- 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. News articles: ‘Getting real’ in remote health research – Partyline, 17 December 2025 Journal articles: ‘Remote health: What are the problems and what can we do about them? Insights from Australia’ 30 May 2025
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. In the short term (1-2 years) this project will bring together researchers, Aboriginal Corporations, peak bodies, and government agencies to support Aboriginal Corporations access water allocations under the Cape York Water Plan 2019. Project partners will initially work together to undertake a situation analysis of Aboriginal Corporations rights to water allocations under the Cape York Water Plan (2019) and what are the opportunities and constraints to the allocation and use of this water. They will then undertake catchment-based case studies to further understand the opportunities and constraints to accessing and leasing water allocations by Aboriginal Corporations. This work will inform the development of a Cape York Water Manual which will be used to build the capacity of Aboriginal Corporations with water allocations to receive their allocations and subsequently utilise or lease this water. The manual will also provide information to other stakeholders seeking to utilise or lease water about how to engage Aboriginal Corporations holding water rights. The situation analysis of opportunities and constraints will also identify policy, regulatory or process improvements and investments that may be needed to support the allocation and use of water for environmental, economic and community needs. In the medium term (3-5 years) The Cape York Water Manual will be used to build the capacity of Aboriginal Corporations to access their water allocations under the Water Plan and to understand how these allocations may be used or leased. Case study catchments will be progressing their applications for water allocations and plans to use or lease water. Reforms to policy, regulation and other constraints identify through the analysis will be being progressed by project partners. The project will be informing broader Indigenous water policy across northern Australia and nationally. In the long term (5 years plus) the foundation built by this project will enable Aboriginal Corporations across Cape York to pursue opportunities both on and off their land with the secure and leasable water rights that they hold. Critically, this will create enterprise and employment opportunities for Aboriginal land holding bodies and Cape York Aboriginal families and help drive the economic, social and cultural viability of Cape York communities. Water policy and regulation will be improved as it relates to Cape York Peninsula, northern Australia and Nationally through the sharing of learnings between project partners and through their networks.
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.
Grain storage extension – Far North
As grain production expands across far northern Australia, effective grain storage is becoming increasingly important to maintaining grain quality, improving market access and supporting profitable farming enterprises. The region’s tropical climate presents unique storage challenges, including high temperatures, humidity, mould risk and insect pests, requiring management approaches tailored to local conditions. This project strengthened the capacity of grain growers, advisers and industry stakeholders to implement best-practice grain storage management across the Far North. Building on an initial scoping study, the project identified the region’s specific grain storage challenges and opportunities and developed targeted extension resources to address them. Through a whole-of-industry approach, the project delivered practical information, training and support to improve grain storage decision-making and management. Activities focused on helping growers invest confidently in fit-for-purpose storage infrastructure, maintain grain quality during storage, manage storage pests effectively and maximise the value of grain through segregation, blending and market targeting. The project contributed to building industry knowledge and capability in grain storage management, supporting the long-term growth, profitability and resilience of northern Australia’s emerging grains sector.
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.
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.
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.