RECoE is a first-of-its-kind rural economic research collaboration comprised of four Queensland Universities: The University of Queensland (UQ), James Cook University (JCU), Central Queensland University (CQU) and the University of Southern Queensland (USQ).

Established with the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries in 2018 for an initial 3-year period with a combined funding of $3.6M, the centre divides its research portfolio into five themes: economic tools and analysis, regional innovation, value chain analysis, policy development; and translation and engagement. JCU RECoE lead is Professor Allan Dale in collaboration with RECoE Research Director Hurriyet Babacan.

The Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) has partnered with the Rural Economies Centre of Excellence (RECoE) with the purpose to have an impact on how regions can survive and thrive into the future through the Regional Drought Resilience Planning (RDRP). Five regional communities were selected for the foundational year. In the second round, the remaining nine regions will develop RDR plans to prepare for future droughts, with a sharp focus on the agricultural sector and allied industries.

JCU has received an additional investment for round two of Regional Drought Resilience Planning (RDRP) and will focus on supporting implementation of existing plans and progressing new plans in the regions of Far North Hinterland to Gulf, Wet Tropics and in collaboration with UQ, Townsville and Palm Island. Based on evidence and collaboration through partnering with local councils, regional stakeholders and other organisations, the plans – led and owned by the community – aim to drive decisions, actions and investments to proactively manage drought risk.
Round two is due to be completed mid-2024.

For more information about RECoE or RDRP visit ruraleconomies.org.au