Central Queensland Agricultural Supply Chain Baseline Study

About the Research Profile

This CRCNA-funded project created and tested a baseline framework and supply chain mapping tool for Central Queensland’s agriculture. The study examined five major commodities: beef, cotton, wheat, sorghum, and chickpeas and two niche crops, mandarin and table grapes. Through industry consultation, workshops, and ground-truthing, the research mapped how these commodities move from farms to domestic and international markets. It revealed gaps in existing datasets, validated the usefulness of a practical mapping tool, and highlighted new opportunities for export growth. The framework is now available as practical resources for producers, exporters, and policymakers to improve decision-making and expand access to high-value markets.

Impact

Strengthened Central Queensland’s agricultural sector by improving supply chain transparency, reducing data gaps, and enabling industry and government to plan exports and investments with greater confidence.

Partners

Project lead: Professor Delwar Akbar

Professor Delwar Akbar is a research leader at CQUniversity with extensive experience in regional economic development, supply chain analysis, and place-based development planning. His work focuses on developing data-driven strategies, enhance value chain efficiency, and improve economic resilience in regional Australia. As the lead investigator for the Central Queensland Agricultural Supply Chain Baseline Study, Professor Akbar applied his expertise in supply chain mapping, data validation, and stakeholder collaboration to develop a practical framework that improved transparency and provided clear insights for strengthening logistics, export planning, and investment in regional areas. His work delivered practical collaboration models and end-user guidelines to strengthen leadership, improve supply chain efficiency, and unlock new trade opportunities for Northern Australia’s agri-food sector. Learn more.

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

At CQUniversity we are committed to embedding sustainable practice in our operations, interactions and relationships, underpinned by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Sustainability sits as one of our strategic pillars within our Strategic Plan 2019-2023.

This project aligns to the following SDG Goals:

  • Decent Work and Economic Growth (Goal 8)
  • Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure (Goal 9)
  • Responsible Consumption and Production (Goal 12)
  • Partnerships for the Goals (Goal 17)

Learn more about our commitment to Sustainable Development Goals.

Decent Work and Economic Growth - Top 300 logo 2025
Responsible Consumption and Production - Top 70 logo 2025
Partnerships for the Goals - Top 20 logo 2025