TheCooperativeResearch CentreforDeveloping NorthernAustralia recognisesthecontinuing connectiontoseaand countryofAustralia’sFirst NationsPeople.
Weacknowledgethe TraditionalCustodiansofthe landandwateronwhichour staffandresearcherslive andwork,andpayour respectstotheirElderspast, presentandemerging.
Foreword I’mpleasedtopresenttheCooperativeResearch CentreforDevelopingNorthernAustralia’s2024-2025 AnnualReport.
TheCRCNA’sresearchde-risks investmentanddevelopmentin northernAustralia.Itprovidesa factual,evidence-basedfoundation forresolvingsomeofremote Australia’sbiggestchallenges.
HonMadeleineKingMP MinisterforNorthernAustralia
8yearsofimpact TheCRCNAisredefininghownorthern Australiadevelops,creatingsustainable industriesandinclusiveeconomic opportunities.
Overtenyears,a$75millionAustralian Governmentinvestment(2017–2027)is unlockingindustry-ledresearchthatmakes developmentsmarter,faster,andlessrisky.
CRCNAbringstogetherthepeoplewhoknow thenorthbest-industryleaders,researchers, FirstNationsorganisations,governments,and communities,toco-createsolutionsforthe region’suniquechallenges.
“Collaborationisattheheartof everythingwedo.Thenorth’ssuccess dependsonworkingtogethertofind localsolutionsforlocalopportunities.”
Purpose Toinvestinresearchthatde-risks developmentanddrivesaresilient, sustainable,andprosperousfuturefor northernAustralia
Approach CRCNAlinksindustryandresearchtodeliver real-worldresults,developingnorthern focusedinnovations,unlockinginvestment, buildingskills,empoweringFirstNations enterprise,andcreatinglastingregional benefits.
Legacy CRCNA’scollaborativemodelissupportinga morediversifiednortherneconomy,turning potentialintoperformancethrough innovation,partnership,andsustainable, inclusivegrowth
“Thenorthisfullofopportunity.
CRCNA’slegacywillbearegionready forwhatcomesnext.”
SheridenMorris Investinginresearchanddevelopmentis criticaltorealisingnorthernAustralia’s long-termaspirationsforsustainable andinclusivegrowth.
Chair’sreport developmentlongafte termconcludes.
Aswelookaheadto20 focusedonlegacy,ens continuationofregiona researchandinnovatio 2025NAIFReviewreinfo recommendingtheest permanentresearcha entitytomaintaincoor supportfornorthernde transitiontoapermane NorthernAustraliarefle ourcommitmenttoen capabilitiesendure,su economicdiversificatio wellbeingandenvironm thelongterm
OnbehalfoftheBoard,Icommendour partners,staff,andresearchcommunityfor anotheryearofachievementand collaboration Together,weare demonstratingwhatcanbeaccomplished whenresearchisdrivenbynorthern priorities,groundedinevidence,and deliveredthroughpartnership.TheCRCNA remainssteadfastinitsmissiontoadvance aprosperous,inclusiveandsustainable northernAustraliaforgenerationstocome
Adj.Prof.SheridenMorris ChairCRCNA
CEOreport Thisyearmarkedapivotalstepinthe CRCNA’sjourney,oneoftranslatingresearch intoenduringimpact.Acrossourseven programs,2024–25wasdefinedby utilisation,adoptionandmeasurablebenefit fornorthernindustriesandcommunities.
Ourresearchcontinuestoproveitsvalue whereitmattersmost:onCountry,inthe bush,intowns,inbusinessesandalongour coastlines.TheBlacklipRockOyster,Great NorthernSpicesandCulturalMarket initiativeshaveprogressedfromtrialto commercialapplication,strengthening regionalsupplychainsandmarket diversification.TheBuffaloSupplyChain, Cotton–Grains–Cattleandviticulture projectsarede-riskinginvestmentand empoweringproducerswithnewtoolsand datatoincreaseresilience.
FirstNations-ledinitiativesremain transformative.Projectssuchasthe AboriginalSeaCompany-SeafoodIndustry Development,ActivatingIndigenousPeoples WaterRights,andSpatiallyEnabledPlanning oftheIndigenousEstatedemonstratehow Indigenousgovernance,datasovereignty andenterpriseleadershipareshapinga moreequitabledevelopmentmodelforthe north.
Ourhealthandworkforceprograms continuedtodelivertangibleresults,from trainingtelehealthtechniciansinremote communitiestolaunchingdigitalhealth micro-credentialsthatstrengthenlocal capability.Withmorethan5,900people participatingintraining,fielddaysand workshopsthisyear,ourreachandimpact continuetogrow
LedbyChiefScientistProfessorAllanDale, ourimpactassessmentshighlightsignificant returnsoninvestmentthroughcocollaboration,andScienceSynthesisReports areprovidingevidence-based recommendationstoguideenduring industrygrowthandinnovation.
TheCRCNA’sworkinpolicyandinvestment solutionsisinformingfutureplanningacross jurisdictions.Decision-supporttoolsfrom projectssuchasMakingWaterWorkare shapinggovernmentframeworksand investmentpriorities,ensuringthenorth’s uniquechallengesaremetwithevidence andcollaboration
Asweapproachthefinalstageofour Commonwealthfunding,ourfocusislegacy, securingasustainableresearchand innovationpresencethroughtheproposed CentreforNorthernAustralia.Weextendour sincerethankstotheCRCNA’sdedicated staffandresearchpartners-your commitmenttonorthernAustraliais remarkableandcontinuestoinspirelasting impactacrosstheregion.
AnthonyCurro SarahDocherty ChiefExecutiveStrategyand Engagement ChiefExecutiveOperations
Theyearinreview Workingtogetherforbigger,bolder,impact
113.75FTEstaff engageddirectlyin CRCNAresearch, developmentand extensionactivities.
27formal publications, 62end-user publicationsand reportsproduced
58webinars, 63workshops, 197fielddaysand 94presentations delivered.
Developing NorthernAustralia Conference, Karratha
CentreforOnline telehealth conferencefor healthworkforce capacity ChiefScientist represented attheGlobal Nature Positive Summit
FielddayatKidman SpringsStation,NT forCropsforCattle researchupdates.
Post-harvestgrain storageworkshopsin Townsvilleandthe Burdekin
MakingWaterWork presentationatthe AgriculturalLeaders event,Rockhampton
PhD-passed confirmationandreview milestones,alongwith engagingproducerfield daysintheORIA sustainablecropping project,Kununurra
SERDreview panel roundtable forFirst NationsR&D, Darwin. International RangelandCongress.
AnewfreeeBookfrom JCUresearchersoffers sustainablesolutionsto healthchallengesin ruralandremoteNQ.
NTCotton Industry Stewardship meetingsfor bestpractice management.
SEGRA presentationatthe NationalRegional andEconomic Development Summiton northernR&D.
TheAnindilyakwaLand Councilspatialmapping projectonGrooteEylandt wontheNTregional communityimpactaward attheGeospatial ExcellenceAwards.
RegionalWater Forum:Water Security&Resilience fortheTropical North.
AboriginalSea CompanyandSkills Insightdeveloped culturallyappropriate, community-based, aquaculturetraining toolsandaworkshop.
