2025 QELA Conference - Student Paper Competition

2025 QELA CONFERENCE

Sofitel Noosa Pacific Resort, 14-16 Hastings Street, Noosa Heads

Wednesday 14th - Friday 16th May 2025

STUDENT PAPER COMPETITION

QELA (Queensland Environmental Law Association) is a multidisciplinary non-profit organisation, providing education on environment and planning law and the natural and built environments. The QELA Conference is an annual, two day conference event, delivering presentations on diverse matters of environmental and planning law.

QELA invites applications to the 2025 QELA Conference - Student Paper Competition.

Applications will be assessed by the QELA Conference Committee Chairs.
One (1) winner and up to three (3) finalists will be selected by the Chairs.

The winning entrant will be invited to present their paper to the delegation at the
2025 QELA Conference, to be held Wednesday 14th - Friday 16th May 2025, at
Sofitel Noosa Pacific Resort, Noosa Heads

Full details of the prize, eligibility, and application process are outlined below.

PRIZE DETAILS

Winning Paper
- 10min paper presentation at the 2025 QELA Conference (optional although highly encouraged!).
- Opportunity to provide paper for inclusion in the 2025 QELA Conference proceeding document.
- Complimentary registration for the 2 day Conference, Thursday 15th and Friday 16th May 2025
- Complimentary accommodation in Noosa on Thursday 15th May 2025.
- QELA student membership until 30 June 2026.
Finalist Papers
- Complimentary day-only registration to the 2025 QELA Conference, on a day of finalist choice.
- QELA membership until 30 June 2026.
CONDITIONS FOR ELIGIBILITY

The following conditions must be met for applications to be considered:
- Entrants must be Queensland residents, currently enrolled in full time (75% load) tertiary studies and employed for less than 3 days per week in the sector of their study (note, the tertiary institute does not need to be based in Queensland).
- Entrants must be available to present at the QELA Conference, on a day and time to be determined by the QELA Conference Committee (note, allocation of time will be based on the winning paper topic and alignment to the Conference program).
- The submitted paper must present original work. Where the paper is research-based, research must be conducted primarily by the entrant. Some assistance by other individuals (such as the student's faculty advisor) is permitted as long as the student is the “first author” on the paper in principle. QELA may seek clarification that student contribution exceeds 50%.
- The topic of the paper should fall within the scope of the 2025 QELA Conference theme, The Juggling Act 2025 (QELA), as outlined on the submission page.
HOW TO SUBMIT AN ENTRY

To submit an entry, proceed to the next page and review the Conference theme, 'The Juggling Act 2025 (QELA)' and complete the submission form.

Paper guidelines and requirements are outlined on the next page.

2025 Student Paper Competition closes 5:00pm, Sunday, 13th April 2025.

If you have any questions about the 2025 QELA Conference, please contact the QELA office on info@qela.com.au or telephone 07 3832 4865.

QELA Conference 2025 - The Juggling Act 2025 (QELA)

Join us at QELA’s annual conference for 2025, where we will explore the perpetual "juggling act" required to balance rapid population growth, environmental responsibility, and economic ambitions. The Juggling Act 2025 (QELA), set against the backdrop of Noosa’s natural beauty, will bring together thought leaders, policymakers, experts, and innovators for an immersive dive into the complexities and competing priorities within the planning and environmental framework.

Through interactive sessions, thought-provoking panels, and networking opportunities, we will examine how legislation and policy shape our ability to meet societal and environmental goals while promoting sustainable development. Together, we’ll tackle pressing questions: How do we balance the needs of a growing population without compromising the environmental values of our communities? What frameworks can guide responsible development in this era of change? What actions do we need to take today to ensure a positive legacy for future generations?

We are seeking robust, relevant, and engaging EOIs in the areas of (but not limited to):
- Juggling Policy Goals and Environmental Responsibility
  Navigating the complexities of creating and enforcing laws that balance economic development with environmental sustainability.
- Environmental and Social Sustainability: Striking a Balance for People and Planet
  Finding equilibrium between fostering social well-being and environmental stewardship in rapidly evolving communities.
- Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems: Balancing Growth with Resource Conservation
  Ensuring food security and agricultural productivity while maintaining ecological balance and sustainable land use practices.
- Juggling Emission Reductions, Renewables, and Decarbonisation Goals
  Managing the competing priorities of transitioning to renewable energy, reducing emissions, and achieving economic growth without compromising the environment.
- Balancing Resource Recovery and Consumer Demands
  Striking the right balance between waste reduction, recycling technologies, and managing the demand for consumer goods in a sustainable way.
- Juggling Development and Ecological Integrity
  Balancing the need for development with the protection of biodiversity and the effective use of offset mechanisms to ensure long-term ecological health.
- Juggling the Olympic spend with Environmental Impact
  Balancing the planning and infrastructure needs for a major global event with the imperative to minimize environmental footprints and ensure long-term sustainability.
- Juggling Mobility, Connectivity, and Environmental Goals
  Balancing the need for efficient transport systems with sustainability goals, ensuring both mobility and environmental preservation in rapidly expanding urban areas.
- Juggling International Obligations with Local Realities
  Balancing Queensland’s role in meeting global climate targets with the state’s unique environmental, economic, and social circumstances.
- Balancing Flexibility and Accountability in Planning
  Striking a balance between regulatory flexibility and stringent environmental standards to foster innovation while maintaining accountability.
- Juggling Population Growth and Housing Availability
  Balancing the rising demand for affordable housing with the environmental and social impact of urban expansion and infrastructure development.
- Juggling Innovation with Sustainability Goals
  Navigating the challenges of integrating cutting-edge technologies into urban planning while ensuring they support long-term environmental sustainability.
--STUDENT PAPER COMPETITION

QELA invites applications to the 2025 QELA conference - Student Paper Competition on topics in the areas suggested above or similar that relates to the conference theme.

ENTRY SUBMISSION FORM
- Entries should reflect the Conference theme, The Juggling Act 2025 (QELA), and the topic areas.
- Entries should be 1000 words or less, and provided in Word or PDF format, A4, using Arial 11pt or greater font.
- Entries should be in their final state, requiring minimal editing prior to inclusion in the QELA Conference proceedings document.
- Student Paper Competition closes Sunday, 13th April 2025.
Your name*

First NameLast Name
University*
Suburb you reside*
E-mail*
example@example.com
Contact Phone Number*
Mobile is preferred
Short Biography*
Include what year of study you are undertaking, any professional experience gained to date, and ambitions for post graduation.
Co-author name/s (if applicable)
Title of Paper*
Paper Synoposis *
A few sentences about your paper and its focus
Have you presented this paper or on this topic recently?

YesOther
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