- All Projects
- Agriculture
- Aquaculture
- Beef
- Broadacre cropping
- Cotton Grains Cattle program
- Education
- First Nations led business development
- Forestry
- Health service delivery
- Horticulture
- Rice
- Strategic policy development
- Sugarcane
- Supply chain development
- Water
- Water Security program
- Water: Making Water Work program
Attracting and retaining a health workforce in rural and remote northern Australia
Northern Australia’s population live in cities, towns and communities supporting pastoral, farming, mining, and tourism industries. A common need is the delivery of appropriate health services by professional staff. One persistent issue fundamental to achieving better access is addressing the shortage and excessive turnover of health staff. For example, turnover of 148% per annum has been quantified in the remote nursing workforce (Zhao, 2019). This project will address this gap through a partnership across the Northern Territory, Western Australia and Queensland which will develop an evidence-base to inform how best to bundle retention interventions. Application of this knowledge will in-turn optimise staff retention and be shared through targeted policy briefs and targeted workshops for Queensland Health and Western Australia Health. Additionally, this research will compare the costs and benefits of proven retention incentives with the known high costs of frequently recruiting replacement health workers. Additional workforce retention questions will include whether targeted and systematically delivered training and support in continuous quality improvement and evaluation skills boost staff morale, job satisfaction, and concurrently promote applied health services research for clinicians including allied health professionals and nurses. Complementary activities, supported through partner contributions, will include a mentorship program for female health professionals. Specific research questions include: 1. What components of retention intervention ‘bundles’ for remote health service staff are theorised to improve retention for whom in what circumstances? 2. What are the mechanisms by which different components of retention intervention ‘bundles’ are theorised to improve retention? 3. What should the key components (attributes) be of retention intervention ‘bundles’ for remote health service staff, and how might these vary by group characteristics (eg. gender, Aboriginal status, profession) 4. What weightings (level) should be applied to the key components of retention intervention ‘bundles’ and how might these vary by group characteristics (eg. gender, Aboriginal status, profession) 5. What is the impact of retention intervention ‘bundles’ for remote health service staff on staff morale, job satisfaction and retention? 6. What is the feasibility of sustaining, and benefit of delivering, a mentorship program for female health professionals? News articles: ‘Getting real’ in remote health research – Partyline, 17 December 2025
Education program
Building research capability, industry skills and workforce capacity across northern Australia. Since 2017, the Cooperative Research Centre for Developing Northern Australia (CRCNA) has invested $2.89 million in education, training and professional development to strengthen the skills, knowledge and research capability needed to support the sustainable and inclusive development of northern Australia. Through its industry-focused education and training program, the CRCNA has supported 81 students, including 61 postgraduate and PhD researchers, across agriculture, aquaculture, First Nations-led development, water resources, environmental management, tropical medicine and remote health service delivery. The program has provided scholarships, bursaries, industry mentoring, professional development and applied research opportunities, connecting students and early-career researchers with universities, industry partners, First Nations organisations and regional communities. Building skills and capability for the north Beyond academic research, the CRCNA’s investment has supported practical workforce development and knowledge sharing across emerging and established northern industries. Activities have included industry-based training, professional development workshops, healthcare education, research placements and initiatives supporting First Nations enterprise and employment pathways. These investments have helped strengthen regional research networks, improve access to specialised skills and support the adoption of new technologies, practices and service delivery models. A lasting investment in northern Australia The CRCNA’s education and training program has contributed to a stronger pipeline of researchers, skilled professionals and industry practitioners with the knowledge and experience to work in northern Australia’s unique operating environments. By connecting education with real-world industry challenges, the program has helped build the research capability, partnerships and workforce skills needed to support continued innovation, economic development and community wellbeing across the north.
