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UNE bids for new CRC

August 02, 2005

thumb_nick reid nr .jpgDomesticating native grasses and managing grasslands and grassy ecosystems for sustainable production is a focus of a two-day workshop at The University of New England later this week.
The event will firm support for a new Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) for temperate grasslands, according to Dr Nick Reid, an Associate Professor in Ecosystem Management at UNE.
If successful, the CRC would amount to an investment of up to $170 million over seven years by the Federal Government and industry partners.
“The new CRC will have commercial outcomes,” Associate Professor Reid said.
The idea for this CRC came about three years ago, following interest from rangeland users and producers reliant on native grasslands for livestock production and other commercial products.
“Businesses benefiting from such a CRC include those farmers and graziers managing small to medium-sized enterprises including livestock grazing,” Associate Professor Reid said.

“The CRC would help these people integrate the wide array of technology available to sustain or boost production while conserving and enhancing their resource base.”
“Seed companies and the revegetation industry would also be invited to partner the full business application for the new CRC, due for submission in June 2006.”
There are 60 CRCs operating in Australia, with UNE involved in seven.
CRCs were set up by the Commonwealth in 1990 to forge links between industry, research organisations and government agencies.
Associate Professor Reid said the workshop is critical to the success of a bid for a Temperate Grasslands CRC.
Discussions will be held on the importance of grassland vegetation to Australia, research needs for grazing management and biodiversity, new industries and the sustainable commercial use of grassy ecosystems.
“We will be putting together a draft business plan for the next funding round in Canberra next year,” Associate Professor said.
The workshop will develop the framework and program structure for the new CRC, identify potential partners, and determine draft sets of research outputs and outcomes.
It is being held at Duval College, UNE.
For more information, phone Associate Professor Nick Reid on 6773 2759 or
Lydia Roberts on 6773 2779

Posted by Lydia Roberts at August 2, 2005 02:30 PM