Call for project expressions of interest opens 2 October 2017

The Cooperative Research Centre for Developing Northern Australia (CRCNA) announced that it will be open to receive expressions of interest from potential project participants from 2 October 2017.

Chairperson of the CRCNA Sheriden Morris said we are asking agricultural and food businesses, private health providers, universities, research bodies, financial services companies, and regional development organisations to consider potential projects in anticipation of this call for expressions of interest.

“The CRCNA board has identified critical research questions that if addressed will lower investment barriers and enable significant capital to flow to the development of Northern Australia” Ms Morris said.

The CRCNA will be investing $75m of Commonwealth funds over the next ten years to support industry-led research collaborations to develop important new technologies, products and services which address industry problems in northern Australia in the areas of:

  1. Agriculture and food
    Removing barriers and improving supply and value chains for new and existing Northern agricultural industries.
  2. Tropical health service delivery
    Identifying new models and approaches, early detection, health seeking behavior and mental health.
  3. Traditional Owner led business development
    Identifying new models and approaches and building an industry ready skilled workforce in the fields of agriculture, food and/or health industries.

“We are looking for game-changing ideas that will make a long-term improvement to the competitiveness, productivity and sustainability of Australian industries and communities in the North” she said.

To assist potential project participants the CRCNA board has posed a critical research question for each of the investment themes.

Agriculture and food

In the context of removing barriers and improving supply and value chains for new and existing Northern agricultural industries, what novel new approaches, solutions, technologies, innovations or knowledge processes does your research deliver to address the CRCNA research priorities for 2017/18?

Tropical health service delivery

In the context of removing barriers and identifying new models and approaches to early detection, improved health seeking behaviour, mental health and mental health first aid, what novel new approaches, solutions, technologies, innovations or knowledge processes does your research deliver to address the CRCNA research priorities for 2017/18?

Traditional Owner led business development

In the context of removing barriers and identifying new models and approaches of developing Traditional Owner led business development and building an industry ready skilled workforce in agriculture, food and/or health, what novel new approaches, solutions, technologies, innovations or knowledge processes does your research deliver to address the CRCNA research priorities for 2017/18?

“By presenting these critical research questions, the CRCNA is seeking to draw out projects that address or remove the most strategic barriers for development in Northern Australia” Ms Morris said.

A fact sheet for potential project participants is available on the CRCNA website.

The expression of interest form will be available on the website from 2 October, 2017.

Expressions of interest must be received prior to 5pm (AEST), 31 October, 2017.

Media Contact: Jed Matz, Chief Executive Officer – 07 4401 5035