Researchforsustainable andinclusivedevelopment inNorthernAustralia.
TheCooperativeResearchCentre forDevelopingNorthernAustralia recognisesthecontinuing connectiontoseaandcountryof Australia’sFirstNationsPeople.
WeacknowledgetheTraditional Custodiansofthelandandwater onwhichourstaffandresearchers liveandwork,andpayour respectstotheirElderspast, presentandemerging
Foreword MinisterforNorthernAustralia, theHonMadeleineKingMP ItiswithgreatjoythatIintroducetheCooperative ResearchCentreforDevelopingNorthernAustralia’s 2023/24AnnualReport.
CRCNAresearchismaximisingnewa emergingopportunitiesfornorthern Australiansandtacklingthechalleng developmentthroughcontemporary sustainableandresilientinitiatives.
Since2017,theCRCNAhascontinued driveresearchintosectorsthathave potentialinNorthernAustralia,includ FirstNationsenterprises,agriculture, aquaculture,waterdevelopment,and healthservicedelivery.
CRCNA’sresearchde-risksthese industriesinthenorth,whichcanhelp promoteprivateinvestmentanddrive economicdevelopmentacrosstheregion. Icommendtheboardandstaffofthe CRCNAfortheimportantworktheydo, drivingoutcomesforsustainablegrowth inthenorth,creatingjobsandsolving complexdevelopmentchallenges
OverthepastyearI’vehadthepleasureof meetingsomeoftheamazingresearchers thatpartnerwiththeCRCNA.Itrulyadmire theirpassionanddedicationtoapplying scienceandevidencebasedsolutionsto thecriticalnationbuildingtaskof developingthenorth.
Recently,Imetwithresearchersfromthe DarwinAquacultureCentre,whoshared withmetheirbreakthroughsinBlacklip RockOysterhatcheryproduction.
Bygaininginsightsintotheproductionof theseoysters,andprovingtheirfeasibility, forremotepatients.
TheCRCNAisalsoleadingthewayin supportingthetransitiontoanet-zero economy.Theirfocusonsustainabilitypoints toaneconomicdevelopmentagendafor NorthernAustraliathatisaugmentedbyour beautifulanduniquenaturalenvironments.
Iacknowledgetheongoingcontributionsof theCRCNAindeliveringourgovernment’s sharedvisionforthenorth Mycolleaguethe MinisterforIndustryandScience,theHonEd HusicMP–whohasportfolioresponsibilityfor allCooperativeResearchCentres–joinsme incongratulatingtheCRCNAonanotheryear ofsolidprogress,asdoesLukeGosling, SpecialEnvoyforDefence,Veterans’Affairs andNorthernAustralia
Ilookforwardtocontinuingtoworktogether withtheCRCNAandmycolleaguesto supportournorthintothefuture.
“Throughacollaborativecoinvestmentmodel,CRCNA hassuccessfullydoubledthe $75millionofCommonwealth investment,with$155million nowinvestedinindustry-led researchprojects,delivering greatvalueforeverytax payerdollar”.
HonMadeleineKing
MinisterforNorthernAustralia
ResearchandDevelopmentfor NorthernAustralia TheCooperativeResearchCentreforDevelopingNorthernAustralia(CRCNA)is investing$75millioninAustralianGovernmentfundsovertenyears(2017to2027) tosupportindustry-ledresearchanddevelopmentcollaborationstomakedoing businessinthenortheasier,moreefficientandwithlessrisk.
CRCNAvision
Toinvestinindustry basedresearchthat de-risksdevelopment inNorthernAustralia torealisearesilientand sustainableeconomic future.
Objectives CRCNAfocus
Researchcollaborations thatdevelopnew technologies,products andservicestoaddress industryissuesuniqueto thenorth
Improvethecompetitiveness, productivityandsustainabilityof thenortherneconomybybuilding onthenorth’sstrengthsin agriculture,foodandtropicalhealth
Bringtogetherindustry,research organisationsandallnorthern jurisdictionsandinternational partnerstogrowbusiness opportunitiesinthenorth
Collaborativeimpacts CRCNAorigins
Establishedasakey initiativeofthe AustralianGovernment’s 2015,OurNorth,Our Future:WhitePaperon DevelopingNorthern Australia.
Assistindustrytosolve thechallengesofdoing businessinNorthern Australiaandreducethe barrierstoinvestment
Developnewtechnologies, innovations,products,processes andservicesthatbringbenefit tonortherncommunities.
Promoteaskilledand industry-readylocal workforce.
Industryfocusareas FirstNations-led businessdevelopment
Agriculture,incl horticulture,forestry
Researchprograms Aquaculture andseafood
Waterresources Healthservicedelivery incl.tropicalhealth
Supportnewanddeveloping industriesinthenorth
Industryspecificproduction andsupplychaininnovation
Informingpolicy development
Buildingsectorcapacity withFirstNationsenterprises
Supportnorthernhealth servicedeliveryand modelsofcare
Buildeducation,training andresearchcapacityin thenorth
Chair’sreport SheridenMorris NorthernAustraliaisaplaceofgreateconomicopportunity andholdsgloballysignificantenvironmentalandcultural value.It’sthegatewaytotheIndo-Pacificregionandcrucial tothenation’sfuturedefence.
In2023/24ourcommitmenttobacking contemporaryresearchisunderpinning thedevelopmentofkey‘mining-alternate’ industriessuchas:
Tropicalagriculture
FirstNationsculturalmarkets, bushfoods,seafood,agenterprises
Tropicalaquaculture
Environmental,biosecurity,feral management,climateadaption
Remotehealthservicedeliveryand tropicalmedicine
Wecontinuetoevolveandrefinethe CRCNA’sapproachtoresearchbasedon thenorth’sdevelopmentneeds,building knowledgeandextensivenetworks, membershipsandrelationshipsforrealworldoutcomes
Governance
InDecember2023,RickyArcherresigned fromtheCRCNABoardashetookupthe roleofthefirstIndigenousDirectorofParks Australia.Ithankhimforhisworkand dedicationtoNorthernAustralia, especiallywithFirstNationsenterprises.
