In the field of labor economics, human capital refers to the stock of knowledge or characteristics of a worker that contributes to their productivity. Investment in education and training of individuals can enhance their level of human capital and this will be valued in the market because it increases firms’ profits. Various researchers have looked...

Regional economic development, in its various guises, is deployed throughout much of Australia. Whilst it remains a contested activity, conventional wisdom extols the need to embrace complexity, whilst simultaneously imbuing order and control. Insights from the literature reveal that regional economic development organisations are often the primary interface between government and regional socio-economic systems –...

Economic development is a priority of all levels of government; irrespective of country, constitution or system of governance. This is particularly the case in Australia, where federal, state and local tiers of government are undertaking activities intended to support economic growth. However, roles and responsibilities are not always clear, which reflects inter-organisational, intergovernmental and intra-organisational...

Effective road transport networks are essential for sustainability of mining activities as well as the liveability of the mining communities. This paper examines the mining impacts of road travel conditions in the Bowen Basin region, which produces about 83% of Queensland’s total coal product. A household travel survey was conducted to explore mining communities’ level...

Affordable housing locations in metropolitan cities are usually assessed by rental cost or mortgage payment relative to income. Affordable housing locations are also influenced by locational characteristics such as distance from public transportation, service centres, city centre and employment centres. Once the costs of locational amenities such as public transport and basic services are focused...