Rate My Professor Tony Matthews

Dr. Tony Matthews is a Senior Lecturer in Urban and Environmental Planning in the School of Engineering and Built Environment at Griffith University. He holds a Doctor of Philosophy from Griffith University (2010-2014) and a Masters in Planning and Sustainable Development from University College Cork. A chartered member of the Royal Town Planning Institute (MRTPI), Matthews is an award-winning urban and environmental planner with a distinguished career in academia and practice. He joined Griffith University in 2016, following positions including at Queensland University of Technology, and has taught at institutions such as University College Cork. His professional contributions include media commentary, public engagement, and international advocacy for sustainable urban development. Matthews has co-developed and co-presented the radio program 'The Urban Squeeze' and serves as a contributor to the World Economic Forum.

Matthews' research addresses current and emerging urban challenges, with specializations in urban and regional planning, planning for public health, urban development, urban consolidation, masterplanned communities, and vertical communities. He is actively involved in the Green Infrastructure Research Labs (GIRLS) and Cities Research Institute at Griffith. Key publications include 'Reconceptualizing green infrastructure for climate change adaptation: Insights from the case of Ramblas Singapore' (2015), which has garnered significant citations; 'Characterising spatial and temporal patterns of urban growth across Australia' (2019, Korah et al.); 'Vertical Schools as Community Hubs' (2023); and works on fauna-sensitive road design, green roofs, and environmental storylines in regional planning. In 2018, he received a Planning Institute of Australia (PIA) award for Cutting Edge Research and Teaching. Matthews has delivered keynote addresses, such as at UrbanismNZ 2023, and contributed to public discourse on topics including the 15-minute city concept, the 2032 Brisbane Olympics urban planning, and climate adaptation strategies. His work influences urban policy and practice through scholarly outputs, funded projects, and media appearances.