Government Funded Projects

Since 2006, the RRRC has conceived, managed and delivered more than $350 million of logistically complex environmental research and development programs in northern Australia. These Australian Government funded programs have helped deliver the tools for sustainable use and management of natural resources across a range of key environmental areas, and have influenced policy making decisions at all levels of Government..

 

On 25 May 2021, the RRRC entered into a six-year funding agreement with the Commonwealth of Australia as represented by the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment (DAWE), to establish the $23.5 million Marine and Coastal Hub (NESP MAC Hub) in conjunction with the University of Tasmania. The Marine and Coastal (MAC) Hub’s research will inform the management of Australia’s marine and coastal environments, including estuaries, coast, reefs, shelves, and deep-water.

 

 

 

 

Administered by the RRRC, the $31.98m Tropical Water Quality (TWQ) Hub was the largest of six National Environmental Science Program (NESP) Hubs, and contributed to the targets of the Reef 2050 Long Term Sustainability Plan. The Hub provided innovative research into solutions for tropical water quality from catchment to coast along the Great Barrier Reef. Engaging with Traditional Owners, industries, NRM groups, State Government and community, the Hub encouraged research that is relevant and beneficial to end-users in the design and research capacity.

 

 

The RRRC administered the Tropical Ecosystems Hub (NERP TE Hub) which gave government bodies, industries, stakeholders, and communities the ability to predict, prepare for and respond to wide-ranging environmental situations. Partnering with Industry to remove the barriers and improve access to scientific knowledge, the RRRC’s services expanded the capabilities of the NERP TE Hub, provided greater relevancy of research and significantly accelerated connectivity to industry.

 

 

 

 

The Marine and Tropical Sciences Research Facility (MTSRF) was a $40m component of the Australian Government's Commonwealth Environment Research Facilities. Through a consortium of 15 research agencies, involving 300 scientists, the MTSRF delivered scientific solutions for the problems facing North Queensland's key environmental assets - the Great Barrier Reef and its catchments, tropical rainforests including the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area, and Torres Strait.

 

 

From 2011 to 2015, RRRC managed the Reef Rescue Research and Development Water Quality Program through the provision of a wide range of activities targeted at improving the water quality across the Great Barrier Reef. We offered a cohesive arrangement for the multiple scientific bodies undertaking research resulting in a reduction of duplication. Traditional farming and agricultural practices in Far North Queensland mean Australia faces a challenge in ensuring water quality is not compromised by the effects of pesticides and fertilizers. The development, trialing, and validation of land management practices created improved water quality outcomes which had a direct impact on both the Farming and Tourism industries in Far North Queensland.

 

$350M

Investment

80

Organisations

17

Years

WHAT THEY SAY...

ABOUT RRRC

Through the consortium of research providers and end users involved in the Marine and Tropical Sciences Research Facility (MTSRF), [RRRC and] the Department of Environment, Heritage, Water and the Arts has successfully constructed a model for research delivery that is truly making a difference to the future… in Queensland and Australia

Daniel Gschwind Queensland Tourism Industry Council

The success of the RRRC model was apparent in that partnerships between researchers and other stakeholders are demonstrating how Australia is better off by acquiring relevant knowledge for the management of marine and terrestrial resources.

Prof Michael Kingsford Head of School, James Cook University

AMPTO has been involved in research through the CRC Reef for many years and finds the working relationship we now have with the RRRC the best we have had with a research group. The responsiveness of the RRRC to our requests and the willingness to provide information back to the industry is unprecedented and good for the industry in general. AMPTO has given and will continue to give the RRRC strong support and would consider the loss of the RRRC as a blow for the Industry’s ability to directly influence the type of research undertaken. AMPTO has informed the DEWHA that we consider the funding of the RRRC as a fundamental show of Federal support for the Industry’s future.

Col McKenzie Association of Marine Park Tourism Operators (AMPTO)

The RRRC has ensured that research is focused, culturally sensitive and appropriate for the Torres Strait with management that is organised for delivery, synthesised and provides effective means of knowledge repatriation. This is essential in an environment which involves communities that have previously been very skeptical of researchers and the perception that they are knowledge-takers. The Torres Strait Regional Authority holds strong support for the RRRC which as an organisation has proven that well managed research programs can have a positive impact on the Torres Strait communities and environment.

Damian Miley Torres Strait Regional Authority - Land & Sea Management

Getting involved in the (RRRC COTS Control training) program was definitely a life-changing decision for me. It’s enabled me to gain these skills and access opportunities that I don’t think I would have ever had the chance to otherwise. I’m really glad I did it, I think it’s a great program.

Kaletta Savage Torres Strait Islander - COTS trainee and now divemaster