DuaneFraser,aproudWulgurukabaand Bidjaraman,wasappointedtotheBoard asanewDirectorinJanuary2024.He bringsawealthofexperienceinadvising Commonwealthandstategovernments onmattersrelatingtoIndigenousaffairs andenvironmentalpolicy.
Futurefocus Togenuinelysupportn sustainabledevelopme Australiaoverthelong focusedonprovidingta andanalysisthatsupp informeddevelopment
Itgoesbeyondcommi it’sinnovationandacti sustainablesolutionsa chaintoaddressbarrie andenhanceFirstNati
Ourfutureinnorthernd focusedon:
Researchandexten wherethenorthhas opportunities:agriculture,aquaculture, tourism,energy,environmentalservices, andhealthservicedelivery. ClosingtheGapwithtargetedindustry support,business&entrepreneurialism. Reducingcostswithmodernservicesto enhancebiosecurity,disastermitigation andenvironmentalprotections.
TransitioningtoaNetZerofuturewith innovations,development,andmetrics forenvironmentalcompliancewhilst buildingclimateresilience.
TheCRCNAispartofthefabricofthenorth, andtogetherwe’reworkingtogetheron makingalasting,positiveimpact.
SheridenMorris
CEOreport AnthonyCurroandSarahDocherty NorthernAustraliaisahighlyproductiveregionwith excitinggrowthintropicalagriculture,aquaculture, FirstNationsknowledge,waterresources, environmentalstewardship,andhealthinnovations forremoteandruralAustralians.
Investment WithaninitialAustralianGovernment allocationof$75millionovertenyears, CRCNA’sco-investmentmodelhasnow leveragedover$155milliontosupport109 projects,involving272partners,andover thelifeoftheCRCNA,provide657projectrelatedjobs
In2023/24thefinaltwoprojectsforthe CRCNAcommencedandtheorganisation hasfullyallocateditsCRCgrantfunding throughtotheendofoperationsin2027.
BlacklipRockOysterIndustry Development
ActivatingFirstNationWaterRights undertheCapeYorkWaterPlan
2023/24alsosawuscompleteanother12 researchprojectsandsupportedmorethan 96FTEstaffengageddirectlyinresearch, developmentandextensionactivities.Over 2600peopleparticipatedintraining, conferences,workshopsandfielddays, furtherstrengtheningknowledgeandtalent acrossourregions.
Science ChiefScientist,ProfAllanDale,continuesto leadthetransitionofscienceimpactsinto greaterpolicyandinvestmentoutcomes. Thisworkisenhancingthelikelihoodof morecomprehensiveandlong-term outcomes,ensuringbenefitsarenot restrictedtotheboundariesofindividual projects,withwiderapplicationacross northernregions.
Engagement NorthernAustraliaisalargeoperatingremit, soitsvitaltoparticipateinindustryevents Highlightsfromtheyearinclude: OurBeef2024celebritycheflunchwith ChefMarkOliveandChefTomHitchcock, showcasingnortherntropicalbeefwith ourindustrypartners,AACo DevelopingNorthernAustralia ConferenceinDarwin,sharinginsights from12CRCNAprojectsto500delegates. OurPhDStudentWorkshopfor11students engagedinCRCNAindustryfocusareas. Producerfielddaysfortropicalcropping, sesameandjackfruitinKatherine, KununurraandEmerald LandlinestoriesfeaturingCRCNA researchinsesameandjackfruitand otherfeaturesonoysters,KakaduPlum healthbenefitsandnaturepositive waterdevelopment. AnewCRCNAwebsiteshowcasingthe volumeofknowledgeacrossprojects, checkoutcrcnacomau
Astheyeardrawstoaclose,wethankour dedicatedstaff,boardandresearcherswho helpuscreatetheenablingconditionsfor positive,sustainableandinclusive developmentofouramazingregion.
WelookforwardtoworkingwiththeCRCNA Boardonprogressingthefutureofresearch inNorthernAustralia.
AnthonyCurroand SarahDocherty
TheYearinreview Workingtogetherforbigger,bolder,impact
NTAquaculture research, development, extension workshop,Darwin
WaterSecurity forNorthern Australiaofficial programlaunch
Developing NorthernAustralia Conference, Darwin
BootsontheGround commencedasasupport servicetobuildcapacity andconnectionforlocal agriculturalprofessionalsin cropandcommercial agronomyinnorthernand north-westQld
CRC Stu Wor Tow
DuaneFraserjoined theCRCNABoard followingRicky Archer’sresignation
4Telehealth Techniciansarenow trainedatGawaand Nanginyburra communitiesinArnhem Land,alsosupporting environmental,cultural andmentalhealth
Beef2024and CRCNAandAACo CelebrityCheflunch celebratingnorthern beefindustry
NewCRCNA website launched
CentreofResearch ExcellenceforStrengthening HealthSystemsinRemote Australiaknowledge workshop,AliceSprings
500tonnesof invasivehyacinth removedfrom Rockhampton’s FitzroyRiver
CRCNAstud
Landlinestorieson
CRCNAresearch: ector:Trialingherband opsinNorthernAustralia; dUp:Thetropicalfruit meatalternative
RyanOrr,wonthe bestsoilscience
PhDthesisin AustraliafromSoil ScienceAustralia
TropicalRockLobster fielddayandproject completion
NorthernAustralian
RegionalDigital Health
Collaborativewas launchedvia nardhc.org
Kununurra
SesameCentralresearch centrelaunchedat CQUniversity,Rockhampton
Over1.1millionoysterspatwere successfullyspawnedintheNT forcommercialscalenursery trialsinremotecommunities
Midwiferyand virtualchildhealth serviceswere establishedin Clermontthrough theIntegrated HealthCare Planningproject
4newstart-upsreceived mentoringsupportthroughthe projectNoveltherapeuticsfor diabetessourcedfromnorthern biota,creatingabiotechstart-up cultureinCairns
Researchprojects Projectsnapshot During2023/24:
2newprojectscommencedvaluedatover$4.1million
12researchanddevelopmentprojectswerecompleted
96.3FTEstaffengageddirectlyinresearch,developmentandextension
130formalandenduserpublications,and2675individualsengagedin professionaltrainingcoursesorconferences,workshops,orfielddays.