TheCRCNApartneredwith theNorthernAustralia UniversityAllianceforthe ParliamentaryFriendsof NorthernAustraliaeventin
Canberra,showcasingwater securitycollaborations.
Over60,000 oysterspatsent toNTtrialsites
Asituational analysisforthe Activating IndigenousPeoples’ WaterRightsUnder theCapeYorkWater Planwasreleased
SimbaniResearchheld theDigitalHealth4the Bushforumfornational healthandtechnology professionals.
CircularFuturesNQ Innovationand SustainabilitySummit.
WaterLedgerAustralia namedaFinTechInnovation finalist
FoodFutures ConferenceFood FuturesConference andRoadshowin Mataranka
ProfAnthonySmith wontheUQ ResearchCulture Awardfor advancing telemedicineand Indigenoushealth inQueensland.
InauguralFarm toFeedForum inKatherine.
Researchprojects Howweoperate Industrythemes
CRCNA’smissiontodevelopnorthernAustraliaisambitiousinscale. Byaligningresearchwithkeyindustrythemes,we’redriving sustainableandinclusivegrowthwheretheregion’spotentialis greatest. Agriculture,Food
Completedprojectsfor 2024-25 StrengtheningNorthernAustralia’shorticulturalsector withprotectedcroppingvaluechainlinkagesand pathwaysforadoption-A31819067
GrainandGrazeNorth:Dual-purposepeanutsfor northernAustralia-A.2.2021083
GrainStorageExtension,FarNorth-A12021057
Integratedmanagementtoensuremarketaccessfor northernAustraliangrain-A.1.2021091
DemonstratingNext-GenerationResilientOrchard ProductionSystemsforTropicalCrops-A22021052
DevelopingAsparagopsisseaweedcultivationat scaleinnorthernAustralia-A.3.2021051
WaterProductivity,EfficientandSustainabilityin TropicalHorticulture-A12021074
MakingWaterWork:Integratinghyacinthharvestand processingforagdevelopment-A.7.2122009
Noveltherapeuticsfordiabetessourcedfromnorthern Australianbiota-H.5.2021062
IntegratingHealthCarePlanningforHealthand ProsperityinNorthQueensland-H52021068
Researchprogram1 Sectorandsupplychaindevelopment Objective:Deliveranevidencebasewhichprioritisessector,supply chainandinfrastructureinvestmenttoprovidetimelyaccesstohigh‐valueinternationalanddomesticmarkets.
Thesectorandsupplychaindevelopment programissynthesisinginsightsfromearlier CRCNAprojectsacrosskeyresearchprograms andindustrythemes.
Thisworkisbuildingastrong,evidence-based foundationtoguidefutureinvestment, infrastructureprioritiesandsustainablemarket growthacrossnorthernAustralia
Drawingonlessonsfromcompletedprojects, theprogramisshapingcross-sectorpolicyand investmentoutputsundertheChiefScientist andDe-Riskinginitiatives,ensuringresearch translatesintotangibleregionaloutcomes
Throughnewsynthesispapersandimpact statements,theCRCNAisequipping governmentandindustrywiththedataand directionneededtoprioritisesupplychain developmentandregionalinfrastructure investmentacrossthenorth
Sciencesynthesisreportsandimpactassessments Assessmentactivitiesbeganin2024–25,withthefirstreportsnowpublishedand additionalreleasesscheduledthroughout2025–26asthesynthesisandimpact programprogresses.
Researchprogram2 NewanddevelopingindustriesinnorthernAustralia Objective:Growandimprovedevelopingindustriesandassistthe establishmentofnewindustriesinnorthernAustralia
Aquaculture BlacklipRockOysterIndustry DevelopmentA22122025 BlackJewfish:AnewcandidateforaquacultureinnorthernAustralia
TheBlacklipRockOysterprojectmadestrong progressin2024–25,movingclosertoestablishing asustainabletropicaloysterindustryinnorthern Australia
HatcheryandnurseryoperationsattheDarwin AquacultureCentrerefinedspatproduction techniquesthroughprobiotic,settlementcueand hybridnurserytrials,achievinga18.4%settlement rateandproducingabout1.45millionspat,amajor steptowardcommercial-scaleproduction
Over60,000spatweredeployedacrossTiwi Islands,WadeyeandSouthGoulburnIslandtrial farmsduringtheyear Theytestedlocalgrowing conditionsandprovidedvaluableinsightsto strengthenregionalproductionknowledgeand supporttheexpansionofthenorth’semerging Blackliprockoysterindustry
AJunefielddayontheTiwiIslandsbrought togetherpartners,researchersandTraditional Ownerstoshareresultsandfuturedirections, showcasingtherichpotentialofAustralia’stropical coastsandcommunities.
TheBlackJewfishprojectisaheadofschedule,expandingitsscopetofast-track commercialreadiness.Twonewtrials,atankcolourtrialandalightintensitytrialare underwaytorefinehatcheryperformance.AdedicatedspawninductioninAugust2025 alsosuppliedeggstoHumptyDooBarramundiforindependentlarvalrearing,marking thefirstuseoftemperaturecontroltooptimiseBlackJewfishspawning
Industryengagementremainsstrong,withcommercialoperatorscommencingsmall harvestsanddeepeningcollaborationthroughsharedresearchandlarvaltrials. Together,theseeffortshighlighthowappliedscienceandindustrypartnershipsare turningBlackJewfishfromanemergingresearchfocusintoapotentialnewaquaculture species
EverydollarinvestedthroughCRCNA projectsdeliversnewknowledge,new jobs,andnewopportunitiesacross northernAustralia.
Emergingcropsandfarmingsystems Researchprogram2 TheGreatNorthernSpicesprojectcontinuedto buildmomentumin2024-25,strengthening Australia’spositionintheemergingsesame industry.LedbyAssociateProfessorTienekeTrotter, theteamadvanceditsresearchthrough internationalcollaborationandindustry partnerships
AhighlightwasProfTrotter’svisittotheUnited States,engagingwithsesamebreedersand industryleaderstoexploregenetics,crop managementandvalue-addingopportunities suitedtoAustralianconditions.Thisglobal engagementispositioningnorthernAustraliaat theforefrontofhigh-valuespicecropinnovation
IncollaborationwithSesameCentral,theteam alsopublishedSesameDiseasesandPests: AssessmentofThreatstotheEstablishmentofan AustralianIndustry(Crops,2025)-akeypaper outliningthebiosecurityandagronomic challengestoindustrygrowth.
Theseeffortsarelayingthegroundworkfora resilient,profitablesesamesectorthatcan diversifynorthernfarmingsystemsandopennew exportopportunitiesforAustraliangrowers
Growerguidesarealsoavailablevia:
https://crcna.com.au/resources/publications/sesamegrower-guide-factsheet/
TheDualPurposePeanutsprojectcompletedactivitiesin2024–25,advancingeffortsto revitalisethepeanutindustryacrossnorthernAustralia WithBega’sclosureofitsKingaroy andTolgaoperations,theproject’sworkhasbecomeincreasinglyvital helpingbuild growerconfidence,profitabilityanddiversificationopportunities.