Activating First Nation Water Rights under the Cape York Water Plan
The Water Plan (Cape York) 2019 reserves 485,300 ML of water for Traditional Owners through the Cape York Peninsula Heritage Area (CYPHA) water reserve, creating opportunities for First Nations-led economic development, environmental management and community benefit. This project supports Traditional Owners and Aboriginal corporations to better understand, access and utilise their water rights. Research has examined the regulatory, governance and practical barriers to activating water entitlements, including opportunities for improved water management and leasing arrangements. Key outputs include a comprehensive situational analysis and a practical Cape York Water Manual, providing guidance on water licensing, governance and decision-making. The findings will help strengthen First Nations water governance and self-determination, while informing future water policy and regulatory improvements across northern Australia. Cape York Peninsula Heritage Area water licences – Queensland Government: https://www.qld.gov.au/firstnations/environment-land-use-native-title/water-reserves-licences/cape-york-water-licences
CRCNA’s Investment Derisking and Supply Chain Coordination Program
The CRCNA’s Investment Derisking and Supply Chain Coordination Program delivered six years of strategic research, policy development and collaboration to improve investment conditions and support sustainable economic development across northern Australia. Led by CRCNA Chief Scientist Professor Allan Dale, the two-phase program examined the policy, regulatory, infrastructure and planning barriers affecting agricultural and other development opportunities across northern Australia. The first phase established foundational situational analyses in partnership with governments across Queensland, the Northern Territory and northern Western Australia, identifying opportunities to improve investment decision-making and regional development planning. The second phase provided strategic research leadership, coordination and synthesis to support the CRCNA’s targeted de-risking and supply chain development investments. This included translating research findings into practical policy recommendations, informing government reforms and identifying opportunities to strengthen infrastructure investment and regional development. Key project achievements The program delivered significant outcomes across research investment, government policy and regional development, including: Research and investment: Leveraged additional investment in regional planning, development assessment and environmental reform research through the National Environmental Science Program (NESP), James Cook University and the Australian Government. Agricultural development: Supported planning and investment opportunities in the Gilbert catchment and Douglas Daly, while establishing research foundations for further CRCNA investments in aquaculture, water security and farmer capacity building. Infrastructure investment: Contributed to the planning and governance supporting major Cape York road infrastructure investments, including Stage 2 of the Cape York Infrastructure Package and the Jardine River Bridge. Water security: Informed Queensland’s water infrastructure investment priorities through the Bradfield Regional Assessment and Development Panel, supporting more regionally appropriate water infrastructure solutions. Environmental reform: Contributed scientific evidence and policy advice to reforms of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act, including regional planning, development assessment and environmental offsets. National policy: Informed the Australian Government’s northern Australia Action Plan and Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility (NAIF) Review, particularly regarding research investment, infrastructure planning and place-based development. Regional connectivity: Advanced policy discussions on a major enabling infrastructure package to improve transport connectivity and economic integration across northern Australia. Industry collaboration: Supported the Developing Northern Australia Conference from 2020 to 2025, strengthening connections between research, government and industry. Project impact The program delivered an estimated $5.79 million in additional research investment, economic activity and investment influence, with an assessed return of at least 7.5 times the CRCNA’s $869,351 cash investment. Beyond these quantified outcomes, the program contributed to government policy reform, regional planning and infrastructure investment decisions across northern Australia. Its research findings and policy recommendations will continue to inform regional development assessment, environmental reforms and investment planning, particularly in the Pilbara, Douglas Daly and Gilbert River regions.