Newandcompletedprojectsfor2023/24include:
FirstNationsled businessdevelopment
ActivatingFirstNationWaterRights undertheCapeYorkWaterPlan. AT.4.2223010(new)
Aquaculture
BlacklipRockOysterIndustry Development.A.2.2122025(new)
WATropicalrockoysterresearch anddevelopment.A.2.1819053WA
PioneeringTropicalRockLobsterRaft Grow-outforNorthernAustralia A32021116
Healthservicedelivery
Developmentofasimple,robust telehealthsystemforremote communities H51920041
Economicassessmentof disabilitymodelsofcarein remotecommunities H52021046
Agriculture
Suitablesugarcanetodiversifyand addvalue.A.3.2021002
ProjectBGreen.A.3.2021118
SpicingupNorthernAustraliawith high-valuecondimentcrops. A.2.1819045
CentralQueenslandAgricultureSupply ChainBaselinestudy.A.1.2021029
Waterdevelopment
Co-designphase,WaterSecurityfor NorthernAustraliaProgram. AT.7.2122013
MakingWaterWork:Definingasupply chainanddevelopmentprecincts vision.A.7.2122006
MakingWaterWork:Visionarylanduse planningtofacilitatedevelopment precincts A72122007
ScalingNextGenerationWaterMarkets inNorthernAustralia.A.7.2122001
TraditionalOwners,TiwiPlantation Corporation,TiwiLandCounciland commercialtropicalforestry expertsareresearchingthebest plantationspeciesfortheforestry industryontheTiwiIslands,85km northofDarwin
The30,000haestateistransferring tothehigher-valueEucalyptus pellitatrees.Earlyevidenceshows thesecouldbeupto100%more productivethanthecurrentAcacia varieties.
FirstNations-ledbusinessdevelopment Settingtheresearchagenda Modernmapping-IntegratingIndigenousprioritiesinspatially enabledplanningoftheIndigenousEstateAT.4.2223009
TheCRCNAhaspartneredwiththeAnindilyakwa LandCouncilonGrooteEylandtandGeoscience Australia,theAustralianNationalUniversityand AerometrexLtd.totransformhowdigitalmapsare designedandusedonCountry,integratinga GeographicInformationSysteminculturally appropriateandinclusiveways.
Sealevelrisescenariosarealsobeingmonitored acrossthearchipelagousingLiDARdata.This providespredictivemodelstoassistwithplanning climatechangeimpacts,criticalforemerging industriesontheisland,likeaquaculture
CulturalmarketsystemdevelopmentAT.4.2223008
IndigenousConnection,TracksIndigenous ServiceandtheNationalAustraliaBankhave partneredtoinvestigatenewwaysofimproving economicparticipationonCountryacross NorthernAustralia,usingmarketsystemdesign principles.
Improvedcultural,economicandsocial outcomescanbedeliveredwithFirstNations peoplesandcommunitiesbybetteraligning theneedsofsuppliersandconsumers.
Applying'gigeconomy'thinkingto existingculturalknowledgeis connectingculturalknowledgesupply withculturalknowledgedemand Visitindigenousconnection.comor follow@indigenousconnection
FirstNations-ledbusinessdevelopment Settingtheresearchagenda ActivatingFirstNationWater undertheCapeYorkWaterP AT.4.2223010
Theprojectcommencedin2023to AboriginalCorporationsacrossCap opportunitiesbothonandofftheir secureandleasablewaterrightsth
TosupportAboriginalCorporations allocationsundertheCapeYorkW networkofAboriginalCorporations researchersandgovernmentagen togethertodevelopthefollowingre development.
Createasituationanalysiso Corporationsrightstowater undertheCapeYorkWaterPlancovering: opportunityandconstraintstothe allocationanduseofwater identifypolicy,regulatoryorprocess improvements determineifinvestmentsareneededto supportwaterallocationandusefor environmental,economicand communityneeds
Researchcatchment-basedcasestudies tofurtherunderstandtheopportunitiesand constraintstoaccessingandleasingwater allocationsbyAboriginalCorporations.
DevelopaCapeYorkWaterManualtobuild thecapacityofAboriginalCorporations withwaterallocationstoreceiveallocations andutiliseorleasewater
Themanualwillhelpwaterusersseekingto utiliseorleasewater,andengagewith AboriginalCorporationsholdingwaterrights.
InformbroaderFirstNationswaterpolicy acrossNorthernAustraliaandnationallyby leveragingtraditionalknowledgeand expertiseforeconomicgrowthwhilst protectingland,waterandculturalassets.
Waterdevelopment Naturepositive WaterSecurityforNorthern Australia(WSNA)AT.7.2122014
WSNAisbeingdeliveredthrougha partnershipbetweentheCRCNAandthe NorthernAustraliaUniversitiesAlliancefrom 2023to2026.
Theresearch-focusedapproachis demonstratingthatdevelopmentand environmentallyhealthyandsustainable eco-systemscanco-existbybetter understandingthenaturalenvironment.
WSNAhas15projectsco-designedwith stakeholdersacrossfourmajornorthern watercatchments:
LowerFitzroycatchment,CentralQld GilbertRivercatchment,NorthQld DalyRivercatchment,NorthernTerritory OrdRiverIrrigationArea,Western Australia
Topicsexamineissuesthatpreventor restrictdevelopmentofwaterresources, effectiveuse,equitableaccessand environmentaloutcomesofwateruse.
Water quality, availability and the environment
Environmental impacts and management
Greater Indigenous benefit from water resources
Biodiversity supported by aquatic environments
Climate impacts and management
Cropping systems and new crops
Improved economic returns from the use of water resources
ading tGenerationWaterMarketsin ustraliaA.7.2122001
Contemporarywatermarketandtradingsystemsis improvingwateraccesswithmarketdesignand governancewithCivicLedger’sWaterLedger, blockchaintechnology.
