Supply and Value Chains, and Blockchains

Agriculture, mining, minerals and energy supply and value chains are important for regional Australia's economy.

Understanding the structure and processes of supply chains offers stakeholders such as producers, industry associations, and the government the opportunity to identify issues and opportunities linked to the distribution network of agri-food products, logistics and transport for mining and minerals commodities, value chains ecosystems for energy production in the regional Australia.

In particular, this research cluster helps to create new knowledge, synergies and direction of food systems supply chains in relationship building, value creation, risks identification and measuring inefficiencies. Moreover, this cluster will offer in-depth research, innovation, and development in supply chain collaboration at both horizontal and vertical enterprise levels as well as across the state, national and international dimensions.

Key areas of research and activities include:

  • Agricultural, mining, minerals and energy supply and value chains
  • Resilient supply chain management
  • Global value chain design and optimisation
  • Transport, freight,  logistics and procurement services
  • Blockchains, AI, traceability and transparency
  • Supply chain policy development

Key capabilities include:

  • Supply chain mapping and collaboration modelling
  • Supply chains input and output models
  • Agri-food value chain analysis
  • Transport, logistics, procurement and service optimization analysis
  • Decision support system development

Research Cluster Leads

The Supply, Value Chains and Blockchains cluster is organised into three themes, each led by a dedicated theme leader. 

Research Projects

Horticulture Sector Action Plan

The project has developed a Horticulture Sector Action Plan (Hort SAP) to reduce waste across Australia's horticulture supply chain, focusing on banana and melon industries using co-design and value chain analysis.

Agricultural Supply Chain Input-Output Models at a Precinct Scale

The project supports agricultural growth in the Lower Fitzroy region by enhancing water efficiency, improving crop profitability, and fostering long-term regional resilience.

Blockchain Applications in Australia–Indonesia Food Supply Chains

This project aims to strengthen transparency, traceability, and trust in the Australia-Indonesia horticulture supply chain through blockchain technology, enhancing efficiency, reducing risk, and supporting sustainable trade.

Transitioning to Net Zero

The project explores regional strategies for decarbonisation, focusing on public preferences and economic impacts to support Queensland’s transition to net zero.

Growing high-value mushrooms in Bundaberg

This project aims to use locally sourced bagasse as a substrate production for Asian mushrooms and supporting rural economies in Australia.

Current and High Value Perishable Agricultural Commodities That Have Demand in Asian Countries

Building sustainable supply chain collaboration models to boost exports of high-value perishable agricultural commodities (HVPACs) from Northern Australia to Asian markets.

Mapping and Forecasting Labour Force in Solar and Wind Farms in Central Queensland

Mapping and forecasting the renewable energy labour force in Central Queensland to identify skills needs, workforce gaps, and opportunities as the region expands solar and wind energy.

Central Queensland Agricultural Supply Chain Baseline Study

Developed a baseline framework and mapping tool to characterise Central Queensland’s agricultural supply chains, helping to identify and analyse the region’s most commercially valuable commodities.