Since January 2024, publications in Griffith’s institutional repository, Griffith Research Online (GRO), have been downloaded nearly 1.3 million times. GRO unlocks published research that would otherwise be behind a paywall. This makes GRO an invaluable resource for both researchers and the community.
For instance, consider three reports that recently gained the attention of residents in the Queensland town of Dalby.
The reports were prepared by Griffith researchers in partnership with the Western Downs Regional Council. They present options for the upgrade of a local park:
These documents experienced a surge in downloads in March. This coincided with a comment and link shared on a community Facebook page, Save Thomas Jack Park.
The page was created by Dalby residents in response to Council’s plan to build a cultural centre at the site. It is a place for residents to discuss the merits of the proposal while expressing their concerns over the potential loss of green space.
Access to these reports via GRO means residents are better informed about an issue affecting their community. Public access to information is a key element of sustainable development principles.
To find out more about the open access options available to Griffith researchers, contact the Library.
Griffith is proud to contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals.
Find out more about the Sustainable Development Goals.