Bytestingvarietiesandfarmingsystemswithbothfoodandfoddervalue,theprojectis positioningpeanutsasaversatile,resilientcropforthenorth Itsfocusonproductivity, marketaccessandsustainabilityiscreatingnewincomestreamsandstrengthening supplychains
Incollaborationwithproducersandresearchers,theteamcontinuestodemonstratehow innovativecroppingsystemscansupportlocaleconomiesandthefutureoflegume production,withfourmanuscriptssubmittedtosupportcommercialuptakebythePeanut CompanyofAustralia
Novelagronomicpracticestoachieve productiveandprofitableviticulturein northernAustraliaA.2.2122014
TheNovelagronomicpracticesforproductiveand profitableviticultureinnorthernAustraliaproject continuedtobuildmomentumin2024–25, highlightingtheregion’sexpandingcapacityfor premiumhorticulturalproduction
ResearchoutcomesweresharedattheNorthern AustraliaFoodFuturesConferenceinApril2025, drawingnationalattention While,themergerof FreshProduceGroupandFruiticostrengthened commercialalignmentandindustrycollaboration.
Buildingonsuccess,asparaguswasintroducedas acomplementarycroptotestdiversified horticulturalsystems.
TwoPhDstudentscontinuedworkontropical viticulture,supportedbyBloomFreshforgrape geneticsandShin-Etsuforpheromonepest management
Together,thesepartnershipsarelayingthe groundworkforaprofitable,diversifiedhorticulture sector,withtablegrapesandasparagusproviding diverseoptions
Theprojectadvancedunderstandingofanimalwelfare,logisticsandmarketpotential acrossnorthernAustralia’sbuffaloindustryin2024–25
Despiteamarketslowdown,theteammadestrongprogressinstakeholderengagement, datacollectionandsupplychainanalysis,unitingTraditionalOwners,producersand exporterstoaddresswelfare,handlingandmarketaccesschallenges.
Bymappingthesupplychainfromcapturetomarket,theprojectisidentifyingpractical waystoliftwelfarestandards,strengthencommunityparticipationandsupportamore resilient,transparentbuffaloindustryacrossthenorth.
Progressupdate Cotton,Grains,Cattleprogram Together,thesixprojectsaredemonstratinghowscience-drivensolutions,producer partnershipsandcross-regionalcollaborationaretransformingnorthernagriculture intoamoreconnected,resilientandprofitableindustry
CropsforCattle,NTA.2.2122027
Theprojectexpandeddry-season feedingtrialsacrossallmajorsites, addinganewcommercialstation collaboratoranddemonstratingclear gainsinliveweightandfeedefficiency Trailsofvirtualfencinghasalsobeen incorporatedtotheproject.Project outcomesarehighlightingthevalueof integratingforagecropsintonorthern cattlesystems.
Extensionactivitywasamajorhighlight, withtheinauguralFarmtoFeedForum inKatherineattractingmorethan100 producers,alongsidepresentationsat theNTCattlemen’sAssociation Conferenceandparticipationin CRCNA’sFoodFuturesconference events.
Fundamentalsofcropping-systemsin theNTA.2.2122026
Theprojectadvancedunderstandingofsoil health,nutrientmanagementandcrop performanceundertropicalconditions.Year twoofthecottonandcover-croptrials producedkeydataonnitrogenefficiency, soilcarbonandcropsequencing,supporting moresustainable,productivefarming systems.
TheCharlesDarwinUniversitydraftreviewof NTbroadacrecroppingisshapingbestpracticeguidelines,whilefieldwalksand growerforumshavestrengthened confidenceinsustainablerotationsandlaid thegroundworkforaresilientnorthern croppingsector.
Supportingsustainablediversification ofORIAcroppingsystemsA22122028
Theprojectestablishedallgrower demonstrationplotsandnitrogentracertrials acrosstheOrdregionwhilethefirstlocally grown,harvestedandginnedcottonmarked akeymilestoneforregionalprocessing.
Dataoncanopytemperature,soilnutrients andwateruseisshapingbest-practice fertiliserandirrigationmanagement,while growerparticipationensuresoutcomes translateintopracticalon-farmgainsanda sustainable,diversifiedOrdcroppingfuture
Progressupdate Cotton,Grains,Cattleprogram Croppingenabledcattleproduction A.2.2122029
Theprojecttransitionedfrom infrastructuredevelopmenttofull researchoperations,markingamajor stepinintegratingnortherncroppingand cattlesystems.
ApilotfeedlotstudyatFrankWise generatedvaluabledataonfeed conversion,growthperformanceand animalwelfare Currentresearchfocuses onwaterquality,nutrientcyclingand feedefficiency,showinghowlocally grownforagesandby-productscan boostproductivityandsustainability
Extensioncapacityforbroadacre cropping(FNQ)A.2.2122031
Researchandgrowerconnectionswere strengthenedacrosstheregionturninglocal dataintopracticalon-farmdecisions.
Withsevenin-fieldtrials,newweather stationsandreal-timemonitoringthrough GoFieldtechnology,theprojectexpanded regionalresearchnetworksandimproved accesstosite-specificagronomicinsights
Regular“BootsontheGround”visitsand updatesthroughthenorthernnewsletters ensuredgrowersstayedinformedand engaged,helpingtranslatescienceinto practice.
Diversificationoptionsanddrought resilience(NQ)A22122030
Regionaltrialsandpartnershipsexpandedto testresilientcroppingrotationsandlivestock integration Throughfieldtours,workshops andtargetedextension,theprojectshared practicalstrategiesformanagingclimate variabilityandmaintainingprofitability.
Newdiseasemanagementinsightsandcrop dataarehelpingproducersrefinesystems andadoptmoresustainablepractices, buildingknowledgeandcapacityforclimatesmart,diversifiedfarmingacrossNQ
Researchprogram3 Industry-specificproductionandsupplychain innovation
Objective:Supportthedevelopmentandgrowthofestablished industriesbyidentifyingvalue‐addopportunities,newmarkets, improvingsupplychainsandenhancingproductivity.
De-RiskingPhase2–NTthrough SustainableDevelopmentPrecincts AHT.7.2021022
De-RiskingPhase2completednewregional planningandinvestmentframeworksforthe DouglasDalyregion,publishedastheDouglasDaly AnalysisandSolutionsReportsinApril2025.
DevelopedwithNTGovernmentpartners,they balanceagriculturalexpansionwithenvironmental careandguidefutureprecinct-scaledevelopment. TheprojectalsosupportedClimate-Smart Agriculturefundingbids,positioningtheNTforlowemission,climate-readygrowth.
Accessthefinalreportvia:
crcna.com.au/resources/publications/final-report-derisking-phase-ii-nt-sustainable-development-precincts/
Integratedmanagementtoensure marketaccessfornorthernAustralian grainA.1.2021091
Thisprojecthelpednortherngrowersliftgrainquality, protectmarketaccessandreducepost-harvest losses.Workshopsandon-farmdemonstrations improvedstoragehygiene,aerationandpestcontrol undertropicalconditions,whilecollaborationwith industrysupportedadoptionofmodernsiloand monitoringtechnologies.
