FUNDINGPROPOSAL
Investing in research and innovation to secure sustainable and inclusive development of northern Australia
Recognising the continuing connection to Sea and Land Country of Australia’s First Nations People, the authors acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land and waters of northern Australia, and pay respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.
This funding proposal was developed by the Cooperative Research Centre for Developing Northern Australia (CRCNA). It is intended for the nominated recipients only and is not to be shared or distributed further. Published in September 2025, all figures and information were accurate at the time of publication but may be subject to updates or revision.
The Centre for Northern Australia Business Proposal provides a more comprehensive overview of topics covered in this Funding Proposal. Available to read at: https://isu.pub/Y4pd2nP
Contacts: Anthony Curro a curro@crcna com au John Tanzer j tanzer@crcna com au Belinda Carlson b carlson@crcna com au
Current situation
And why it matters
Northern Australia is vast, rich in opportunity, and vital to the nation’s future. Yet its scale, distance, and complexity require a different approach to development.
The Cooperative Research Centre for Developing Northern Australia (CRCNA) was established under the White Paper on Developing Northern Australia as the flagship initiative to deliver regionally embedded research and innovation from 2017 to 2027.
Its pan-northern remit is unique and vital. No other entity in the north delivers research and development across this scale of industries and geographies, and with multiple portfolio outcomes.
CRCNA research is focused on sectors and emerging industries where the north has the most potential for growth. These currently include:
First Nations led development
Remote health and community wellbeing
Agriculture and aquaculture for food and fibre
Water security and environmental monitoring.
Since 2017, the CRCNA has proven this approach works:
More than 107 projects delivered across the focus areas, creating 650 jobs, building research capacity in the north with 272 partners and achieving over 50 commercialisation outcomes with more to come!
A projected $580 million return to the economy from a $75 million Commonwealth investment that doubled to $155 million in research activities through co-investment models.
But CRCNA’s 10-year funding agreement with the Department of Industry, Science and Resources ends in June 2027. By design, CRCs cannot be extended, and all CRCNA funds were allocated in 2023.
Ten years was never going to be enough to achieve lasting research and development outcomes in the north, where progress takes time and the landscape is unique and complex.
It’s time to evolve to a more fit-for-purpose enduring entity.
Northern Australia covers 53% of the continent, with 78% of land and sea Country under First Nations interests, and is home to just 5% of Australia’s people.
Without continuity of research and innovation we risk:
Progress, impacts and talent eroding
Partnerships and trust, especially with First Nations and regional communities being lost
Investor confidence in the region weakening without innovation and de-risking efforts continuing
Too often, decisions are made far from the north, leaving its needs underrepresented and disconnected from regional accountability and decision-making.
This creates a critical moment, and a major opportunity.
The way forward
The Centre for Northern Australia (CNA)
The CNA is the proposed successor model: a permanent, northern-based institution that secures research and innovation for the long term, aligned with the Action Plan for Northern Australia 2024-29.
The CNA launches a new era of inclusive growth.
Delivers research and development projects aligned to national priorities and unique northern needs.
Fosters knowledge into impact by building skills and talent, supporting First Nations and regional leadership with education and extension activities.
Expands industry focus across First Nations enterprise, health and liveability, water, aquaculture, agriculture, energy, trade and tourism.
Ensures the ongoing delivery of the Developing Northern Australia Conference (DNAC).
Brokers place-based solutions, aligning investment with local social, cultural, environmental, and economic priorities across the whole of northern Australia.
Secures continuity and coordination by providing confidence through cross-sectoral governance while complementing RDAs, Drought Hubs, universities and other development institutions.
The 2025 Independent NAIF Review underscored the need to continue R&D efforts, noting in Observation 9:
“A permanent research and development entity should be established to support a coordinated and long-term approach to northern development research and knowledge translation.”
Focus areas
Boost SME growth and regional productivity.
Advance First Nations economic participation and leadership.
Support renewable energy and climate change adaptation.
