- Author CRCNA
- Publish date 23 November 2020
- Type Report
- ISBN 978-1-922437-14-3
- Documents
- Aquaculture
- Beef
- Broadacre cropping
- First Nations led business development
- Forestry
- Health service delivery
- Horticulture
- Rice
- Strategic policy development
- Supply chain development
Summary
The State of the North report provides an overview of the CRCNA’s foundational research across key Northern Australian agricultural, Traditional Owner-led business, communications and health sectors.
The State of the North 2020 report provides :
- A comprehensive assessment of Northern Australia’s key agricultural sectors detailing the opportunities and challenges facing development
- New evidence-based insights and solutions developed with industry for industry
- New pan-northern solutions to support the de-risking of Northern Australian agricultural development
- A clear pathway forward for the CRCNA, our investment partners and research collaborators.
Projects
Northern Australia health service delivery situational analysis
This project identified key challenges and opportunities facing the health service delivery sector in northern Australian. It explored potential developmental scenarios and identified the most strategic research projects and development priorities for further investment. This included, but was not limited to, infrastructure, clinical issues, policy, new models of care, investment, knowledge, training, and human capital gaps, as well as research or alternative solutions to address them. A consortium of health service delivery providers across northern Australia brought contributed substantial applied research experience in areas such as health services, Indigenous health, and tropical health. Their involvement strengthened the quality and relevance of the synthesis and analysis, ensured ownership of the outputs, and provided a strong foundation for the continued growth and development of the northern Australian health service delivery sector. A comprehensive report was developed to guide a systematic and collaborative approach to prioritising, delivering, monitoring and evaluating research conducted by the CRCNA and other key stakeholders with an interest in the future of the northern Australian health service delivery sector.
Developing a broadacre cropping sector in northern Queensland
This project supported the development of broadacre grain cropping systems in the Gulf River catchments of north Queensland by building local agronomic knowledge, grower capability and industry confidence. Working with both existing and emerging grain growers, as well as the agribusiness sector, the project investigated the performance, profitability and production risks associated with dryland and irrigated grain crops in the region. Through field-based research and industry engagement, the project generated valuable insights into crop selection, agronomic management, yield potential, seasonal variability and farm profitability. The work helped equip landholders and investors with the practical knowledge and risk assessment tools needed to integrate grain production into existing extensive grazing enterprises. The project also strengthened regional agronomic capability by improving cropping skills among producers and industry personnel, supporting the long-term development of a diversified and resilient agricultural sector in the Gulf region. The research identified significant economic potential for irrigated grain production, with projected regional GDP benefits of $10–50 million annually and the potential to create substantial new employment opportunities across northern Queensland.
Reframing smart supply chains in Northern Australia
Supply chains are fundamental to improving the competitiveness, prosperity, productivity and sustainability of northern Australia. This project aimed to renew and reframe the approach to agricultural supply chains in northern Australia by developing alternative models of supply chain management that are efficient, effective, smart and agile. It identified key policy and budgetary directions to support effective supply chains across the region and explored potential partnerships for collaborative planning and implementation of supply chain initiatives. The project also contributed to advancing supply chain thinking and analysis. A comprehensive report was produced, providing an overview of supply chain issues in northern Australia and outlining strategies to reframe options for effective market access and economic development. The report included : Support for informed decision-making regarding the future investments in infrastructure, technology and investment attraction. Guidance for reframing supply chain implementation to enhance domestic and export market growth and efficiency. Recommendations for government on renewed policy frameworks and budgetary initiatives to ensure effective supply chain management in northern Australia. Strategies to build and develop capacity and capability for supply chain research and management across sectors – including industry, government and researchers. Identification of future-focused research priorities to strengthen the evidence base and supply chain thinking and analysis by researchers. Recommendations for short-term and long-term on-ground actions relevant to industry, government and other stakeholders.
Northern Australia rice industry situational analysis study
The northern Australia rice situational analysis project explored the opportunities and challenges associated with developing a sustainable rice industry across northern Australia. As the first study of its kind in Australia, the project assessed domestic and global rice markets, production systems and barriers to industry growth, while identifying pathways for future investment, research and commercial development. The project investigated three key industry development opportunities: commercial wild rice production, the development of a uniquely Australian domesticated rice variety using traits from native wild rice species, and the use of Australian wild rice genetics to improve global rice breeding and climate resilience. These opportunities highlighted the significant potential for northern Australia to contribute to premium food products, agricultural diversification and future food security solutions. A Northern Australian Rice Industry Support Group was established to guide industry planning and examine the sector’s long-term scalability, including production capacity, employment potential and economic viability. The project also identified priority policy, investment and R&D needs to help coordinate future industry development across government, research organisations and industry stakeholders. The study demonstrated strong long-term commercial potential for the sector. Conservative estimates indicated that a premium wild rice industry producing 100 tonnes annually could generate around $10 million per year, while a future “North Australian Rice” product produced at scale could support a $50 million annual industry. The project has since helped attract further investment into wild rice domestication and northern rice research, laying the groundwork for continued industry development through the 2030s.