Digital Health Course – Project ECHO: Health eMinds and Telehealth Skills
Access to specialist healthcare and ongoing professional support can be challenging for clinicians working in rural and remote communities. This project strengthened the capability of healthcare providers across northern Australia by delivering telehealth training, specialist mentoring and mental health education through the Project ECHO model. Delivered by the University of Queensland Centre for Online Health in partnership with the North Queensland Primary Health Network, the project connected regional health professionals with subject matter experts through regular virtual learning sessions, case discussions and peer-to-peer knowledge sharing. Two dedicated ECHO programs were established: Health eMinds ECHO, focused on mental health and wellbeing, and Telehealth Skills ECHO, focused on building practical telehealth capability. These programs were complemented by telehealth workshops, site visits and conference engagement activities. Over three years, the project delivered 47 ECHO sessions and nine telehealth training workshops, reaching more than 1,500 participants from across northern Australia and beyond. Participants reported increased confidence in delivering telehealth services, improved mental health knowledge and stronger professional networks. The project also helped reduce professional isolation among regional health workers and supported greater access to specialist support for rural and remote communities. The project demonstrated that tele-mentoring and virtual education can be an effective and cost-efficient way to strengthen the regional health workforce, improve access to care and support better health outcomes across northern Australia. Key outcomes Increased workforce capability and confidence in delivering telehealth services. Improved access to mental health education, mentoring and specialist support. Reduced professional isolation among regional and remote health professionals. Strengthened collaboration and knowledge sharing across healthcare services. Improved access to care for patients in rural and remote communities Resources To access participant resources for past sessions visit: Health eMinds participant resources –https://uqecho.org/healtheminds-echo/ Telehealth Skills participant resources – https://uqecho.org/telehealthskills-echo/ For more information contact the UQ Centre for Online Health team via email healthemindsecho@uq.edu.au or telehealthskillsecho@uq.edu.au
Aboriginal commercial fishing and aquaculture (WA)
This project builds upon existing government support structures, research, and identified industry needs to develop Aboriginal ownership and participation in Western Australia’s commercial fishing and aquaculture industries. The project has three key focus areas: De-risking new commercialisation pathways for three key species – sea cucumber, mud crab and black-lipped rock oyster – identified as suitable from the Northern Gascoyne waters through to the Kimberley. Delivering an introductory workshop package on regionally appropriate commercial fishing and aquaculture opportunities to saltwater Aboriginal Corporations with authorised consent to operate on native title land and waters. Drawing implications from the project back towards a Northern WA-wide policy and planning approach towards de-risking for Aboriginal fishing and aquaculture, consistent with the WA Aquaculture Development Plan.
Ensuring best practice in the free range Buffalo supply chain
The aim of this project is to develop evidenced-based and feasible recommendations and strategies to improve the health and welfare outcomes of harvested buffalo across the entire supply chain. The project has four main objectives: 1. Analyse current evidence, practices, risk factors, and indicators of adverse animal mortality, health, and welfare outcomes throughout the free-range buffalo supply chain. 2. Evaluate the influence of animal-, management-, and environmental-based factors on key animal welfare outcomes under a range of supply chain conditions. 3. Develop evidence-based and feasible recommendations for policy and practice changes that reduce the risk of animal mortalities and adverse health and welfare outcomes. 