Although sustainable port development is not a new concept, it has become more significant to academic research nowadays. Research perspectives are changing as the sustainable way of engaging with the world as a system challenges the previous dominance characterized by economic growth. Being a key node along supply chains, the sustainable development of ports is co-dependent with regional sustainability. For the social transformation necessary to transit to a sustainability paradigm, such interdependency is pivotal. The paucity of academic research and theoretical frameworks to inform the critical issues in associated dialogues and debates risks poor decisions being made that may hinder progress in sustainable port development. For geographically isolated areas, already faced with issues associated with peripherality in the dynamic, complex environment of the global trading system, the need for informed debate amongst key stakeholders is even more crucial to sustainable port development.

To address this research gap, the paper develops a conceptual framework and applies it to review sustainable development strategies used by Australian regional ports. The paper commences with a literature review of sustainable development, grounded in the traditional approach of three broad dimensions – the economy, society and environment. Sustainable regional port development is then discussed, taking a hierarchical approach that links to this broader system. The conceptual framework is developed based on relevant literature and the authors’ previous research projects on Australian regional port development. The conceptual framework consists of four pillars relevant to sustainable regional port development, namely the integrated logistics system, the regional innovation system, resources management, and institutions. A review of sustainable development strategies used by regional ports is conducted to demonstrate the applicability of the conceptual framework and to identify strategic issues that need to be further addressed.