Cairns businesswoman Sheriden Morris will chair the board for the $75 million CRC for Developing Northern Australia, which will get to work on attracting research projects that benefit the north.
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Other members of the board are Richmond Shire Council Mayor John Wharton, Karratha Mayor Peter Long, John Bearne, founder of North Queensland construction company, TCS (Qld), Melissa George, who has a background in cultural heritage and protected area management and is a Wulgurukaba Traditional Owner, Don McDonald OBE whose family company, MDH Pty Ltd is one of the biggest privately owned vertically integrated beef enterprises in Australia and Tracey Hayes, who is the chief executive officer of the Northern Territory Cattlemen’s Association (NTCA).
Minister for Resources and Northern Australia Senator Matt Canavan said the CRC was part of the Federal Government’s plan for Northern Australia, and delivered on a key measure in the Northern Australia White Paper.
“The CRC for Developing Northern Australia will focus on the issues that matter in the north,” Minister Canavan said.
“The Board has a deep understanding of the issues facing the north – all of its members are from northern Australia.
“The Coalition Government understands that to encourage industry-led research that focuses on the issues that matter in northern Australia, it’s essential to have representatives that understand the unique conditions in the north.”
Minister Canavan said the board would work closely with stakeholders to establish the CRC over the coming months to support industry-led collaborative projects right across the region.
He said applications were open for an early funding round, for funding of up to $3 million for up to three years.
Senator Ian Macdonald said the CRC represented a pivotal step forward in the government’s commitment to the development of northern Australia.
“The CRC is the hub for research and development opportunities that will help build capacity and drive investment across the north,” Senator Macdonald said.
“Townsville is ideally positioned as a central point for the universities and research institutions across the north.
“Their combined scientific and research expertise will lead the way in unlocking the potential of the region, and under the direction and influence of the highly experienced board, I am looking forward to a raft of exciting projects that will drive the north’s economy and provide sustainable employment opportunities for the next generation.”
Leichhardt MP Warren Entsch said a focus of the CRC would be on the successful utilisation of tropical expertise, which relies on experience and an understanding of how to do business in the tropics.
“It’s also about how we overcome impediments to development, and looking strongly at indigenous-led development in northern Australia – particularly in areas such as aquaculture, where there are significant opportunities,” he said.