ThepublicationThechallengesandopportunitiesof grainstorageinthetropics(AustralianGrain,2025) reinforcedappliedstorageresearchtostrengthen confidenceacrossthenortherngrainssector
DemonstratingNext-GenerationResilientOrchardProduction SystemsforTropicalCrops(Jackfruit)A.2.2021052
Theprojectadvancedresearchonorchardmanagement,post-harvesthandlingand marketpotential.Fieldtrialsrefinedpruning,nutritionandpestcontrolpractices,while processingandpackagingstudiesshowedhowtoextendshelflifeforsouthernand exportmarkets Withstronggrowercollaboration,jackfruitisemergingasapromising diversificationcropthatboostsresilienceandopportunityinnorthernhorticulture
Casestudy DevelopingAsparagopsis seaweedcultivationatscalein northernAustralia
Unlockinganewseaweed industryforlow-methane agriculture Methanefromcattleandsheepisamajor contributortogreenhousegasemissions.
Feedmadewiththeredseaweed Asparagopsistaxiformiscancutmethane productiondramatically,butgrowing enoughseaweedhasbeenamajorbarrier Currentmethodsrelyonharvestingwild plantsandcollectingspores,whichisslow andunsustainable.
Innovativesciencefor large-scalecultivation WithsupportfromtheCRCNA’sIndustryproductionandsupplychaininnovation program,researchersfromTheUniversityof WesternAustraliadevelopedanew, scalablewaytoproduceAsparagopsis seedlingsusingprotoplast(cell-based) technologyinsteadofwildsporecollection.
Theteam:
AnalysedAsparagopsiscellwalls toenablecellrelease.
Identifiedaneffectiveenzymemix forprotoplastisolation.
Achievedthefirstsuccessfulrelease ofviableprotoplasts.
EngineeredE colitoproduce thekeyenzymeλ-carrageenase
Real-worldimpact Theprojecthascreatedapathwayfor sustainable,large-scaleseaweedfarmingin northernAustralia Thesebreakthroughs enableaconsistentsupplyofAsparagopsis seedlingsforcommercialproduction, helping:
Reducemethaneemissionsfrom livestock.
Diversifyandstrengthenregional coastaleconomies.
SupportAustralia’stransitionto climate-smartagriculture.
Nextsteps Futureworkwillrefineenzymeproduction andimproveseedlinggrowthtoachieve commercial-scaleseaweedcultivation.This researchispositioningAustraliaasaglobal leaderinlow-emissionlivestockfeed production.
DrJohnStatton TheUniversityofWesternAustralia
Researchprogram4 ActivatingtheFirstNationsEstate Objective:De‐riskinvestmentinFirstNations‐ledenterprisesandenhance theskillsandcapabilitiesofIndigenousandTorresStraitIslanderpeoples
UnlockingthewealthofIndigenous knowledgeandlandownership–seafood industrydevelopmentAT.4.2223007
TheAboriginalSeaCompanyprojectisredefining thefutureofIndigenous-ledfisheriesinnorthern Australia.Over2024–25,theteamlaunched mentoringprogramstosupportTraditionalOwner groupsindevelopingviableseafoodventures acrossharvesting,fishingtourismand aquaculture.Theseinitiativesprovidedhands-on guidanceinlicensing,governanceandmarket engagement,empoweringcommunitiesto transformdeepculturalknowledgeofSeaCountry intosustainablecommercialopportunities.
Amajormilestonewasthecreationofacooperativebusinessmodeldesignedtostrengthen communityownershipandparticipationin emergingseafoodsupplychains.Alongsidethis, traditionalfishtraptrialsdeliveredvaluable insightsintoproductivity,sustainabilityand tourismpotential.
Together,theseeffortsareunlockingnew pathwaysforIndigenousenterprise,blending traditionalpracticewithmodernindustryknowhowtobuildavibrant,community-drivenseafood economyfornorthernAustralia’scoastalregions
Watchthevideo‘CrabbingonMyCountry’via youtube.com/watch?v=r3wR_Qb_Wso @aboriginalseacompany
TraditionalOwnergroupsarebeingsupportedtobetterunderstandandactivatetheir statutorywaterrights.Theproject’ssituationalanalysisreport,nowcompletedand sharedwithAboriginalCorporationsacrossCapeYork,hasbecomeacatalystforaction, supportingseveralgroupstoprepareandsubmitnewwaterlicenceapplications.
Throughdetailedcasestudies,theprojecthighlightedhowequitableaccesstowatercan drivelocaldevelopmentandempowercommunitiestomanagewaterasacultural, socialandeconomicasset Bybridgingscientific,legalandcommunityknowledge,the initiativeisstrengtheningIndigenouswatergovernanceandbuildingconfidencefor long-termengagementinnorthernAustralia’swaterplanningprocesses layingthe groundworkforamoreinclusiveandsustainablefutureforCapeYork’sTraditional Owners.
Researchprogram4 ActivatingtheFirstNationsEstate Spatiallyenabledplanningofthe Indigenousestate(GrooteEylandt) AT.4.2223009
Theprojectsuccessfullydevelopedafully functioningStructuredQueryLanguage(SQL) databaseandgovernanceframeworktoempower community-leddecision-makingacrosshealth, education,lawandjustice
Integratinggeospatialandsocialdata,the platformgiveslocaldecision-makersthetoolsto mapoutcomes,identifyprioritiesandplanservices withgreaterprecision,transparencyand accountability.
Thisinnovativeapproachearnednational recognition,winningtheGeospatialExcellence AwardforCommunityImpact(NorthernTerritory) andprogressingtotheOceaniafinalsin2025.
Beyondtheaccolades,theprojectiscreating lastingimpactbyempoweringTraditionalOwners andlocalorganisationswiththedatatoolsneeded todrivetheirowndevelopment
Itstandsasamodelforhowtechnology, collaborationandIndigenousgovernancecan cometogethertostrengthenplanningand prosperityacrosstheIndigenousestate.
Maximisingnortherntropicalforestry–linkingcommunitiesand cutting-edgetechnologyAT.4.2021001
Theprojectdeliveredtransformativeoutcomes,withitsresearchnowformingthe foundationofamulti-million-dollarsecond-rotationinvestmentapprovedbytheTiwi LandCouncil.
Buildingonfindingsingenetics,silvicultureandresourcemanagement,anew 30,000hectarereplantingprogramwillboostproductivity,environmentalperformance andlong-termprofitabilityforTiwiforestryoperations.Theresearchalsoinformedsmallscalemillingfeasibilitystudies,openingnewopportunitiesforlocalprocessingand value-adding ThisworkdemonstrateshowcollaborativescienceandTraditionalOwner leadershipcandrivesustainable,large-scaleforestrydevelopmentacrossnorthern Australia.
Casestudy Buildingculturalmarketson country Empowering community-ledeconomies TheCulturalMarketSystemDevelopment projectisreshapinghowIndigenous knowledgeandcapabilityarerecognisedin northernmarkets,shiftingfromtransactional engagementtocommunity-ledeconomic systemsgroundedinculture,trustandlongtermvaluecreation.
