Backing industry research collaboration in Wide Bay

February 11, 2021

Federal Member for Wide Bay and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Llew O’Brien is encouraging business and research organisations to take advantage of a new grants round backing industry and research collaboration in regional areas.

Funding of between $100,000 and $3 million is available under Round 11 of the Cooperative Research Centres Projects (CRC-P) grants program, which provides funding for short-term, industry-led research collaborations throughout Australia.

In support of the Liberal and Nationals Government’s Regional Decentralisation Agenda, Round 11 will also provide up to $6 million for two Regional CRC-Ps to boost research and development projects specifically in regional areas including Wide Bay.

“The Morrison Government understands the great economic and jobs potential when industry works with researchers, and we know that innovation doesn’t only happen in the cities,” Mr O’Brien said.

“Important collaborations to drive industry forward not only help local businesses but also workers and the communities around them.

“Wide Bay is home to some incredible innovation in bushfire-fighting technology at Peregian Digital Hub, and world-leading technology in use at Maryborough’s manufacturing facilities like Global Manufacturing Group – so it’s a prime opportunity to take advantage of everything Wide Bay has to offer.”

Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews said making science and technology work for industry was central to the Government’s economic recovery plan.

“We are backing Aussie businesses and our world-class research institutions to work together, because when they do they unlock innovation that is critical to creating jobs – both now and for generations to come,” Minister Andrews said.

“We want to support our industries and researchers to work together to find innovative solutions to challenges and improve the productivity, competitiveness and sustainability of their operations.”

Minister for Decentralisation and Regional Education Andrew Gee said these grants will deliver real results on the ground for country Australia by turbocharging the competitive advantage of our regional industries.

CRC-Ps can run for up to three years and must have at least two Australian industry partners, including one small or medium-sized business, and one Australian research organisation partner.

Regional CRC-Ps must be based in regional Australia, with at least one Australian industry partner relocating from a capital city for the duration of the project.

Further information on CRC-Ps is available at http://www.business.gov.au/crc-p

WELCOME TO WIDE BAY

In the spirit of Australia, I acknowledge all citizens who contribute to making our nation the greatest on earth.

I acknowledge our defence force personnel, past, present, and emerging, for their service to our nation, and particularly those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the defence of Australia.

I also acknowledge the Australian taxpayers who, through their hard work, pay for the infrastructure, health, education, and emergency services that keep our proud nation healthy, safe, and prosperous.