Northern Australian Communication Analysis
The Northern Australia Communication Analysis project examined how digital connectivity and inclusion influence economic development, productivity and community wellbeing across northern Australia. Delivered through a collaboration between Queensland University of Technology, James Cook University, Charles Darwin University, industry and regional development partners, the project investigated barriers to digital infrastructure, telecommunications access and digital capability across remote and regional communities. The research highlighted how limited connectivity affects agriculture, supply chains, education, employment, service delivery and community resilience. It also explored practical digital and AgTech solutions being adopted across northern Australia, including remote livestock monitoring, satellite tracking, water management systems and on-farm connectivity networks designed for extensive pastoral operations. A major outcome of the project was the development of a five-year roadmap to guide future investment, policy and research priorities for digital inclusion across northern Australia. The project also produced practical tools to help producers assess connectivity options and identify suitable AgTech solutions for their operations. The work has already influenced significant government and industry investment, including digital inclusion programs, regional telecommunications initiatives and Low Earth Orbit satellite deployment projects supporting remote and Indigenous communities. The research has also contributed to regional digital planning initiatives in Cape York and the Torres Strait, while strengthening collaboration between universities, industry and regional stakeholders. Beyond infrastructure, the project reinforced the importance of digital capability, accessibility and fit-for-purpose services in enabling sustainable economic development across northern Australia. Its findings continue to inform policy, investment and regional planning aimed at improving connectivity, workforce participation, business competitiveness and resilience in remote communities. Visit the QUT project website.
Northern Australia aquaculture industry situational analysis study
The objectives of this project were to identify key challenges and opportunities facing the northern Australian aquaculture sector, and to explore potential solutions and/or identify the most strategic research projects for further investment. The scope of the study included infrastructure, policy, investment, environmental factors, production, knowledge, training and human capital gaps. This situational analysis examined current industry characteristics – including industry size, production, income, productivity measures and employment levels – to understand capacity and scalability limitations. It included, but was not limited to, an examination of infrastructure, biosecurity, animal health management, the investment landscape, policy, training and human capital gaps, and the research or alternative solutions to address these issues. A Northern Aquaculture Industry Vision 2028 was developed as part of this study. This vision and strategy were created in collaboration with Indigenous and non-Indigenous stakeholders, associations, aquaculture farmers, researchers, government and non-government organisations, through a series of focus group sessions. Over 350 participants engaged through surveys, workshops, webinars, and direct communication, ensuring broad industry input. Potential for a fivefold increase in production by 2030, reaching over $1.3 billion GVP annually and creating 1,400–2,300 new jobs.
Northern forestry and forest products situational analysis
This industry situational analysis study identified and described key challenges and opportunities facing the northern Australian forestry and forest products industry. It explored potential policy, investment, and other solutions to these challenges, assessed sector-wide research priorities, and identified the most strategic research projects for future investment. As part of the project, a Steering Committee was formed, comprising northern Australian forestry industry stakeholders from each State and Territory (where possible), as well as representatives of Indigenous and non-Indigenous forest growers, the livestock industry, wood product processing industries, and relevant government agencies. This project delivered recommendations and provided information to Indigenous and non-Indigenous landholders, forestry industry stakeholders, potential investors, government agencies responsible for natural resource management, research and development, and policy-makers about the opportunities and constraints involved in further developing sustainable forestry enterprises in northern Australia. The project Steering Committee will be retained as an Industry Development Alliance to continue advocating for, and providing oversight of, the ongoing growth and development of the industry across northern Australia.
Northern Australian beef sector industry situational analysis
This project identified key challenges and opportunities facing the northern Australian beef sector by exploring potential solutions and identifying the most strategic research projects in order to develop priorities for further investment. The research included: infrastructure, policy, investment, environmental, production, knowledge, training and human capital gaps and the research or alternative solutions to address them. The report provided recommendations in all key areas to support the growth and development of the northern Australian beef industry. The approach involved a comprehensive review of literature on beef production technologies and beef system outcomes – including supply chain issues such as transport and logistics – followed by stakeholder engagement to validate findings and gather industry perspectives. The report defined the potential of the northern beef industry in accordance with various strategic plans, and was supported by thorough stakeholder engagement. It presents a clear summary of research requirements and an action plan for the both the industry and the CRCNA, aimed at informing and guiding future investment.