- 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). Optimising staff retention is facilitated by multiple strategies. However, there is a gap in our knowledge about what support ‘bundle’ is most effective in different circumstances. 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.
Education program
The CRCNA is supporting a vibrant education and training program through activities, educational experiences and professional development opportunities. It’s about enhancing the development and retention of research skills and capacity in areas aligned with CRCNA research themes for PhD, Scholars, Masters, Undergraduate and vocational students. Under the CRCNA’s Research Program 6: Industry-focused education and training program, the following research activities are underway with the objective of increasing technology development, skilled employees and research and development capacity within Northern Australia. 6.1 Postgraduate student programs 6.1.1 Postgraduate Student Scholarships: Provide at least 14 postgraduate scholarships for students enrolled in Higher Degree Research programs. 6.1.2 Provide professional development opportunities for student cohorts from 6.1.1 & 6.2.1, and embedded research students including industry mentoring, workshops, access to funding for travel and conference attendance, and access to funding for short courses/skills development. (AHT.6.1718121 – Education program) 6.2 Undergraduate student program 6.2.1 Undergraduate Scholarships: Provide at least 7 scholarships for students enrolled in undergraduate programs in areas aligned with CRCNA research priorities. (AHT.6.1718121 – Education program) 6.3 Workforce development and training 6.3.1 Develop and implement programs which support, inform and build the capacity of the northern Australian workforce and improve the wellbeing of northern communities. AHT.6.2021010 – East Kimberley Indigenous Women: Self-development and self-employment pilot project HT.6.2122011 – Digital Health Course 6.3.2 Develop and implement a training program which supports, informs and builds the capacity of the northern Australian healthcare workforce in telehealth service delivery (Project Echo). 6.3.3 Develop and implement Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes program for mental health and telehealth practitioners and professionals (Project Echo). 6.3.4 Provide bursaries and sponsorships to support attendance at, or provision of, professional development opportunities which support, inform and build the capacity of the northern Australian workforce, develop research sills of individuals and improve the wellbeing of northern communities in areas aligned with CRCNA research priorities.
Activating First Nation Water Rights under the Cape York Water Plan
The Cape York Water Plan 2019 sets aside 485,300 ML of water to Traditional Owners in Cape York under the Cape York Peninsula Heritage Act Reserve (Table 1). However, there is limited understanding among Traditional Owners and their Corporations regarding their water rights and associated opportunities. To date, only two Aboriginal Corporations have applied for and been granted allocations. This project will build an understanding amongst Traditional Owners and their Corporations of their water rights, and support them to access and utilise these rights. This project will also address the challenges other stakeholders have seeking to access and utilise these CYPHA allocations by providing information on the Aboriginal Corporations who hold these allocations and the process for engagement and leasing of water rights. The project will also inform broader reforms across northern Australia in relation to strategic Indigenous reserves and inform other water policies and processes such as the refresh of the National Water Initiative.
Project ECHO: Health eMinds and Telehealth Skills
Project ECHO The CRCNA, in partnership with the University of Queensland Centre for Online Health has developed two unique ECHO projects targeting Northern Australian healthcare workers. These are: Health eMinds ECHO Telehealth Skills ECHO Based on the Project ECHO model, we will deliver free monthly online sessions open to all healthcare professionals and staff working in Northern Australia. Project ECHO ® (Extension for Community Health Outcomes) is a virtual knowledge-sharing network designed to create a ‘learning loop’ between healthcare professionals and healthcare workers with the aim of increasing knowledge and access to quality healthcare in local communities. Project ECHO is an interactive model of collaborative learning through case discussions. In ECHO, professionals from across Northern Australia, including those in rural or under-served areas gain access to a panel of specialists through regular videoconferencing sessions. At every session, participants present de-identified cases for group discussion and gain advice from specialty experts, as well as other peers in the network. The group of multi-disciplinary healthcare workers form a community of practice, which serves as a sustainable mechanism for ongoing knowledge sharing and mentorship. Visit crcna.com.au/project-echo for all the information! Health eMinds ECHO The Health eMinds ECHO is a series of free, interactive case-based virtual mentoring sessions which address a range of topics related to the delivery of mental healthcare- in a range of healthcare settings across Northern Australia. Health eMinds ECHO sessions are open to anyone working in the delivery of mental health services in Northern Australia, including clinicians, front line and community support workers and allied healthcare workers. The CRCNA understands building a collaborative and interactive network of mental health care professionals and healthcare workers is an important part of improving service delivery and access to new models of care, especially for those in rural and remote and First Nations contexts. The Healthy eMinds ECHO is also about supporting mental healthcare workers, connecting peers and creating a community of best practice to inform high-quality care in the north. Access more information, including registration and resources for the Health eMinds ECHO Telehealth Skills ECHO The Telehealth Skills ECHO is a series of free, interactive case-based virtual mentoring sessions which address a range of topics related to the delivery of telehealth – in a range of healthcare settings. Telehealth Skills ECHO sessions are open to anyone working in healthcare in Northern Australia who are using or are considering implementing telehealth services. Access more information, including registration and resources for the Telehealth Skills ECHO
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.
Grain storage extension – Far North
As grain production expands in the developing cropping regions of far northern Australia, so too does the need for adequate grain storage. Arguably, the most critical component of efficient grain storage is starting with the right facility – one that enables grain quality to be maintained through effective management. With growers investing in fit-for-purpose infrastructure, extension services can support them – and the broader industry – by promoting best-practice management techniques to maintain grain quality during storage. This helps prevent losses due to mould, quality degradation and insect damage. Accordingly, this project adopted a multi-faceted, whole-of-industry and supply chain approach to enable best management practices for maintaining grain quality in storage across the Far North. An initial scoping study identified specific requirements and challenges for grain storage in the Far North and built upon the team’s existing knowledge and experience. Based on these findings, the team will tailor extension materials and develop region-specific resources, focusing on the unique challenges and opportunities for grain storage in the Far North. The aim of this project was to provide all grain growers, advisers and industry organisations with the knowledge, skills and tools to: Make informed decisions to invest confidently in grain storage infrastructure. Manage grain quality and storage pests proficiently and cost effectively. Maintain and value add grain through processing, blending and segregation. Access higher value or closer markets to reduce freight costs. Successfully integrate grain storage into livestock production enterprises for supplementary and drought feeding.
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.
Making Water Work program: Achieving reef water quality requirements in new agricultural developments
The project will assist the expansion of agriculture in the Lower Fitzroy (Central Queensland) by bridging the support gap needed to meet Reef Water Quality requirements. Businesses undergoing material land use changes will have access to expert advice and land management toolkits to help them navigate regulatory constraints, as well as implement appropriate monitoring and record-keeping practices necessary for sustainable production and operation. This mechanism for continuous improvement will support the industry and be tailored to the specific needs of the region.
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.
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.
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.
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. The project team collaborated with researchers from the Darwin Aquaculture Centre, who were concurrently working on project A.2.1819053NT.