Thisiscreatinginvestorconfidencewithgrower-led accesstowatermarketsforagriculturaluse.
TheMareeba-DimbulahWaterSupplySchemehas movedtoblockchainwatermarketandtrading platform:WaterLedger
It’screatedamodelforapplicationacrossthenorth inotherindustriesliketropicalhealthandsupply chains
Learnmoreatwaterledger.com
MakingWaterWork Casestudy TheMakingWaterWorkprojectsare addressingcoordination,environmental andregulationchallengesfacingendusers(farmers)inaccessingnewwater infrastructurefromRookwoodWeirinthe LowerFitzroyCatchmentinCentral Queensland.
MakingWaterWorkisanexampleofa place-basedcollaborationtoenhance andimproveindustryaccesstowaterfor sustainableuseintheLowerFitzroy region
Theprojectsweredevelopedin partnershipwithgovernments,industry andthecommunitytosupportagricultural producerstomeettheirregulatoryand environmentalrequirements
Projects Theseprojectsarehelpingtounlockthe agriculturalpotentialintheLowerFitzroy bycreatingcirculareconomiesand achievingenvironmentaloutcomes throughweedmanagement,farmplans, anddefiningsupplychainsand developmentprecinctsforoptimum industryefficiency
TheMakingWaterWorkprojectswere designedtodemonstratethat developmentandhealthyecosystems cancoexist
Projectsareprovidingconfidencefor investorsandproducerstooperatein theregion.
Didyouknow? It’senvisagedthatthismodelwill beappliedtootherdevelopment objectivesinregionsacross NorthernAustralia
AgricultureintheRockhampton regionisvaluedover$700million annuallyandincludesbeef, lychee,macadamia,avocado, mango,grainsandcitrus
Establishingresiliencetomitigate theimpactsofextremeclimate andgrowingmorediversified agriculturalproductsfor domesticandexportmarkets
Providingwaterforirrigation isnotenoughbyitselfto guaranteeagricultural development,place-based collaborationisessential.
TheFitzroycatchment’sannual flowis12timesthesizeofSydney Harbour WhenRookwoodWeir wasbuiltcoordinationofwater resourcesforindustrygrowth, whilstmeetingenvironmental standards,wasessential.
500tonnesofinvasivehyacinth weedremovedfromRockhampton’s FitzroyRiverandrecycledinto agriculturalsoilnutrients
“TheRockhamptonRegional Council,asaGreatBarrierReef guardian,isfocusedonbeinga proactiveenvironmentalsteward whilstadvancingresponsible sustainabledevelopmentof agricultureintheFitzroyFoodBowl”.
MayorTonyWilliams RockhamptonRegionalCouncil
Agriculture Climateadaptiontoprotectandgrowmarkets Silvopastoraltrialsofcommercial pinesystemsA.1.2021013
Silvopastoralisaspecificformof agroforestrythatintegrateslivestock grazingandtimberproductioninthe sameunitofland,providingdiversified incomeandproductivitybenefitsfrom combinedtimber,carbonsequestration andbeefproduction.
CommercialPinuscaribaeaspecies showedpositivepotentialforexpanded pineproductiontomeetdemandfor timberproducts
Datasupportsfuturemodellingand economicanalysistoapplysilvopastoral systemsacrossNorthernAustralia,with theGulfSavannahNRMusingthistoscope silvopastoralpotentialintheirregion.
Grainstoragestorageextension:Far NorthA.1.2021057
Asnortherncroppingandcattle productionexpands,sotoodoesgrain storagerequirementssuitedtotropical conditions.
Extensionpracticesareassistinggrowers intheKununurra,KatherineandTownsville regionstoutilisefit-for-purpose infrastructureandmanagement techniquestomaintainqualitygrainin storagethatisfreefrompestsand humidity.
Storinggrainappropriatelygives producersdiversifiedmarketaccess, reducesfreightcostsandprovides supplementaryfeedingforlivestock duringthedryseason.
o
Climateprojectionsindicatea0.61.3Cincreaseby2030.Increasing heatwaves,evaporationratesand waterdemands.creditWADPIRD
8,059agriculturalbusinesses operateinNorthernAustralia,that’s 9.2%ofthetotal87,402agricultural businessesnationally.creditABS
11tropicalcyclonesthreatenthe northannually,onaverage,with 4to5reachingland creditCSIRO
Next-GenerationResilientOrchard ProductionSystemsforTropicalCrops A.2.2021052
Innovatingneworchardtrellissystems fornext-generationresilienceof cyclones,forhigh-valueandslower growinghorticulture.
Jackfruittreesgrowto20metrestall andtakeuptofiveyearstoproduce commercialquantitiesoffruitthesize offootballs–typicallyweighing between5-15kg.
Whilefruitmaybelostinsevere weather,trellisingcanpreventthe greatercostoftreesbeinguprootedin theeventofacycloneorstormsthat frequentthenorth,reducingproducer lossesandproductionrisk
GreatNorthernSpicesA.2.2122016
Producertrialsacrossthenorthforhighvaluecommoditiesfordomesticand exportmarkets,likesesame,fennel, kalonji,andpeanutsinprojectA.2.2021083.
Cotton,Grains,Cattle Casestudy TheCRCNAisinvesting$8millionin Cotton,Grains,Cattleresearchto supportNorthernAustralia’sagriculture sectorthroughsustainable,adaptable croppingsystemsandcattleproduction improvements.
Launchedin2023,the4-yearres seekstoinformfuturefarmingp andinvestmentandbuildnew sustainablemarketsthrough6 coordinatedresearchprojectss acrosstheNorthernTerritory,the RiverIrrigationAreainWAandn Queensland.
Earlyoutcomesfromtheprojects include:
Commencementofintensive feedingstudieson10cattle stationsintheNT,including commercialoperators,First Nationsoperatedstationsand governmentresearchstations
Integrationoflocallyproduced cattlefeedtosupport intensificationofbeefproduction.
