A decade of industry-led research driving northern Australia’s development is being showcased in a new Impact Statement released today at the Developing Northern Australia Conference (DNAC) by the Cooperative Research Centre for Developing Northern Australia (CRCNA).

Since its establishment in 2017, the CRCNA has invested $75 million in Australian Government funding to support research that tackles the unique challenges of Northern Australia. Through collaboration with industry, governments, First Nations organisations and research institutions, that investment has grown into more than $155 million in collaborative research and development, supporting 109 projects and more than 272 partners across the region.

The Impact Statement brings together the stories, evidence and outcomes behind the CRCNA’s research portfolio, demonstrating how science and innovation are helping to de-risk development, create jobs, strengthen regional industries and improve the lives of people living across northern Australia.

From establishing new aquaculture industries and supporting First Nations-led enterprises, to advancing tropical agriculture, improving remote health services and informing government policy, the publication highlights the real-world impact of research designed specifically for northern conditions.

CRCNA Chief Executive Officer Anthony Curro said the publication marks an important milestone for the organisation as it enters the final phase of its 10-year funding agreement.

“The CRCNA was established to invest in research that solves real problems for northern Australia. This Impact Statement demonstrates what can be achieved when industry, governments, researchers and First Nations organisations work together with a shared purpose. More importantly, it shows that research doesn’t end with a final report, it creates knowledge, confidence and partnerships that continue to deliver benefits long after a project is complete.”

Released during the CRCNA’s final Developing Northern Australia Conference before the organisation concludes in 2027, the Impact Statement also reflects on the importance of maintaining momentum in research, development and innovation across the north.

The publication demonstrates how collaborative research has helped establish emerging industries, improve productivity in established sectors, strengthen regional workforces and provide governments with the evidence needed to make better investment and policy decisions.

The Impact Statement forms part of the CRCNA’s broader legacy program, capturing the value created through a decade of investment while looking ahead to the continued need for place-based research and development capability in northern Australia.

The CRCNA Impact Statement is available to download at: https://crcna.com.au/resources/publications/from-research-to-results-measuring-the-impact-of-crcna-investments-across-northern-australia/