4. Identify opportunities for economically feasible buffalo harvesting on traditional lands that also achieve acceptable animal welfare outcomes and align with the economic development, cultural, and ecological goals of indigenous communities. The ultimate outcome of the project is to reduce mortality rates to comparable levels with those in the cattle industry and to meet the conditions outlined in the Australian Standards for Export of Livestock (ASEL 3.0, Department of Agriculture 2020) conditions. The project includes extensive engagement and consultation with industry, government, and Indigenous stakeholders to understand the issues, review new evidence, and explore feasible solutions across the entire supply chain. The outcome of the supplementary work, aligned with the fourth objective, will be a plan for sustainable harvest of buffalo across Arnhem Land that meets the aspirations of Traditional Owners and reduces the environmental impact of buffalo on sensitive areas. The project will contribute to improving the health and welfare outcomes of harvested buffaloes throughout the supply chain, while also promoting the sustainable economic development of the industry and respecting the ecological and cultural values of natural resources and indigenous assets. Drawing on a robust evidence base regarding the factors affecting mortality, animal health, and welfare outcomes in the buffalo supply chain, the project will deliver the following key outputs and initiate their implementation: • Adoption and implementation of lessons learned from the research by industry into commercial practice. • Recommendations for monitoring and evaluation to help industry track compliance with Federal animal welfare standards. • Recommendations for economically feasible buffalo harvesting on traditional lands that achieve acceptable animal welfare outcomes and align with the economic, cultural, and ecological goals of Indigenous communities. The ultimate goal of the project is to reduce mortality rates during buffalo export to meet the conditions outlined in Australian Standards for Export of Livestock (ASEL 3.0, Department of Agriculture 2020). The aim is for the mortality risk of buffalo on live export vessels (currently 0.30%) to be statistically comparable to that of cattle (currently 0.10%). Similarly, health and welfare indicators – such as appetite and weight maintenance throughout the supply chain – should be equivalent to those of cattle under similar conditions. This will be achieved by developing evidenced-based and feasible recommendations to improve buffalo health and welfare from wild capture in the Top End of the Northern Territory through to delivery at either an NT abattoir or a live export destination. Achieving the project outcomes – and ensuring impact beyond its duration – will likely require changes in industry practices, policy reforms, and the adoption of recommendations and action plans by industry groups, government agencies and non-government organisations. Key stakeholders include: • The Australian Buffalo Industry Council (ABIC) and NT Buffalo Industry Council (NTBIC) • Northern Territory Department of Industry Tourism and Trade (DITT) • The Central Agri Group’s Rum Jungle Abattoir • The Northern Land Council (NLC) • Arnhem Land Indigenous organisations, such as MIMAL Land Management Aboriginal Corporation, Arafura Swamp Rangers Aboriginal Corporation (ASRAC) and Oenpelli-Gunbalanya/ILSC. • NT Live Export Association (NTLEA) • The Animal Welfare Branch and Live Export Animal Welfare Advisory Group of the Federal Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) • LiveCorp • Natural resources and conservation groups
Making Water Work program: Achieving reef water quality requirements in new agricultural developments
This project supported the sustainable expansion of agriculture in the Lower Fitzroy by helping producers and emerging agricultural enterprises meet reef water quality requirements while maintaining productive and commercially viable operations. As agricultural development increases in response to new water availability from Rookwood Weir, the project addressed the practical and regulatory challenges of managing sediment, nutrient and pesticide runoff in a sensitive Great Barrier Reef catchment. Working with producers, industry and government partners, the project developed the South Yaamba Reef Water Quality Precinct Plan, including detailed water quality modelling, practical implementation tools and a transition pathway to support continuous improvement in land and water management. This work helped landholders navigate reef regulations and the Land Management Code of Practice, implement effective monitoring and record-keeping systems, and adopt management practices that minimise environmental risk from the outset of development. A key outcome was the development of 19 individual irrigation farm plans, enabling up to 800 hectares of new irrigated production and access to 5,600 ML of Rookwood Weir water, subject to regulatory approval. The project also established a systems governance framework and streamlined approval processes between agencies to support coordinated compliance and water quality management. Beyond regulatory compliance, the project demonstrated how agricultural development and reef protection can be advanced together. By supporting no net increase in sediment, nutrient and pesticide runoff to the Fitzroy River, the project contributes to Reef 2050 water quality objectives while creating a pathway for new agricultural production, estimated to generate an initial $2.64 million annually, with future opportunities in higher-value horticulture.
