The Australian Government’s Department of Industry, Science, and Resources is undertaking a strategic examination of the nation’s research and development (R&D) system to grow our core science and innovation capability. One Basin CRC sees this review as a critical step in unlocking regional innovation and R&D.

One Basin CRC’s submission advocates for the establishment of a national institution and funding program dedicated to land and water research under the Strategic Examination of Research & Development (R&D) program.

CEO Professor Mike Stewardson says, “tackling national land and water challenges through mission-driven R&D would address R&D fragmentation and inefficiencies, build national R&D capabilities, and provide a vehicle which supports co-investment from private industry. “

“A key priority must be the recognition and integration of First Nations knowledge and leadership, ensuring First Nations-led research and the cultural economy are central to the nation’s R&D strategy,” he also stated.

Read the full submission here: https://onebasin.com.au/resources/ (Titled ‘One Basin CRC Submission on the Australian Government’s Strategic Examination of Research & Development’).

One Basin CRC also proudly supported Cooperative Research Australia (CRA) in its submission on the Commonwealth’s Strategic Examination of R&D.

CEO Prof Stewardson led the CRA’s Rural, Regional and Remote Interest Group, which developed a rural-focussed submission that made five key recommendations:

• Establish a National Regional Innovation Fund to build infrastructure and research networks.

• Introduce a Regional Innovation Tax Incentive to stimulate private sector R&D outside metro areas.

• Increase collaboration by CRCs with a regional focus to boost applied research in key industries.

• Create a Regional Innovation Venture Fund to commercialise regional R&D; and

• Support global R&D collaboration to connect regional innovations to international markets.

Read the full submission here: https://onebasin.com.au/resources/ (Titled ‘Cooperative Research Australia Submission on the Australian Government’s Strategic Examination’).

The CRA’s submission focuses on strengthening industry-led R&D through the proven CRC model— with a particular emphasis on enhancing research translation, fostering enduring industry partnerships, and improving policy settings to scale commercialisation and long-term impact.

Australia faces complex and interrelated land and water challenges that are critical to the nation’s environmental, economic, and social sustainability. Climate change amplifies these challenges increasing variability and uncertainty in water availability with declines expected across much of Australia. Despite significant investment in land and water research, current R&D efforts are highly fragmented, leading to inefficiencies and missed opportunities for impact.

One Basin CRC urges the Australian Government to prioritise national land and water challenges as part of its strategic examination of R&D.