Throughout2024–25,projectpartner IndigenousConnections(IC)workedwith morethan15organisations,servicedelivery andgovernmentagenciestoidentify marketfailuresanddesignnew,fit-forpurposebusinessmodelsthatput communityprioritiesfirst.
Creatingimpactthrough partnerships Thisengagementledtoseveralkey collaborations,includingamilestone agreementwiththePowerandWater Corporation(P&WC)toenhancewater securityacross200remoteNTcommunities. Byembeddingculturalknowledgeinto waterservicedelivery,ICishelpingbuild institutionaltrustanddelivermoreresilient communityoutcomes.
ICalsodeliveredtheNorthernTerritory EmergencyServicesproject–Exploring CulturalCapitalDevelopmentandLocal EmergencyManagementonCountry,which aimstocreate200new,context-informed jobsoverthreeyears.
Expandingreachand recognition Inlate2024,ICgainedculturalendorsement tooperateacrosskeyNTregions,including TennantCreek,Yuendumu,SantaTeresaand Hermannsburg,expandingitsfootprintand impact.
TheorganisationalsoregisteredasanNT Governmentsupplier,openingnewpathways forformalpartnershipsandprocurement opportunities.AnewCDUCulturalKnowledge Providermicro-credential,currentlyundercodesignforfuturedelivery,willfurther strengthenlocalcapacitybyformally recognisingculturalexpertiseasa professionalskill.
BybridgingIndigenousgovernancewith modernmarketsystems,theCulturalMarket SystemDevelopmentprojectisshowingthat whencommunitieslead,marketscanevolve, drivingoutcomesthatarebothlocally groundedandnationallysignificant.
@indigenousconnection
ActivatingtheIndigenous estateisaboutunlocking opportunitythrough respect,knowledgeand partnership.Creating pathwayswhereCountry, cultureandcommerce worktogetherfora strongernorthern Australia.
Researchprogram5 Advancinghealthinnovationforthenorth Objective:ImprovehealthoutcomesinnorthernAustraliabystrengthening health-seekingbehaviours,earlydetection,accesstomentalhealthcare andtechnology,andworkforcecapabilityindiagnosisandtreatment.
Bothprojectsadvanceddata-drivenchronic diseasemanagementacrossnorthernAustralia
TheDigitalNutritionprojectdeveloped personalisednutritionanddietarysupporttools integratedintoremotehealthservices,whilethe Tele-DFD(DigitalFootDisease)programimproved earlydetectionandmanagementofdiabetesrelatedfootconditionsthroughtelehealth-enabled screeninganddiagnosticsupport
Together,theseprogramsenhancedaccessibility, prevention,andcontinuityofcareforchronic diseasemanagementinremotecommunities
Attractingandretainingthehealth workforceH.5.2223005
Amajoroutcomewastherolloutofco-designed workforceplanningmodelsandtailorededucation pathwayswithhealthorganisations,aligning trainingwithlocalserviceneeds.
Theseframeworksarehelpingbuildaconfident, capableIndigenoushealthworkforceequippedto leadchangeanddeliverhigh-qualitycarecloserto home
Targetedrecruitment,mentoringandupskilling improvedretentioninruralandremoteareas, addressingworkforceshortagesandstrengthening culturallysafecare
DigitalNutritionandTele-DFDprograms AT.4.2223009andH.5.2122004 Towardswell-beinginformedprimaryhealthcareacrosstheKimberley
Theprojectembeddedwell-beingindicatorsintohealthplanningandservicedeliveryto ensurecarereflectscommunitypriorities,integratingcultural,socialandemotional wellbeingalongsideclinicalmeasures.Byco-designingframeworks,datatoolsand evaluationmethods,itishelpingAboriginalhealthorganisationscapturelocalstrengths andneeds,enablingmoreresponsive,community-ledcareacrosstheKimberley.
Researchprogram5 Advancinghealthinnovationforthenorth Integratedhealthcareplanning,north QueenslandH.5.2021068
Theprojectconcludedin2024–25,completing fieldworkacrosscommunitiesandfinalising outputstoguideintegratedhealthplanningacross northQueensland.
ItsinteractiveeBookcombinesdata,community insightsandplanningtoolstosupportmore coordinated,equitablehealthcare.
Byaligninglocalprioritieswithregionalstrategies, itdeliversareplicablemodelforcollaborative healthplanningandsmarterinvestmentin communityneeds.
Accesstheebookvia: jcu.pressbooks.pub/guidelines-place-basedhealth/
Micro-credentialinDigitalHealthfor theRuralandRemoteHealthWorkforce H.5.2223006
LaunchedinMarch2025,thismicro-credential coursewasdevelopedthroughacollaboration betweentheCRCNA,JamesCookUniversity,the NorthernQueenslandPrimaryHealthNetworkand theNorthernAustralianRegionalDigitalHealth Collaborative.
Theprojectisbuildingdigitalcapabilityacross northernAustralia’shealthworkforce,upskilling ruralandremotecliniciansintelehealthdelivery, datauseanddigitalrecordmanagement.
Byenhancingdigitalliteracyandpracticalskills,it’s helpingcreateamodern,tech-enabledhealth workforceequippedtodeliverconnected,highqualitycareacrossnortherncommunities
Accessthecoursevia: nardhc.org/microcredential-course/
Casestudy Connectingcarethrough telehealth CRCNA’stelehealthprojectsarereshaping ruralandremotehealthcareacross northernAustralia,bridgingvastdistances todelivertimely,equitablecare.
Fromchronicdiseasepreventiontodigital eyescreening,theseinitiativescombine technology,trainingandcollaborationto improveoutcomesforpatientsand communities.Together,they’recreatinga smarter,moreconnectedhealthsystem builtforthenorth
ProjectEcho:building workforcecapability ThroughProjectECHOTelehealthSkillsand HealtheMinds,cliniciansacrossthenorth gainedaccesstospecialistmentoring,peer learningandcase-basedworkshops
Participationgrewthroughout2024–25,with newengagementintheNorthernTerritory andQueensland.Theprogramsare strengtheninglocalexpertiseinchronic disease,mentalhealthandagedcare, whileboostingconfidenceandretentionin theruralhealthworkforce
Telehealthforveryremote regions TheTele-DiabeticFootDiseasetrialis reducingpreventableamputationsand hospitalisationsthroughremote, multidisciplinarycare,whileneweye screeningservicesaresavingsightviaearly detection
TheTelehealthTechniciansforRemote Communitiesproject(H.5.2223001)is trainingFirstNationsresidentsas CommunityWellnessRangers,buildinglocal capacityinICT,diagnosticsandtelehealth facilitation Solar-poweredWi-Finow connectstheGawacommunityinnortheast ArnhemLand,ensuringreliabledigital access.
InNovember2024,theseadvanceswere showcasedattheDigitalHealthfortheBush Forum,highlightingCRCNA’sleadershipin deliveringresilient,locallydriventelehealth systemsfornorthernAustralia.
Researchprogram6 Industry-focusededucationandtraining Objective:Increasetechnologydevelopment,skilledemployeesandR&D capacitywithinnorthernAustralia
CRCNA’sindustryfocusededucation andtrainingprogramishelpingtobuild skilledworkforcesfornorthern Australia’sgrowth.