Cotton Grains Cattle program: North Queensland farming systems
This project aims to co-design scalable diversification options and drought resilience practices for cotton, grain, and cattle enterprises in northern Queensland. It will also quantify the economic, social, and environmental values and risks associated with these options. Participatory, whole-farm systems research will examine: Current farm resources and business performance. Co-designed, time sensitive responses to drought and market volatility. Information and tools required for adoption of new practices. The impact of extreme climate events on productivity and sustainability. The level of climate information accuracy and timeliness required to deliver economic value. How climate variability influences the risk of not adopting available solutions. Whole-farm economic models assessing the value of on-farm produced grains and/or forage crops when integrated into cropping systems for cattle feed. Alignment of existing environmental stewardship frameworks with North Queensland mixed farming systems, agribusiness, and regional community development goals. Appropriate stewardship guidelines and self-assessment options to balance costs, legislation, social license and value chain demands and opportunities. This project will support North Queensland farmers and rural communities by providing the information and skills needed to capitalise on agricultural commodity booms. It will also help identify scalable business plans for reinvestment in resilient crop-livestock systems that deliver a lasting legacy of economic, social and environmental prosperity for rural Northern Queensland. The key drivers for this change include high land and commodity prices, climate variability, cattle biosecurity and market risk, emerging carbon markets, and policy settings. The project brings together experienced public and private researchers, along with value chain actors in a coordinated approach to enable cotton-led farm diversification as part of sustainable cropping systems that also benefit cattle producers.
Black Jewfish: a new candidate for aquaculture in Northern Australia
Closing the life cycle of Black Jewfish (Protonibea diacanthus): a new candidate for aquaculture in northern Australia. Black Jewfish aquaculture is in the early stages of development, with three batches of juveniles successfully produced at the Darwin Aquaculture Centre (DAC) in the Northern Territory. Initial bottlenecks identified include handling stress, low larval survival, and cannibalism during early juvenile stages. This project aims to address the following key research questions: What factors are critical to improving rearing procedures for Black Jewfish? Are Black Jewfish a suitable species for aquaculture? To answer these questions, the project team will undertake a series of trials to determine optimum growing procedures for Black Jewfish in aquaculture systems. This requires access to high-quality, fertilised Black Jewfish eggs, which is a limiting factor with current broodstock holding systems at the DAC. The addition of new broodstock (adult) housing capacity will increase availability of sexually mature fish and therefore fertilised eggs, enabling two annual spawns, around the Black Jewfish natural spawning season, to undertake larval rearing, nursery, grow-out and broodstock handling trials, targeted at developing and refining rearing protocols for Black Jewfish. Key areas of working include: Larval rearing trials focused on optimising nutrition, weaning, and water quality to improve survival rates. Nursery trials aimed at reducing cannibalism and handling stress. Grow-out trials conducted on farms to assess and refine handling and feeding techniques. Broodstock focused on animal handling for gonad assessment. As hatchery-produced fish reach harvest size, they will be assessed for end-product quality and marketability. This will contribute to the project’s primary objective: to assess the feasibility of Black Jewfish for commercial aquaculture and produce the first hatchery manual for production. The expected outcomes of the project are: A series of publications describing the development of Black Jewfish and the results of trials aimed at determining optimal rearing procedures for this species in aquaculture systems. Improved growth and survival rates of Black Jewfish. Hatchery production of commercial-scale batches of Black Jewfish fingerlings. Increased capacity and capability of commercial project partners through hands-on experience with Black Jewfish farming during grow-out trials. Greater confidence among industry investors and proponents. A comprehensive market analysis for Black Jewfish aquaculture. The project will have a significant impact on aquaculture stakeholders in northern Australia by providing practical, instructional information on how to successfully grow Black Jewfish in a commercial setting. The ability for farmers to sell market sized Black Jewfish has the potential to stimulate market demand for the species and contribute valuable insights into expected profitability for both new and established participants in the industry. Publications Embryonic and larval development of black jewfish, Protonibea diacanthus: A new candidate for aquaculture in northern Australia. Andrea L Taylor, Alexander J Basford, Duong N Duong, Joshua N J Herrits, Matthew W J Osborne. https://researchnow.flinders.edu.au/en/publications/embryonic-and-larval-development-of-black-jewfish-iprotonibea-dia/ or via https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352513424005106
