research on the meat processing sector in regional Queensland in 1986.

Following 20 years as a beef producer in Central Queensland, he has worked full-time in regional economic development for the past 25 years.

His work has consistently focused on addressing the complex trade-offs facing regional communities.

“My driving interest has been to work out how to balance economic growth in regional areas against limiting factors such as environmental and social constraints,” he said.

“That’s meant working closely with the resources and agricultural sectors, regional communities, and more recently, the intersections with the Great Barrier Reef and water quality from its catchments.”

Through his research and advisory roles, Professor Rolfe has helped policy makers and stakeholders better understand both the impacts of development and the opportunities for shared benefits.

“My key skill has been putting values on things like environmental protection, recreation and social outcomes,” he said.

“That makes it easier to properly account for them when making decisions about regional futures and to identify win-win solutions.”

Among his proudest achievements, Professor Rolfe points to co-editing an international handbook on environmental valuation, his role as Chair of the Independent Science Panel for the Great Barrier Reef supporting the Reef 2050 Plan, and his personal commitment to sustainable practice.

“My wife and I run a cattle property outside Rockhampton, where we’re implementing regenerative agricultural practices,” he said.

“It’s about finding practical, on-the-ground solutions that benefit both the environment and production.”

CQUniversity Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Nick Klomp said the award was a fitting recognition of Professor Rolfe’s contribution.

“This honour recognises John’s enduring contribution to regional Australia and the real-world impact of his research,” Professor Klomp said.

“He is a stalwart of the University, and we are extremely proud of the leadership, insight and service he continues to provide to regional communities, sustainable industries and evidence-based policy development.”