In2024–25,field-basedtrainingin aquaculture,croppingandIndigenous enterprisestrengthenedemployment pathways
Newmicro-credentialsaddressed emergingindustryneeds,buildinga capable,future-readyworkforcefor sustainableregionaldevelopment.
Northerntalent TheCRCNAPhDstudent wasappointedProject ScientistfortheBlacklip RockOysterprojectin Darwin. DrJonAquino
PhDresearcherinnorthern croppingsystems,earnt theAgronomyAustralia StudentAwardfor outstandingresearch. LipyAdhikari
TheCRCNAsupportedresearch involvementequivalentto33.8 PhDstudents,twoMasters,and onepostgraduatescholar throughprojectsand scholarships.
4PhDs,2Mastersand2other PostGraduatequalifications werecompletedthisyear.
2PhDstudentsand2Masters studentswentontobe employedwithintheindustry
36undergraduatestudentsand1 vocationalstudentundertook undergraduateeducation coursesrelatedtoourprojects.
188peopleattendedstructured professionaltrainingactivities conductedbytheprojects
Morethan5,900peopleattended CRCNA-supportedconferences, workshops,seminarsandfield daysaimedatsharing knowledgeandpracticalskills
Horticulturalscientiston AgriFuture’smini-series sharingherjackfruit researchandleadership journey DakshinaYadav
ReceivedtheDean’s Medalforexcellencein prawnvirology research. PhoebeArbon
TravelledtoTahitiwiththe CrawfordFundsharing Indigenous-ledoysterand seaweedaquaculturein northernAustraliaskills. LaylaHadden
Saumindra(Somu) Bhattacharya
CompletedhisMaster’s researchingrobotic mangoharvestingto boostprofitabilityand adoptionacrossnorthern Australia’sorchards.
Eventspotlight NorthernAustraliaFoodFutures Conference Shapingthefutureof northernagriculture TheNorthernAustraliaFoodFutures Conference,broughttogether producers,researchers,investorsand policymakerstoexplorethenextphase ofagriculturalgrowthacrossthenorth.
TheCRCNAplayedaleadingrole,with ChiefScientistProfessorAllanDale deliveringthekeynote“Wheretonext: DevelopmentinNorthernAustralia” BelindaCarlsonledthe“FutureofAg Comms”panel,whileDrIanBiggs presentedon“NorthernAustraliaand theimpactofagriculturalexpansion”
CRCNAresearchersalsoshowcased projectoutcomesspanningtropical cropping,aquaculture,water,and Indigenousenterprise.
Theconversationcontinuedatthe FoodFuturesRoadshowinMataranka (27–28May),wheretheCRCNAshared insightsfromitstropicalcropping researchprogram,highlighting practical,on-groundresultsshaping resilientregionalindustries.
TheCRCNA’sInstagramExtensionTour on10Apriladdedacontemporary edgetotraditionalextension.Thishalfday,Territory-styletourtook participantsbehindthescenesof Darwin’sagriculturalandaquaculture industries,fromcattleandbuffaloto tropicalhorticultureandseafood.
Bysharingrealstoriesandstriking imagerydirectfromproducersand researchers,thetourreachednew audiencesonline,amplifyingCRCNA’s researchimpactandinspiringfresh interestinnorthernagriculture.
FarmtoFeedForum
NotpartofFoodFutures,butanequally importanteventfornorthernagriculture wastheFarmtoFeedForumheldin KatherineinJune.Theeventbrought togetherproducers,researchersand industryleaderstoshareinnovationsin feedefficiency,foragesystemsand sustainablecattleproduction
Astrongexampleofcollaboration,the forumwasco-deliveredbykeypartners includingtheNTDAF,CRCNA,NT Cattlemen’s,NorthernHub,NTFarmers, CottonAustraliaandothers, showcasing thesharedcommitmenttoadvancing resilientnorthernagriculture.
Instagramextensiontour
@crc_northernaustralia
CRCforDevelopingNorthernAustralia(CRCNA)
Eventspotlight DevelopingNorthernAustralia Conference Northernvoices,shared visions CRCNAplayedaleadingroleatthe2024 DevelopingNorthernAustraliaConference,held attheRedEarthArtsPrecinctinKarratha
Withover300delegates,theeventcentredon Indigenous-leddevelopment,agricultureand foodsecurity,newenergy,enabling infrastructure,andplace-basedpolicy.
CRCNAprojectsthatfeaturedincluded:
CRCNAresearchde-risking developmentkeynote
FutureofAgricultureinthenorthpanelby theCRCNA
Ayearofexploringnortherndevelopment withtheCRCNA
TheMagandaMakersBusinessClub: Indigenouswomen’sentrepreneurial leadershipmovement
ResearchSupportingWaterSecurityin northernAustralia
Prospectsfornewagriculturaltechnology acrossnorthernAustralia
Optimisingwaterqualitymonitoringfor northernAustralia’swaterstorages
Assistingproponentsofirrigated agriculturedevelopmenttomonitorand meetenvironmentaloutcomes
Beyondfood,fibreandshelter:Plantbasedindustriesinnorthernagriculture.
Researchprogram7 Policydevelopmentandinvestmentsolutions Objective:De‐riskinvestmentinnew,emerging,andestablished industriesbyidentifyingpotentialinvestors,policybarriersandsolutions.
Aboriginalcommercialfishingand aquaculture(WA)
AT.7.2021023
TheAboriginalcommercialfishingand aquaculture madesolidprogressin2024–25, empoweringIndigenouscommunitiestotakea leadingroleinWesternAustralia’sgrowing seafoodandaquaculturesectors
Overtheyear,theprojectsupportedbusiness developmentandmentoringforAboriginal groupsexploringopportunitiesincommercial fishing,aquacultureandseafoodprocessing. Thisincludedrefininggovernanceandbusiness modelstoalignwithregulatoryframeworksand marketexpectations
Collaborativeworkwithstateagenciesand industrypartnershelpedidentifyviable aquacultureventures,developtraining pathways,andbuildlinksbetweenTraditional Ownerenterprisesandestablishedseafood markets
Akeyimpactoftheprojecthasbeenthe empowermentofAboriginalcorporationsto taketangiblestepstowardlicenceacquisition andbusinessplanning,layingthegroundwork forlong-termeconomicparticipationinmarine industries.
Bycombiningculturalknowledgewithtechnical expertiseandcommercialstrategy,theproject continuestodemonstratehowIndigenous leadershipcanshapeamoreinclusiveand sustainablefutureforWesternAustralia’s seafoodsector.
Progressupdate WaterSecurityforNorthernAustraliaprogram TheWSNAprogramisacollaborationbetweentheCRCNAandtheNorthernAustralia UniversitiesAlliance(NAUA)todeliverpracticalresearchandtoolstosupport sustainablewatermanagementacrossnorthernAustralia.Projectsacrossthefour nodes(watercatchments)arepartneringwithTraditionalOwners,governments,and industrytobuildknowledgeandguidepolicyandplanningforasustainablefuture
DalyRivercatchment,NT TheprojectdevelopedPython-basedhydrologicalmodelsto simulateclimatechangeimpactsongroundwater, supportedbyextensivedatasetsongroundwater,spring andriverchemistry.Combiningmachinelearningwith TraditionalKnowledge,theteammappedwetlandsto understandecosystemdynamics.Engagementwith NorthernTerritorygrowersinformedwaterpolicy,ensuring scienceguidessustainablemanagement.