ORIAfarmershavedecisionsupport toolstohelpchooserotationcrops andNfertilisationstrategies.
Climateresilientmanagementof covercropsintheOrdRiver IrrigationAreaandtheNTto protectsoilsfromintensetropical wetseasonstorms
Commencementofmethane emissionsandcattleforage legumefeedstudiesatCentral QueenslandUniversity
Increasedagronomicskillsacross northernAustraliasupporting technicalandindustryworkforce growth,includingthreeembedded PhDscholarsintheprojects.
BootsontheGroundsupport servicetobuildcapacityand connectionforlocalagricultural professionalsincropand commercialagronomyinNWQld
Extension capacityfor broadacre cropping(FNQ)
Diversification optionsand droughtresilience practices(NQ)
CropsforCattle (NT)
Croppingsystem fundamentals(NT)
Sustainable cropping,ORIA(WA)
Intensifiedcattle production(WA)
Agriculture OnCountry BusinessonCountry AT42021030
KalanEnterprisesinCapeYorkareexploring thefeasibilityofdevelopinghigh-value productsfromlow-valueherdsonIndigenous lands
TheprojectisworkingwithFirstNations commercialcattleenterprisesintheCape Yorkregiontoaddressferalanimal management,andsupportremotefood security,andFirstNationsledagricultural businessmentoring
Therearecurrentlythousandsofunmanaged stocksinNorthernAustraliawhicharelocated indenseandremotevegetation,not economicallyviabletomusterandare expensivetosellthroughtraditionalmarkets duetoaccessibilityconstraintsandlimited transportinfrastructure
It’salsoestimatedthere’sover23millionferal pigsroamingCapeYork.
Toaddressthesechallengesandcreatenew Indigenous-ledbusinessmodels,FirstNation producersareresearchingthedevelopment ofnewprocessingmethodsandsystemsto buildanalternativemarketplaceforunutilisedstockandferalanimalsintheCape Yorkregion.
CapeYorkisaregionofexceptional environmentalandculturalvalue.
Theregionis121100km2withdiverse landscapesincluding16complete riverbasinswiththeirsystems virtuallyunmodified.
45distinctAboriginallanguagesin theregionwithseveralhundred dialects.
10,000plantspeciesandseveral thousandanimalspecies.
30broadvegetationgroupsincluding 72differenttypesofrainforest comprising20%ofAustralia’s remainingrainforest
Imagecredit:NAILSMA
“CRCNAresearchhastakenthe riskoutofexpandingour businessonCountry. We’reconnectingwiththeright peopleandusingthelatest technology,whichallowsusto dowhatwedobest-runour cattleandeco-tourism businesses”
VinceHarrigan NormanbyLandManagement, CapeYork
Aquaculture Investinginindustrycapability BlacklipRockOysterIndustry DevelopmentA.2.2122025
Recentbreakthroughsinoysterhatchery techniqueshavedemonstratedthe potentialforBlacklipRockOystersto expandNorthernAustralia’saquaculture industry.
Oysterscanprovideculturallyappropriate andsustainableenterprisesforremote communitiesbyestablishingapremium, nativeoysterinthemarketthat’sgrownby FirstNationspeopleinthenorth’spristine waters.
ResearchisunderwayacrossfourNorthern Territoryoystergrow-outsites:Groote Eylandt,theTiwiIslands,GoulburnIsland andatWadeye.
BlackJewfish A.2.2223018
Blackjewfisharesoughtafterfortheir meatandhigh-valueswimbladders, whichareconsideredadelicacyand aphrodisiacinAsianmarkets
Theswimbladder,orairbag,isanorgan inthefishthatregulatesitsbuoyancy.It growsmuchthickerinblackjewfishthan inotherspecies Therehasbeena growingblack-markettradeforthemin recentyears,withthebagssellingforup to$1,000kg.
Thisproject,inpartnershipwiththeDarwin AquacultureCentreisinvestigatingthe suitabilityofthespeciesforaquaculture anddeterminingwhatfactorswillbekey inimprovinghatcheryrearingprocedures.
PioneeringTropicalRockLobsterRaft Grow-outforNorthernAustralia. A32021116
Ornatashaveundertakencriticalscience andresearchforTropicalRockLobster productionforthegrow-outofhatcheryproducedjuvenilelobstersinnewsea raftenclosures
ResearchtrialsinnorthQueensland, investigatedthedevelopmentand evaluationofproductiontechnologyto meetmarketdemands
Onshoregrowoutsystemtrialsoccurred attheirToomullaBeachaquaculture facility,collaboratingwithindustryto focusonsixresearchareas:environment; raftdesign;translocation,lobsterhealth andbiosecurity;feedingstrategies; lobstergrowthperformance;and, premiumdiversemarketacceptability.
Aboriginalcommercialfishingand aquaculture,northernWAAT.7.2021023
Readthefinalreportatcrcnacomau Thistwoyearprojectprogressesindustry needstodevelopAboriginalownership andparticipationincommercialfishing andaquacultureindustriesfromthe NorthernGasgoynetoKimberleywaters.
Theprojectisde-riskingnew commercialisationpathwaysforkey species(seacucumber,mudcraband tropicalrockoysters)atresearch locationsinDampier,Karratha,Carnarvon, Broome,DerbyandKununurra
AboriginalSeaCompany Casestudy TheCRCNApartneredwiththeAboriginalSea CompanytobuildcapacityofFirstNationspeople incommercialfishingoperationsandseafood marketsacrossthenorththroughfishing mentoring
Thisisleadingtogreatereconomicself-sufficiency andprosperityforFirstNationscommunitiesthat contributestosustainablemanagementofmarine resourcesonseacountrybasedonFirstNations knowledge,culturalrightsandlandownership.