Facilitate inclusive and evidence-based planning for land and infrastructure development.
Support resilient economies and social outcomes where the north has growth opportunities in: First Nations business; Remote and rural health; Tourism, Energy, Water security; Food and Fibre production.
Responding to challenges
Despite decades of development, northern Australia continues to face persistent structural barriers, including remoteness, climate volatility, and systemic disadvantage. These are compounded by emerging risks such as:
Increased frequency of natural hazards, climate, biosecurity, health and environmental threats.
Economic vulnerability due to limited industry diversification and workforce shortages.
Distance, fragile supply chains, higher service delivery costs.
The CNA will deliver strategic, place-based R&D to build resilience across systems and sectors, creating a model that can be scaled nationally and internationally. Urgent investment in adaptation and emissions reduction will ensure northern industries contribute to Australia’s climate goals while strengthening vulnerable communities.
Legacy and opportunity
The CRCNA has demonstrated the value of targeted, collaborative research tailored to regional needs and aspirations.
As the CRCNA winds-down, the CNA offers an opportunity to re-shape how R&D is delivered in the north, aligned with contemporary priorities and delivered sustainably and inclusively for long term impact.
Investment into the north’s future resilience, growth and innovation delivers on the Northern Australia Action Plan and avoids stop-start development cycles and assisting meaningful regional engagement.
Recommendations
Endorsement by the Minister for Northern Australia to establish a cross-government steering committee to progress investment pathways to establish the Centre for Northern Australia. Coordinated by the Office of Northern Australia.
Invite the CRCNA to present to the Northern Australia Ministerial Forum on the Centre for Northern Australia proposal.
3.
The Select Committee on Northern Australia to inquire into the future of research and development in northern Australia beyond 2027.
4.
Develop options for short-term bridge funding if investment pathways are not secured within the CRCNA’s remaining operating timeframe.
Outcomes
Create a not-for-profit, permanent entity that reinvests returns back into northern R&D and deliver’s on the government’s Action Plan for Northern Australia.
Establish an expertise-based Board with sectoral depth and diversity and an independent, Minister-appointed Chair.
Establish northern Australia’s long-term research architecture, supporting NAIF pipelines and helping integrate complex policy issues across the region for generational outcomes.
Strategically implement through five year investment plans aligned with government and stakeholder priorities.
Governance and transition
The CNA will become:
A permanent, northern-based entity, headquartered and with offices in the north.
Independent, skills-based board with strong inclusive First Nations, industry, government, and research representation.
Commonwealth-appointed Chair, members nominated and assessed by an independent panel.
Become a not-for-profit company limited by guarantee, serving a defined public benefit purpose, with all earnings reinvested into R&D for sustainable development.
Accountable and transparent, aligned with Commonwealth priorities while driven by regional needs and aligned with the NAIF and ONA efforts.
Collaborative broker, connecting sectors and communities – not just a funder.
Seamless transition, with early appointment of Chair, CEO, and key staff by late 2026.
The CRCNA board terms end in 2027, and the organisation will formally close by 30 June 2027. Current directors will not continue beyond that date.
CRCNA Chief Executive Strategy and Engagement, Anthony Curro, is leading the transition to the CNA, ensuring continuity of membership, networks, talent, and service delivery.
Vision
To drive economic resilience and social wellbeing through applied research, development and extension.
Mission
A Centre that enables sustainable and inclusive development for the north, by the north.
Learnings from the CRCNA:
The CRCNA has shown that elevating First Nations knowledge and building collaborative place-based partnerships is essential for the north’s sustainable and inclusive development.
These lessons show why a short-term remit is inadequate, and with over 80 letters of support, momentum is clear for the CNA to carry this work into a new era of northern development.
Economic and social development are interdependent
Collaboration must be grounded in place
People power progress: inclusive efforts are everything Regional expertise and the environment matters
Partnerships must be broad and sustained
Innovation needs extension to succeed
Supply chains, market access and climate adaption are critical.