OrdRiverIrrigationArea,WA TheprojectcompletedareviewofnorthernAustralianwater qualityplansanddevelopedapesticiderisktoolforWA DPIRD.Itinstalledhigh-frequencywaterloggerstotrack runoffandflooding,andusedneuralnetworksandsatellite datatomodelsedimentandnutrienttransport. StrengthenedpartnershipswithWesternAustralianagencies areenhancingwaterqualitymonitoringandinforming sustainableirrigationmanagementacrosstheregion
Gilbertcatchment,NQ Theprojectdemonstratedgroundwater’svitalrolein sustainingdry-seasonwaterholesandinvestigatedhow land-usechangeaffectssoilcarbonandbiodiversity. WorkingwithTagalakaTraditionalOwners,researcherscodesignedcatchmentstudiesincorporatingculturalwater values Usingisotopetracing,eDNAandremotesensing,the teamdeliverednewinsightstoguidefuturewaterplanning andsustainablelandmanagementacrosstheregion.
LowerFitzroycatchment,CQ TheprojectdevelopedanAgriculturalSupplyChainInput–Outputmodelshowinghow40,000MLfromRookwoodWeir couldboostregionalagriculturalreturns Itadvancedsmart watermonitoringtrialsusingcontinuoussensorsand automatedsamplers,createdafarmdiversification frameworkforresilientcroppingsystems,andpublished analysesonwatergovernance,tropicalfruitsupplychains andclimateadaptation,providingcriticalinsightstoguide sustainablewaterandagriculturalinvestmentacross northernAustralia AT.7.2122014
Progressupdate MakingWaterWorkprogram TheMakingWaterWorkprogramstrengthenedwatergovernance,improvedwater qualityoutcomes,andexploredinnovativeresourcereuseoptionstosupport sustainableagricultureinnorthernAustralia Threeinterlinkedprojectsadvanced practicaltools,economicanalysis,andon-groundapplicationsforregionalwater management.
Reefwaterquality Completed20IrrigationFarmPlansandthe SouthYaambaReefWaterQualityPrecinct Plan,aligningnewirrigationprojectswithreef protectionstandards.Collaborationswith Sunwater,Verterra,andgovernmentpartners strengthenedcompliance,monitoring,andonfarmwatermanagement,settingamodelfor sustainableagriculturaldevelopmentunder Queensland’sreefwaterqualityframework.
Watergovernance Developeduser-friendlytoolstoimprovewater trading,pricing,andgovernanceintheLower Fitzroy.Deliveredacomprehensiveguideto watermarkets,issuepapersonmeteringand tariffreform,andfourCRCNAreports.Thework simplifiedgovernanceframeworks,improved transparency,andinformedfuturewater managementandmarketreformsincentral Queensland.
Hyacinthharvestand processing Evaluatedthefeasibilityofharvestingand reusingwaterhyacinthasmulchandcattle feed Findingsshowedlimitedeconomic returnsbutstrongsocial,environmental,and ecologicalbenefits.Theprojectdemonstrated circularresourceuseinagricultureand informedfutureinvestmentinsustainable aquaticvegetationmanagementand waterwayrestorationstrategies.
Progressupdate Publications-waterprograms TheWaterSecurityforNorthernAustraliaandMakingWaterWorkprogramsadvanced practicalresearchandsolutionstostrengthensustainablewatermanagementacross northernAustralia.Together,theydeliverednewknowledge,tools,andmodelsthat improvedunderstandingofgroundwater,waterquality,governance,andclimate adaptation,whilesupportingstronggovernance,resourcereuse,andsustainable agriculturaldevelopment
WaterSecurityforNorthernAustralia Adhikari,R etal (2023) EvaluationFrameworkforWaterQualityMonitoringin NorthernAustralianWaterStorages AgriculturalSystems,210:103724
Cartwright,P.,Genson,A.,&Waltham,N.(2025).Theeffectofwetseasonriverflows onfloodplumedistributionacrossnorthernAustralia:Contributiontocoastal productivityandfutureextentunderclimatechange.RegionalStudiesinMarine Science,104307.
Irvine,D etal (2025) Groundwater–SurfaceWaterInteractions:AReview Journal ofHydrology
Johnstone,N.,Rolfe,J.,&Flint,N.(2024).SystematicReviewofWaterQualityIndices inAgriculturalSettings.
Rolfe,J.,Akbar,D.,&Sarker,J.(2024).AgriculturalSupplyChainInput-OutputModel ataPrecinctScale:ApplicationtotheRookwoodWeirintheLowerFitzroy.CRCNA ResearchReport,37pp
Sarker,J.,Rolfe,J.,&Akbar,D.(2025).MappingtheLandscape:ABibliometric AnalysisofWaterSecurity,Governance,andTradinginAustralia.Water,17(1035).
MakingWaterWork CRCNA(2024).FinalProductAssessmentandImpactReport–WaterHyacinth HarvestandProcessingProject.CRCNAResearchReport.
Rolfe,J.,Flint,N.,Akbar,D.,Ananda,J.,DeValck,J.,&Zilleruelo,R.(2023).Reviewof watergovernanceissuesintheLowerFitzroy CRCNAResearchReport
Rolfe,J.,Flint,N.,Akbar,D.,&Reid,B.(2024).Prioritisingwatergovernanceissuesin theLowerFitzroy CRCNAResearchReport
Rolfe,J,Flint,N,Akbar,D,Ananda,J,&Sarker,J (2024) Improvingwatermarkets intheLowerFitzroy.CRCNAResearchReport.
Rolfe,J.(2024).GuidetowatertradingintheFitzroysystem,CentralQueensland. CQUniversity
Rolfe,J.(2025).CommentsonseparatemeteringrequirementsforRookwood licenceholders.CQUniversity.