Collaborativeresearchisensuringthattheir businessexpansionissupportedwithaskilled workforce,identifiedindustrytrainingand sustainablebusinesspathwaysforindustry participation
TheAboriginalSeaCompanyhaverecently: UnlockingthewealthofIndigenous knowledgeandlandownership–seafoodindustrydevelopment AT.4.2223007
acquiriedcommercialmudcrab, barramundiandcoastalline licences
purchasedtheDarwinFishMarket andestablishedPremium Seafoodstosecuremarketsupply
nowownstheDarwinShipstores forretailmarinemarkets.
Environmentalstewardshipwithacommitment toreducingimpactsthroughimprovedfishing practicesisprovidingadditionalopportunitiesto reducecarbonfootprints,supportlowtech aquaculture,andimprovebiodiversitybyutilising by-productsregardlessofmonetaryvalue
TheircommitmenttoestablishingaFirstNations marineeconomyinNorthernAustraliahas createdstronggovernanceandleadership acrossthesectorthroughbusinessmodelsthat ensureinclusivityandsustainabilityof environmentalandculturalstandardswhilst creatingeconomicopportunitiesforremote coastalcommunities.
Visitaboriginalseacompany.com.auor follow@AboriginalSeaCompany
Healthservicedelivery Meetinglocalneeds Well-beinginformedprimaryhealth careacrosstheKimberleyAboriginal CommunityControlledHealth ServicesHT52122005
AcrosstheKimberleyregionofWA,rates ofpsychologicaldistress,self-harmand suicideforAboriginalpeopleare disproportionatelyhigh
TheKimberleyAboriginalCommunity ControlledHealthServicesisdeveloping anddeliveringapilotprogramfornew on-the-groundapproachesinhealth servicedeliveryandandcarematerials forindustrytoutilise.
Itisbasedonknowledgeand understandingofhowtraumaaffects people'slives,theirserviceneedsand usage,andcanbedeliveredwithin existingresources.Theresearchaimsto:
Improvepatients’healthaccess andoutcomes
Reducestaffturnoverand improvejobsatisfaction
Reducenumberofcritical incidentsinvolvingpatient violenceinhealthcareservices
IntegratingHealthCarePlanningfor HealthandProsperityinNorth QueenslandH52021068
Theresponsivenessofhealthservicesto communitiesinnorthQueenslandisbeing addressedbyintegratingplace-based planningtothelocalhealthneedsofa region
Existingdataisanalysedthroughmapping techniquestodefinecommunityand serviceneedsandidentifygapsand duplication
Place-basedplanningisco-designedwith selectedcommunitieswhothenimplement andevaluatenewmodelsofcare
Outcomesoftheprojectareevaluatedin termsofqualityofcare,efficiency,service providerandconsumersatisfaction,and processacceptabilityandsustainability
Todate,anewmidwiferyandvirtualchild healthserviceshavebeenestablishedin Clermontthroughthisproject
TheNQregionisdefinedinthisprojectas thefivehospitalandhealthserviceareas fromtheMackayregionuptotheTorres StraitandacrosstotheNTborder
edwiththeUniversityof eforOnlineHealthtoexpand (ExtensionforCommunity nitiativeintoNorthernAustralia. ojectshavebeendevelopedfor healthcareworkers,theHealth eTelehealthSkillsECHO.
htheCentreforOnlineHealthis ducationprogramandalso cetelehealthtrainingwith3 northto21participants.
heMindssessionswith163 TelehealthSkillssessionswith agedandallresourcesfrom orkshopsareavailableonlineas edgebase
Healthservicedelivery Technologyandtradition Developmentofinnovativeprimaryhealth servicemanagedbyTelehealthTechnicians forveryremoteFirstNations’communities H52223001
FirstNations’homelandsoftendonothaveoncommunityhealthservicesandareusually supportedthroughhub-and-spokemodelswith outreachvisitsthatvaryinservicequalityand frequency.
Telehealthcanbepartofthesolutionwithmore diversehealthcareservices.
Communitymembersarebeingtrainedby SimbaniResearchinusingInformationand CommunicationsTechnologyandsmart diagnostic/monitoringtosupporttheuptakeof telehealthinveryremoteregions
FourTelehealthTechniciansaretrainedatGawa andNanginyburracommunitiesinArnhemLand.
They’renowlookingtofilltheroleof “Djagammirr”.Thisisaveryrespectedrolewithin thecommunityandisthepersonwhomakes sureeveryoneisok.
Technician’srolesalsoprovidesupportand guidance forenvironmental,culturalandmental healthmatters.
Learnmoreatsimbani.com.au
ChiefScientist Maximisingresearchimpacts CRCNAChiefScientist,ProfAllanDale,supportstheorganisationthroughstrategicadvice andoversightonarangeprojectsacrossthenorthforgreaterpolicyandinvestment outcomestomaximiseresearchforlong-termsustainabledevelopment
ProfDaleindependentlyoverviewstheCRCNA’ssciencetoinformandsupportthe strategicdirectionoftheCRCNA’sinvestments.
Over2023/24targetedresearchinvestmentsprogressedinallnorthernjurisdictionsand theworkiscontributingtofinalresearchsynthesisandimpactmanagementstrategies oftheCRCNA.
Highlightsfrom2023/24include:
De-riskingandsupplychain developments
Waterdevelopmentpartnerships LiftingLandholderCapacity Sub-ProjectwithNTFarmers Association
De-riskingLandscapesfor AgriculturalDevelopmentinthe NTSub-ProjectwiththeNTGovt. AboriginalCommercialFishing andAquacultureinNorthern WesternAustraliade-risking projectcommencement
NESPRegionalPlanningReform Investment,contributingto:
Enhancedknowledgeforderiskingandsupplychainreforms
InfluencingWhitePaperRefresh processesthroughTheNorthern AustraliaDevelopment SynthesisReport
Casestudyanalysisonstrategic regionaldevelopmentplanning reformsfor:Pilbara(WA), DouglasDaly(NT)andGilbert River(QLD)
AligningNESPandEPBCpolicy reforms.
Strategicpolicysupportforthe NorthernAustralianUniversities AllianceandtheWaterSecurityfor NorthernAustraliaprogramin collaborationwiththeCRCNA.
