Business and research organisations in the New England are being encouraged to take advantage of the Australian Government’s support for industry and research collaboration, which will grow the economy and create jobs.
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.
Member for New England, Barnaby Joyce, said the Government understands the great economic and jobs potential when industry works with researchers.
“I encourage research and industry partners in the New England looking to collaborate to apply for funding under this program,” Mr Joyce said.
“We know that important collaborations to drive industry forward not only help businesses but also workers and the communities around them.
“Just last year under this program I successfully secured $2.85 million in funding for the development of a robotic, autonomous weed control system in Armidale which identifies individual weeds and selectively spray or removes them.”
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.
In support of the 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 in regional areas.
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
(ENDS)