Blacklip Rock Oyster industry development
This project will continue to build on the foundational work undertaken by researchers at the Darwin Aquaculture Centre (DAC) as part of the initial Tropical Rock Oyster research and development project (A.2.1819053NT). During the first phase of the CRCNA-funded project (2019-2023), significant progress was made, culminating in the development the world’s first hatchery manual for the Blacklip Rock Oyster (BRO). Over this period, hatchery production at DAC increased exponentially – from 10,000s to 100,000s spat per spawning run. This growth was driven by improved hatchery techniques, enhanced through broodstock conditioning, settlement, and nursery trials conducted during the first project phase. However, as production scaled up, new challenges emerged in the nursery phase, resulting in inconsistent spat yields. Further research is needed to optimise production and reduce variability between spawning runs. This is critical to ensuring farms have consistent access to commercial quantities of advanced spat, which in turn builds industry confidence and encourages private investment. The project will continue refining year-round supply of hatchery-reared spat (juvenile oyster), a fundamental requirement for commercialisation, investor confidence, and industry growth. Extension and mentoring will also be provided to support oyster farmers and Indigenous communities, alongside farming trials across the Northern Territory. Jobs and economic impact An established Tropical Rock Oyster industry is expected to create more than 900 direct and indirect regional jobs in Northern Australia within 20 years, adding an estimated $217 million to the north’s economy. These jobs will be multi-disciplinary and include farm technicians, key trades, vessel operators, machinery supplier, processors and distributors. Oyster grow-out is a labour-intensive process due to the requirement for continual grading of oysters and management of oyster gear biofouling. Increased investment According to the Pilbara Development Commission, establishing a commercial farm producing 100,000 dozen oysters annually would require an investment of approximately $3 million. In addition to commercial operations, there are significant opportunities for First Nations communities to participate in the industry – either as independent ventures or through joint ventures with shellfish aquaculture companies. Social well-being This project involves extensive First Nations participation in foundational research, industry development, and business planning. Direct access to researchers, agencies, and industry partners provides opportunities for community empowerment and informed decision-making regarding participation in this emerging industry – either directly or through partnerships. Access to training and hands-on experience in research and aquaculture supports First Nations aspirations for greater involvement in Sea Country management. It also fosters two-way capacity building and knowledge exchange between First Nations community researchers and industry, government and research organisations.
Tropical Rock Oyster research and development WA
This project established a collaborative cross-jurisdictional approach to address the most significant technical and regulatory issues that confront the fledgling Tropical Rock Oyster (TRO) industry. Several key issues were examined and resolved though sub-projects designed to meet identified research needs, supporting the industry’s development. Securing commercial spat supply – the project utilised existing hatchery infrastructure and expertise at the DPIRD Hillarys facility to refine culture techniques for Blacklip Rock Oyster (BLRO) and other TRO species identified in Western Australia. Researchers applied standard hatchery protocols – commonly used for Sydney Rock Oysters (SRO’s)-to TRO in the species found in the Pilbara and Kimberley regions, comparing performances before transitioning trials to ocean-based nurseries. Optimisation of grow-out methods and gear technology – Grow-out trials were conducted in the Kimberley (Cone Bay) and the Pilbara (three sites within the Dampier Archipelago), using both intertidal and subtidal farming systems for new TRO species and BLRO in the Kimberley. These trials aimed to: Identify TRO species with strong aquaculture potential and determine the most suitable culture system (intertidal or subtidal). Compare the performance of up to three TRO species (likely two) during grow-out to select the best-performing species. Road-test various grow-out scenarios with industry partners for new TRO species. This project developed identification tools and established agreed common names for key commercial tropical oyster species to prevent potential market confusion and ensure accurate licencing and management of the emerging industry. The Darwin Aquaculture Centre produced a hatchery manual for the Blacklip Rock Oyster (Saccostrea echinata). In April 2023, more than 700,000 mature oysters – grown as part of this research project – were transferred to commercial partner Maxima. Maxima will continue refining grow-out techniques, with the goal of scaling up to commercial harvest within the next decade.