FacilitativesupportfortheCapeYork WaterProject’ssteeringand operationalcommittee.
MakingWaterWorkprogram:
AdvanceRockhamptonbusiness caseproposalwasapprovedfor Stage2developmentoftheSouth YaambaWaterDistributionScheme. Thisenablespreliminaryprecinct planningdesignforwaterdistribution infrastructureinthearea.
PresentationfortheAgriculturalLeaders eventwhichincludedthelaunchof AdvanceRockhampton’sAgricultural InvestmentProspectus,akeyproduct fortheSupplyChainsproject. Accesstheprospectusat advancerockhampton.com.au
Additionalinvestmentfromindustry andstategovernmentfortheReef WaterQualityImprovementproject.
ChiefScientist EnablingInfrastructureWorkshop
HeldduringtheDevelopingNorthernAustralia ConferenceinDarwin,over80attendees participatedinaworkshopwithcommunity andgovernmentpresenterslikeInfrastructure Australia,northernjurisdictionalgovernments andtheNorthernRDAAlliance.Togetherthey progressedCRCNArecommendationsfor majorbudgetinvestmentinsupplychain infrastructureandlong-termmodelling.
Focusareastosupportinclude: Improvingeast-westconnectivity; EquityofaccessforFirstNationsand remoteregions;Moreopensupply chainsintotheIndo-Pacific.
DevelopmentofamajorEnabling InfrastructureProjectaspartofthe WhitePaperImplementationAction Plan,progressinginpartnershipwith theMinisterialForum.
Toprogressimportantdevelopment objectivesforNorthernAustralia,the ChiefScientistsupportsandfacilitates engagementonmattersaffectingthe north.Highlightsinclude: Facilitationandengagement
NorthernAustraliaIndigenous ReferenceGroup
NorthernAustraliaMinisterial ForumpresentationinCairns
Ministerialpanelkeynoteatthe DevelopingNorthernAustralia Conference,Darwin
Decarbonisationandregional developmentshowcasein TownsvilleandCairns
Invitationtotheinaugural GlobalNaturePositiveSummit in2024.
TheNorthernAustraliaDevelopment SynthesisReport crcna.com.au
BeyondWaterAllocationPlanningin NorthernAustralia petercullentrustorgau/bridging-issue55/
RegionalPlanning:Communityof Practicenewsletter nespmarinecoastal.edu.au/project/3-1/
DevelopingNorthernAustraliaConference Researchondisplay In2023theDevelopingNorthernAustralia Conference(DNAC)washeldinGarramilla onLarrakiaCountry(Darwin)andattended byalmost600delegatesinvolvedin developingNorthernAustralia.
TheCRCNAcontinuestobeaproudsponsor ofthisevent,showcasingtheopportunity, innovationandvibrancyofthenorth.
ResearchpartnersoftheCRCNApresented onresearchimpactsanddevelopment progressin:
TiwiIslandsforestry
Watersecurityinmajornorthern catchments,andwatertrading
Tropicalcroppingandlivestock integrat
Silvopastoralforestryandcattle production
Programlaunch: NorthernAustralia
Thepartnershipbetwe NorthernAustraliaUni seriesofresearchproj constrainingsustaina infocalnodesacross launchedatDNACinD
Theaimistode-riskth investmentanddevel improvingwatersusta andprovidingapathw developmentofkeyse
It’salsoaboutdemon andenvironmentallyh ecosystemscanco-e
FirstNationsdataandLiDAR mapping
Telehealthsupportingremote andruralregions
De-riskingdevelopment throughresearch
Climateresilienthorticulture
Thevastmajorityofnorthernland andseacountryisofinterestto AboriginalTorresStraitIslander people,withrightsacross80%of thelandscape
Ifwe'regoingtosolvethecomplex economicproblemsthatwehave uphere,whilstprotectingsomeof thegreatestnaturalresourceson theplanet,andtrulyClosethe Gap thenweallhavetogivealot offocustoNorthernAustralia
ProfAllanDale Chair,DevelopingNorthern AustraliaConference
Byunderstandingandharnessingthe uniquefeaturesofNorthernAustralia,we canimprovethelivesofpeopleinour communitiesacrossthenorth
HonMadeleineKingMP MinisterforNorthernAustralia
Educationprogram TheCRCNAissupportingavibrant educationandtrainingprogramthrough activities,educationalexperiencesand professionaldevelopmentopportunities.
It’saboutenhancingthedevelopmentand retentionofresearchskillsandcapacityin areasalignedwithCRCNAresearchthemes forPhD,Masters,Undergraduateand vocationalstudents
In2023/24:
47PhD,4Masters,1Honours and4otherpost-graduate studentswereinvolvedin researcheitherdirectlywitha projectorsponsored scholarshipfromtheCRCNA.
12PhDstudentscompleted theircourseduringtheyear.
130formalandenduser publicationsdeveloped
2675individualsengagedin professionaltrainingcoursesor conferences,workshops,or fielddays.
UndertheCRCNA’sindustryfocusededucationandtraining program,researchactivitiesare underwaytoincreasetechnology development,skilledemployees andresearchanddevelopment capacitywithinNorthernAustralia
CRCNAHorizonScholar,Indiana RhindwasontheAgriFutures evokeAGpodcasttotalkabout howagricultureisintricately linkedtourbansociety.Listen vialnkd.in/gVimpub2.
Mastersstudent,RafaelGoulart completedhisthesiswithtwo publicationsonMangoFruit PhantomsforRobotic HarvestingTrials.Readvia mdpi.com/2071-1050/15/3/1789.
dentworkshop ber2023,theCRCNAheldits hDandearlycareerresearcher pinTownsvillewith14PhD esparticipatingfromacrossthe shopthemewascommunicating tothecommunitybyadapting olderneeds,includingwithFirst eopleandpracticesand whenengagingonfarm.
esparticipatedinactivities dtovalue-addtotheiruniversity ctrainingwithreal-worldskillsto hemforacareerworkingwith munitiesandindustriesof Australia.
