John has over 15 years of professional experience as an applied economist, having worked across the education, not-for-profit, private and government sectors. His research focuses on formulation and assessment of policies related to natural resource and environmental management. He has contributed to various projects, including those focused on evaluating policies, programs, and projects, as well as issues concerning food and water security, biosecurity, renewable energy policy, outreach services, and water quality management.

He employs a range of analytical techniques to guide policy and investment decisions. His work involves assessing the effectiveness of new policies, programs, and projects, and calculating the anticipated net returns on potential investment opportunities. Currently, his research interests are centred on the design and evaluation of effective diversity and inclusion policies to support inclusive natural resource management.

• Agriculture
• Development
• Economics
• Ecosystems
• Water Resources
• Natural resources and environmental economics

John has made significant contributions to research in climate adaptation, water policy, and agricultural economics. He has led over 35 research projects, collaborating with governments and non-profit sectors to secure over $3 million in funding. His climate adaptation policy work has gained wide recognition, including national media coverage and featuring in NCCARF's synthesis of emerging research. He has been instrumental in water policy reforms in the Murray-Darling Basin, providing scientific input for major programs. His research has earned CSIRO awards for collaboration and research support excellence. He developed a benchmark social benefit-cost analysis framework, widely adopted within CSIRO’s Land & Water Division. His expertise has been applied in high-profile independent reviews of prominent water infrastructure projects, including the Port Stanvac desalination plant, City of Salisbury’s managed aquifer recharge project and the Wyangala Dam expansion. John has published 45 peer-reviewed papers and technical reports, with over 599 citations and an h-index of 13, demonstrating his impact in environmental and resource economics.

John is a member of the newly-formed Water, Environment and Food economics policy group (WEF) in College of Business, Government and Law (BGL) at Flinders University.

The team is comprised of eight distinguished environment and resource economists including award-winning Professor Sarah Wheeler, Professor Neville Crossman, and ARC Future Fellow Professor Alec Zuo, along with two PhD students. Their research aims to enhance the management and allocation of water in the Murray-Darling Basin, evaluate the impacts of water scarcity on regional and farming communities, develop water markets, promote sustainable farming practices, and assess the effects of drought and flooding.

Collaborating with industry and regional stakeholders and led by Professor Wheeler, the team aims to develop policies that tackle Australia's water challenges and the effects of climate change, with a strong commitment to real-world solutions and informing best practices for sustainable water management.

See Flinders News for more information. 

I believe effective supervision encourages a collaborative and supportive environment that empowers students to develop their intellectual independence and creative potential. As a supervisor, I aim to create an open and accessible relationship, where students feel encouraged to independently explore their research questions. My role is to provide guidance, mentorship, and challenge while providing a space for original thought. I believe in offering constructive feedback to equip students with the skills and confidence needed to become independent researchers.