Rolfe,J.(2025).CommentsonFitzroyRiverWaterpricingforirrigationmedium securitywater CQUniversity
Membership TheCRCNAwelcomesallpartieswithaninterestindevelopingnorthernAustraliatoapply formembership TolearnmoreaboutCRCNAmembershipvisitcrcnacomau Currentmembershipincludes:
AdvanceCairnsLimited
AgDots,ElizabethBrennan
AgriVentisTechnologiesPtyLtd
ArGyllConsultingPtyLtd
AustralianBarramundiFarmersAssociation
AustralianLivestockExporters’Council
AustralianPrawnFarmersAssociationInc
AustralianMangoIndustryAssociation
BlueshiftConsulting
Burdekin-BowenIntegratedFloodplain ManagementAdvisoryCommitteeInc
BurnettMaryRegionalGroupforNRMLtd
CairnsAirportPtyLtd
CattleAustraliaPtyLtd
CentralQueenslandUniversity
CentrefarmAboriginalHorticultureLimited
CharlesDarwinUniversity
ConsolidatedPastoralCompany
CottonSeedDistributorsLimited
CREco-efficientAgricultureConsultancy
DavidLarkin DiamondStarAustraliaPtyLtd
eMergeITSolutionsPtyLtd
FarNorthQueenslandPortsCorporation
FarNorthRegionalOrganisationofCouncils FitzroyBasinAssociationInc
GriffithUniversity
GreaterWhitsundayAlliance
HewittCattleAustraliaPtyLtd HexcylSystem
JamesCookU
KimberleyPilb KeepFarming
ManbullooLimited
MeatandLivestockAustraliaLtd
MenziesSchoolofHealthResearch
MountIsatoTownsvilleEconomicDevelopment Zone
MurujugaAboriginalCorporation
NorthAustralianIndigenousLand&Sea ManagementAlliance(NAILSMA)
NorthernAustraliaCropResearchAlliance NorthernGulfResourceManagementGroup NQRegionalOrganisationofCouncils NQDryTropics
NTFarmersAssociationInc
NorthernTerritoryPHN
OrnatasPtyLtd OKRPtyLtdT/ATRAPServices
PirroneBrothersProduce
RDA-Mackay-Isaac-Whitsunday RDAKimberley
RDATownsvilleandNorthWestQueensland
RDATropicalNorth
SelectabilityLtd
SheridenMorris
SimbaniResearchPtyLtd
SouthernGulfNRM
SpatialInformationSystemsResearchLimited SugarResearchAustraliaLtd
SynapseMedicalServicesAustraliaPtyLtd
TheTrusteeforTiwiPlantationsCorporationTrust TheAustralianVeterinaryAssociationLtd heUniversityofQueensland imberQueenslandLimited ownsvilleEnterpriseLimited
niversityofSouthernQueensland
isionFlexPtyLtd
Thefuture Northernresearchandinnovation Buildingonsuccess Overthepastdecade,theCRCNAhas reshapedhowresearchandinnovationis deliveredacrossthenorth
Through$75millioninCommonwealth investment,matchedandmultiplied throughpartnerships,CRCNAhas delivered$155millioninresearchactivity, generatingmorethan$580millionin economicreturn,athreefoldbenefittothe nationaleconomy
Across272partnersand650jobs,CRCNA hasproventhatplace-based collaborationdriveslastingresults
Itsprojectshaveacceleratedagricultural diversification,strengthenedregional supplychains,supportedFirstNations enterprises,andadvancedhealthand educationoutcomesinsomeofAustralia’s mostremotecommunities
Industryrepresentative
Partnerandstakeholder support
ThevalueofCRCNA’simpactisreflected inthestrongbackingforitsfuture.
Morethan100lettersofsupport fromgovernments,industry,First Nationsorganisations,research institutionsandregionalbodies havecalledforCRCNA’sworkto continuebeyond2027
Thisbroadalliancerecognises thatthenorth’sgrowthdepends onmaintainingthecollaborative R&Dinfrastructurebuiltbythe CRCNA.
Itsseekingcertaintyforour innovationcapacity,connecting knowledgewithon-the-ground deliveryandempowersregional leadership
Beyond2027-anewera Continuitymatters TheCRCNA’stermconcludeson30June 2027,buttheneedforcoordinated, northern-ledresearchcontinues
Bydesign,CooperativeResearchCentres (CRCs)aretime-limitedandcannotbe extendedbeyondtheirapprovedterm, evenwhentheycontinuetodeliverstrong outcomesandclearnationalbenefit.
Thisprogramrulemeansthat,withouta successor,thenorthriskslosingcritical partnerships,expertise,andinnovation momentumatapivotaltime
The2025IndependentNAIFReview confirmedthisrisk,observingtheneed toestablishapermanentresearchand developmententitytosupporta coordinatedandlong-termapproach tonortherndevelopmentresearchand knowledgetranslation.
Withoutcontinuity,theopportunitycostis high LosingnorthernspecificR&Dwould meandiminishedcapabilityand fragmentedeffortattheverytimetheregion iscentraltodeliveringFutureMadein Australia,ClosingtheGap,andNetZero targets.
Pathforward TheCRCNAhasdevelopedaclearplan forthenextstageofresearchdelivery
TheCentreforNorthernAustralia(CNA) canbecomeapermanent,northern-led institutionthatembedslong-term innovation,planningandextension acrosskeysectors.
$100millionCommonwealth investment,leveragingupto $350millionover10years.
Cross-portfolioreachacross agriculture,health,Indigenous development,environmentand trade.
Continuityofstaff,expertiseand collaborationnetworks.
Co-investmentmodelspanning government,industry,research, andphilanthropy.
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.
$155.2millionleveraged from $75 million federal investment.
Research projects supported 109 FTEfrom CRCNAprojects over10years 657
CRCNAactiveprojects
$2.89million
Incapacitybuilding througheducation program
Stakeholderreach
CRCNAtimelineofoperation
Governments FirstNations
Industry
The CRCNA works with over 272 project partners to drive outcomes and overcome barriers to development through collaborative research. Economic development
Universities
Science Developers Research institutions
Environmental LandOwners
Financialstatements ToreadtheCRCNA’sfullfinancialstatementspleasevisit:crcna.com.au/publications/.
Governance TheCRCNAgovernanceisledbyaboardofdirectorsfromacrossnorthernAustralia. Togethertheybringawealthofofbusinessacumenandnetworksforstrategic decisionmakingtoensureourfutureiscollaborative,consideredandplanned.
TheRiskandFinanceAudit(RAF)Committeeprovidesaconsultativeforumwhich makerecommendationstotheCRCNABoardontheappointmentoftheauditor, CRCNA’sbudgetallocations,performanceandfinancialbenchmarksandother financialmattersasrequired.
Boardmembers
SheridenMorris JohnWhartonAM Chair DeputyChair
DuaneFraser
DrRebecca Mohr-Bell
BrendonDouglas
DrScottDavis
MargaretMarty CompanySecretary
PeterLong
ChairoftheRAF
Acknowledgements
TheCRCNAisfundedaspartoftheAustralian Government‘sCooperativeResearchCentre Program.
Weacknowledgethesupportofour governmentpartners:theQueensland Government,theNorthernTerritory Government,andtheGovernmentofWestern Australia
Wealsothankourprojectparticipantsand researcherswhoaredevelopingnorthern Australiathroughtheirresearchactivitiesand researchoutputs
Disclaimer
ThisCRCNAAnnualReport2024/25summarises CRCNAresearchactivitiesdeliveredthrough fundingbytheCRCNA.Itispossiblefiguresand projectparticipantsmaychangefromthetime thisdocumentwaswrittenandpublishedin November2025.
Thispublicationhasbeenprovidedtointended recipientsonly PermissionfromtheCRCNAis requiredtosharethispublicationwithawider audience
Imageandgraphicdesigncredits:Belinda Carlson,CRCNA,unlessdirectlycredited
InformationabouttheCRCNAandourprojects isavailableatwww.crcna.com.au
Forcaringaboutresearchanddevelopmentin#northernAustralia
@CRC_northernaustralia | crcna.com.au
GurambilbarraCountry,WulgurukabaandThulGarrieWajaCountry,Bindal Suite5/281RossRiverRoadTownsvilleQld