Timeframes
Continuity matters
A clear and coordinated transition is essential to maintain momentum and avoid gaps between the CRCNA and the new CNA. This timeline outlines key milestones for the end of the CRCNA and the establishment of the CNA, ensuring it’s fully operational by mid-2027 and ready to deliver from day one.
Policy and funding decisions are needed within 6-8 months (by May 2026 at the latest) for effective planning and transition, and to avoid the loss of expertise and research capacity.
CRC delivery
Continue delivering R&D outcomes to highest standards
Government decision on organisational arrangement and funding
CNA proposal endorsed through the Northern Australia Ministerial Forum
Budget 2026-27 announcement
Funding announced in the Budget and over future forward estimates as applicable.
Final CRCNA projects wrap-up CRCNA board term ends CRCNA staffing reduces
Chair, CEO, executive team appointed
Drives strategic and operational setup CNA board appointed
Enables transition planning and retention of expert staff.
Establish refreshed governance and investment priorities.
Operations end
Final report submitted, organisation ceases. No pan-northern entity to continue R&D in the north.
Formal operations commence
Activate co-funding and industry investments
Ensures no gap between CRCNA wind-down and CNA launch.
First projects and planning initiatives begin
Kick-off co-design and delivery phase under new structure
Money story
Industry, innovation and science
Structural funding for CNA
‘Special successor funding through the CRC program due to CRCNA’s unconventional CRC remit (huge service geography, complex operating environment and multiple sector industry focus).
Requires Ministerial decision through DISR with Cabinet approval.
DISR CRC policy lead, supported by Minister for Industry and Innovation and the Minister for Northern Australia.
Announced 2026-27 Budget
Federal investment
$100 million over 10 years 2026-27 to 2036-37
Consistent with the 2017 CRCNA funding of $75 million, refer the Treasury inflation rate, to:
Bridge R&D investment as the CRCNA winds down and CNA ramps up Purpose: To secure research and innovation across northern Australia through a dedicated, enduring entity – the Centre for Northern Australia (CNA).
Funding stream options
Northern Australia agenda
Cross-portfolio northern investment Stagged over Forward Estimates
Research and innovation activities to secure growth
Seek a new budget allocation to deliver R&D activities across the north, aligned to the Northern Australia Action Plan 2024-2029 via the infrastructure and regional development portfolio.
Requires Ministerial decision through DITRDCA with Cabinet approval; PM endorsement?
ONA policy lead, supported by Minister for Northern Australia, Assistant Minister for Northern Australia, Special Envoy for Northern Australia.
Announced 2026-27 Budget
Northern Australia re-investment
Feasibility, development, place-based planning
While NAIF funds are concessional loans, the NAIF Review (2025) recommended a project-preparation partnership, which can invest in R&D.
Requires Ministerial decision through DITRDCA with Cabinet approval.
ONA policy lead, supported by Minister for Northern Australia, Assistant Minister for Northern Australia, Special Envoy for Northern Australia and the NAIF.
Announced 2027-28 Budget
Research and innovation activities to secure growth
Seek various new, or adapted budget allocations to deliver R&D activities across the north, aligned to portfolio priorities relevant to northern development:
ONA with DPMC, lead policy coordination across portfolios: Infrastructure, Regional Development Industry and Science Indigenous Australians Environment and Water Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry Trade and Investment Health, incl Indigenous Health Defence
$100 million x 8 = $12.5 million each over 10 years
Requires various Ministerial decisions through departments with possible Cabinet approvals.
Announced from 2026-27 Budget
CRCNA cross-portfolio reach: CNA co-investment model
CNA requires initial funding from the Australian Government to continue R&D activities in the north. Over time its funding will become more independent and diversified. Diversified income is a current funding barrier for the CRCNA by design of the CRC program.
Commonwealth investment
~$30 million for regionally relevant priorities
High return on investment
Commonwealth investment leverages 2–3 times in co-investment from industry, states, researchers, and partners.
CRCNA more than doubled $75 million in federal funding into $155 million total research activity.
