Document
Index
1999-2000 Ministerial Statements
Investing in our Natural and
Cultural Heritage
Chapter 3
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Index |
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The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) undertakes
research that covers most environmental fields. CSIRO research, which is directly relevant
to the environment, is funded by around $90 million each year of direct
appropriations from the Commonwealth and approximately another $40 million each year
for contracted research from other sources. This includes Commonwealth research and
development corporations, Commonwealth departments, State Governments and the private
sector. Other CSIRO research in industry sectors also has environmental benefits. Details
of CSIRO activities in different environmental areas are in the following chapters.
CSIRO's gross funding for the triennium June 2000 to June 2003 is announced in this
Budget. The distribution of that appropriation funding is based on an extensive planning
and priority-setting process with substantial advice from clients and stakeholder
representatives. The results will be announced later in 1999 and relevant sections will be
in next year's Budget Statement.
Some CSIRO divisions undertake economic research on environmental issues. For example:
Contact: CSIRO -- 02 6276 6214
The Bureau of Meteorology supports environmental objectives through its atmospheric, oceanographic and hydrological monitoring, research and service provision. (Details are given in the appropriate chapters.)
Contact: Bureau of Meteorology -- 02 6274 1764
The Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics (ABARE) provides economic
information to both the public and private sectors about Australia's agriculture,
minerals, energy, forestry and fishing industries.
ABARE's environment-related research priorities over the next 12 months are:
The majority of ABARE's research outputs are published in reports, which can be obtained from the ABARE publications section (Freecall: 1800 244 129) or on ABARE's website at http://www.abare.gov.au.
Contact: Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics -- 02 6272 2285
The Land and Water Resources Research and Development Corporation (LWRRDC) provides strategic leadership in utilising research and development to improve the long-term productive capacity, sustainable use, management and conservation of Australia's land, water and vegetation resources. The Corporation focuses its activities in areas of high priority where there is a clear justification for additional public spending to expand or enhance the contribution of research and development to sustainable management of natural resources. LWRRDC research and development programmes cover three broad categories: Productive and Sustainable Land Use systems; Sustainable Management of Rivers and Water Resources; and Sustaining Vegetation in the Landscape. Further information is available on the Corporation's website at http://www.l wrrdc.gov.au
Contact: Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Australia -- 02 6272 3379
The Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) has a diverse and multifaceted programme of research directly relevant to the environment. This research includes:
Contact: Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation -- 02 9717 3785
The National Standards Commission has responsibilities under the National Measurement Act to ensure national and international consistency of measurements used for regulatory purposes through its membership of the International Organisation of Legal Metrology (OIML). It participates in the development of international standards for a wide range of environmental measuring instruments.
Contact: National Standards Commission -- 02 9888 2922
The Prime Minister's Science Engineering and Innovation Council, a group of eminent
people representing the science and innovation communities, is examining the potential for
Australian industry to promote the development and commercialisation of new technologies
arising from greenhouse science research.
In 1998-99, members of the Council have considered salinity issues and identified the type
of long-term programmes, policy environment and directions that Australia must adopt if it
is to deal effectively with, and as necessary live with, dryland salinity in regional and
rural Australia. Their paper proposes options that will enable Australia, at manageable
cost (and low cost compared with the damaging effects of salinity), help address one of
its most pervasive, insidious and potentially damaging natural resource problems.
Priorities for future direction of greenhouse science, acknowledging that climate change
will continue even after atmospheric greenhouse gas emissions have stabilised, was a focus
for discussion among members in December 1998. Members are examining the commercial
opportunities now developing to seek out markets for Australia's greenhouse-reacted
innovations.
Contact: Department of Industry, Science and Resources -- 02 6213 6348
The Cooperative Research Centres (CRCs) Programme was launched in May 1990. CRCs are
selected in competitive selection rounds and are funded usually for seven years. A
selection round was conducted in 1998 and on 16 April 1999 the Government announced
funding for 26 proposals. In July 1999, there will be 67 operational CRCs in fields as
diverse as mining, engineering, information technology, agriculture, the environment and
medical technology.
The programme emphasises the importance of developing internationally competitive industry
sectors. It also addresses the health and wellbeing of Australian society, the
understanding and management of the environment, and the interaction of all these
objectives to achieve ecologically sustainable development.
The objectives of the CRC programme can be summarised as:
to enhance the capture of the benefits of research by strengthening the links between research and its commercial and other applications through the active involvement of the users of research in the work and management of the CRCs.
A total of 17 CRCs undertake projects that will have significant environmental and
community benefits in their research outcomes, above and beyond any commercial potential.
Details of these can be found in later chapters of this Statement.
More information on the CRC Programme can be found at http://www.dist.gov.au/crc/index.html
Contact: CRC Secretariat -- 02 6213 6429
The Technology Diffusion Programme (TDP), administered by the Department of Industry,
Science and Resources (ISR), commenced on 1 July 1998. The TDP will provide about
$90 million over four years for activities aimed at building international science
and technology links, domestic science and industry alliances, and initiatives in
technology diffusion. Innovative projects in the environment field are eligible under the
programme.
The TDP comprises two integrated components, namely Technology Alliances and Technology
Transfer. Technology Alliances is designed to support international scientific and
technological collaboration in pure science, and in applied science at the pre-commercial
research and development stage. Technology Transfer aims to support the diffusion
of technologies throughout Australian industry.
In 1998, ISR engaged the Environment Industries Development Network under the Targeting
Research Alliances element of the TDP to conduct workshops and related activities
in the field of environmental technologies. More information on the TDP can be found at: http://www.ausindustry.gov.au/tdp.
Contact: Department of Industry, Science and Resources -- 02 6213 7738