Membership TheCRCNAwelcomesallpartieswithaninterestindevelopingNorthernAustraliato applyformembership TolearnmoreaboutCRCNAmembershipvisitcrcnacomau Currentmembershipincludes:
AdvanceCairnsLimited
AgriVentisTechnologiesPtyLtd
ArGyllConsultingPtyLtd
AustralianBarramundiFarmersAssociation
AustralianLivestockExporters’Council
AustralianPrawnFarmersAssociationInc.
AustralianMangoIndustryAssociation
BlueshiftConsulting
Burdekin-BowenIntegratedFloodplain ManagementAdvisoryCommitteeInc
BurnettMaryRegionalGroupforNRMLtd
CairnsAirportPtyLtd
CattleAustraliaPtyLtd
CentralQueenslandUniversity
CentrefarmAboriginalHorticultureLimited
CharlesDarwinUniversity
ConsolidatedPastoralCompany
CottonSeedDistributorsLimited
CREco-efficientAgricultureConsultancy
DavidLarkin
DiamondStarAustraliaPtyLtd
ManbullooLimited
MeatandLivestockAustraliaLtd
MenziesSchoolofHealthResearch
MountIsatoTownsvilleEconomicDevelopmentZone
MurujugaAboriginalCorporation
NorthAustralianIndigenousLand&Sea ManagementAlliance(NAILSMA)
NorthernAustraliaCropResearchAlliance
NorthernGulfResourceManagementGroup
NQRegionalOrganisationofCouncils
NQDryTropics
NTFarmersAssociationInc
NorthernTerritoryPHN
OrnatasPtyLtd
OKRPtyLtdT/AT.R.A.PServices
PirroneBrothersProduce
RDA-Mackay-Isaac-Whitsunday
RDAKimberley
RDATownsvilleandNorthWestQueensland
RDATropicalNorth
SelectabilityLtd
SheridenMorris
SimbaniResearchPtyLtd
SouthernGulfNRM
SpatialInformationSystemsResearchLimited SugarResearchAustraliaLtd
SynapseMedicalServicesAustraliaPtyLtd
TiwiPlantationsCorporationTrust
TheAustralianVeterinaryAssociationLtd TimberQueenslandLimited TownsvilleEnterpriseLimited
UniversityofQueensland
UniversityofSouthernQueensland
Policyalignment CRCNAresearchanddevelopmentisneedsdriven,ledbyindustryandcommunity aspirations.TheCRCNAalsosupportsprioritiessetbytheAustralianGovernment andthenorthernjurisdictionalgovernmentsforgreaterimpactinthebroader developingNorthernAustraliaagenda.
NorthernAustraliaActionPlanand
NorthernAustraliaMinisterialForum
FutureMadeinAustralia
ClosingtheGap
NationalScienceandResearchpriorities
NaturePositivePlan
NationalHealthandClimateStrategy
NationalReconstructionFundPriorities
NationalAgriculturalInnovationAgenda
MeasuringwhatMatters-TheTreasury
Industryfocusedresearch anddevelopmentactivities, providingasourceofdelivery andcoordinationfor governmentinthenorth.
Extension,adoption, commercialisationforgenuine uptakeandoutcomes. Partnershipfacilitationfor developmentchallengesto meetplace-basedaspirations
Financeand Governance Investmentimpact For northern research to have lasting impact on the development of Northern Australia, collaboration is required for greater collective effort. The following snapshot provides CRCNA’s investment impacts to deliver research, development and extension activities to progress northern development. Incapacitybuilding througheducation program
The CRCNA works with over 272 project partners to drive outcomes and overcome
Governance TheCRCNAgovernanceisledbyaboardofdirectorsfromacrossNorthern Australia.Togethertheybringawealthofofbusinessacumenandnetworksfor strategicdecisionmakingtoensureourfutureiscollaborative,consideredand planned
TheRiskandFinanceAudit(RAF)Committeeprovidesaconsultativeforumwhich makerecommendationstotheCRCNABoardontheappointmentoftheauditor, CRCNA’sbudgetallocations,performanceandfinancialbenchmarksandother financialmattersasrequired
Financialstatements
ToreadtheCRCNA’sfullfinancialstatementspleasevisit:crcna.com.au/publications/.
Boardmembers SheridenMorris JohnWhartonAM Chair DeputyChair
DuaneFraser
DrRebecca Mohr-Bell
BrendonDouglas
DrScottDavis
DavidLarkinAM
MargaretMarty CompanySecretary
PeterLong
RickyArcher (resignedDec2023) (appointedJan2024)
Boardmembersattendancetable2023/24 Chair SheridenMorris
DeputyChair JohnWharton
BoardMember RickyArcher
BoardMember RebeccaMohr-Bell
BoardMember BrendonDouglas
BoardMember PeterLong
BoardMember ScottDavis
BoardMember DavidLarkin
BoardMember DuaneFraser
Chair BrendonDouglas
BoardMember RebeccaMohr-Bell
BoardMember PeterLong
BoardMember DavidLarkin
LukeGuazzo
Acknowledgements
TheCRCNAisfundedaspartofthe AustralianGovernment‘sCooperative ResearchCentreProgram.
Weacknowledgethesupportofour governmentpartners:theQueensland Government,theNorthernTerritory Government,andtheGovernmentof WesternAustralia
Wealsothankourprojectparticipantsand researcherswhoaredevelopingNorthern Australiathroughtheirresearchactivities andresearchoutputs.
ThisCRCNAAnnualReport2023/24 summarisesCRCNAresearchactivities deliveredthroughfundingbytheCRCNA.It ispossiblefiguresandprojectparticipants maychangefromthetimethisdocument waswrittenandpublishedinNovember 2024.
Thispublicationhasbeenprovidedto intendedrecipientsonly.Permissionfrom theCRCNAisrequiredtosharethis publicationwithawideraudience InformationabouttheCRCNAandour projectsisavailableat www.crcna.com.au.
