Reef centre to remain focused during review

[jaybee]

A Federal Government review of funding models for Australia's cooperative research centres (CRCs) is unlikely to change the focus or ability of one of the country's leading scientific bodies studying the Great Barrier Reef.

Research director of the CRC Reef Research Centre, Dr David Williams, says the review points to a greater push for commercial outcomes by research bodies.

He says his organisation should not come under extra pressure because of the commercial arrangements it has already with the federal and state governments and statutory bodies such as the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority.

"I think the focus of CRCs from the beginning has been user outcomes, whether they're commercial or environmental...the heat's just been turned up a bit now I think on some of the ones that haven't been performing as well to that end," he said.

[NQCairns]

Well there you go, it looks like GBRMPA wants some more how would you say it...... Tailored? results from the cooperative research centres than they already have. It really is a shame that the CRCs rely on governmental - state and federal departments so much in the carrying out of their research. It does not do this organisation any favours we need all research to be taken away from Governmental/political control badly especially away from that militant GBRMPA department.
Thanks Jaybee I look forward to reading all your info posts keep it up ;). nq

[jaybee]

np nq, some are only little tid bits but the more we know the better we can prepare
cheers
joe.

[femfish]

Please remember that "CRC" stands for "Co-operative Research Centre" - this generally means there are many groups contributing to the centre either through $ or in-kind contributions. They all have a say on what research goes on. These groups include government, other research bodies, managers and stakeholder groups. EG. CRC Reef (which I assume you're talking about) has on its board members from SUNFISH, QSIA, Tourism, GBRMPA, QDPI, AIMS, etc.. So whoever thinks GBRMPA gets "tailored" research from CRCs is mistaken.. :)

[Kerry]

.... CRC Reef (which I assume you're talking about) has on its board members from SUNFISH, QSIA, Tourism, GBRMPA, QDPI, AIMS, etc.. So whoever thinks GBRMPA gets "tailored" research from CRCs is mistaken.. :)

Now if only GBRMPA would actually release ALL "their" reports and research (yes even the ones that don't support their views) and not be selective then that might go some of the way in countering the skepticism whenever the words GBRMPA are mentioned these days.

As for "Tourism"? if that is referring to defacto GBRMPA committe organisations like TRRAC's and similar alienated self interest organistaions then that doesn't say much for independent opinions either.

Cheers, Kerry.