Australia’s research sector will benefit from $9.5m in Federal Government funding, which will range from bushfire protection to ensuring the nation’s billion-dollar wine industry remains globally competitive.
In a statement yesterday, Federal Education Minister, Dan Tehan, said the funding will include 20 new research projects, and will be delivered through the Australian Research Council (ARC).
One of the projects includes $524,027 in funding for Western Sydney University to develop an early warning system for bushfires by creating a model to reliably forecast the moisture content of live forest fuels – a precursor to large bushfires.
The Federal Government will also be giving $100,000 to Monash University to investigate the criteria, evidence and procedure that should be required to establish a geographical indication of wine, as used in trade agreements and legal disputes.
The Australian Catholic University, meanwhile, will receive $556,000 to develop an online tool to identify and share best practice for children in a digital society, including new resources, materials and programs in areas such as: digital media production, cyber-safety education, digital play and digital parenting.
“Accurately forecasting the presence of dry forest fuels will help us better predict the likelihood of major bushfires, which will help greatly in bushfire prevention and mitigation, leading to saved lives and saved property,” Minister Tehan said.
“Our research into geographic indications for wine will ensure local wine makers aren’t disadvantaged by foreign producers making spurious claims for the exclusive use of wine names, such as prosecco.”
Minister Tehan said the Federal Government is also investing in partnerships between universities, industry and government to drive the commercialisation of research.
“We are encouraging greater collaboration between universities and businesses on research innovation and workforce preparation,” he said.