The CRCNA is delivering a projected $580 million return to the northern economy, that’s a return of $3.30 in economic output for every $1 invested.
$100 million will generate $350 million in total investment over 10 years, with potential for more with expanded partnerships.
State and territory governments
Industry and Research providers
Cost-recovery/profit-forpurpose basis targeted at social, cultural, or environmental innovation.
Matched contributions: ~$100 million in direct funding, in-kind, matched investments.
Philanthropy and international
Fee for service
Contracts for place-based planning and advice.
Delivering on priorities
Alignment with government priorities
Leveraging the CRCNA progress in delivering research and development outcomes across 7 federal portfolios, the CNA will continue to be guided by national priorities:
Action Plan for Northern Australia 2024–2029: working across all six pillars – First Nations outcomes, infrastructure, workforce, economy, environment, and security.
Closing the Gap: embedding First Nations enterprise, governance, health, regional engagement and service delivery innovation.
Future Made in Australia: strengthening sovereign capability, regional industry diversification, and climate-smart production.
National Science Priorities: applied solutions in health, climate, environment, agriculture, aquaculture, and energy.
This secures:
A commitment to long-term research and innovation for northern Australia, with ministers creating portfolio benefits directly from a permanent research institution.
Strategic implementation through five year investment plans aligned with government and stakeholder priorities.
Productivity, inclusion, resilience – the path forward
Strengthen regional and sovereign capabilities, reduce costs in service delivery, evidence-based development and policy decision making.
First Nations leadership and partnerships for new value chains in aquaculture, forestry, carbon markets, cultural economies and embed economic and social outcomes on Country.
Health innovation leveraging telehealth, nutrition, mental health and culturally aligned care to improve access and lower delivery costs for rural and remote.
Biosecurity gains to reduce the impact of feral animals, invasive species and disease, protecting supply chains, food security and cutting long-term costs.
De-risking and diversification into tropical agriculture, aquaculture, agtech, and ecosystem services to reduce reliance on narrow exports and de-risk private investment.
Data driven planning with spatial tools and regional evidence to strengthen land-use planning, infrastructure prioritisation and investment confidence.
Providing knowledge and solutions to support industries and communities adapt to a rapidly changing climate and contribute to Australia’s emissions reduction targets.
Impacts to leverage
Innovation and place-based development making a difference
CNA will build on CRCNA’s proven track record, scaling impacts across industries, communities, and knowledge systems. These impacts show that place-based R&D does more than solve local problems – it creates scalable models for the nation. Examples include:
First Nations enterprise:
Bushfoods, aquaculture, and agriculture ventures designed and led by Traditional Owners; projects in cultural markets and spatial data mapping enabling selfdetermination and economic activation. Horticulture and agriculture: Research in tropical beef and cropping, fruit, spices and forestry delivering resilient farming systems, higher productivity and skilled regional workforces.
Health and wellbeing:
Telehealth, eye screening for remote communities, research on chronic and tropical disease, culturally informed care models, mental health, and women’s wellbeing and employment.
Aquaculture and seafood:
Proof of concept for tropical oyster farming, seafood licences in coastal First Nations communities; creating highvalue products and local jobs with expansion to crayfish, jewfish and other species. Prawn biosecurity and workforce proofing.
Water and environment:
New governance for water values, irrigation and sustainable agriculture; water security climate adaptation, biodiversity protection, and circular economy opportunities through nextgen technology. .
Education, Supply Chains, De-risking: Skills and education pathways, reviewed northern supply chains and trading markets, de-risked investment by trialling new industries, reducing uncertainty, and boosting confidence for governments, investors, and communities.
CRCNA projects from 2017 to 2027. For more information visit crcna.com.au and follow @CRC NorthernAustralia
Refer icons to project list on next page, some projects have been grouped together for display purposes.
CRCNA project list
Queensland
Western Australia
Northern wide
Northern Territory
THANKYOU
For helping to secure the future of research and development for #northernAustralia