Regional and remote Australians could get better access to the National Broadband Network and green energy thanks to funding of over $22 million from the Gillard Labor Government.

Announcing funding for 67 Western Australian research projects, Innovation Minister Senator Kim Carr said investing in research was vital for the development of new ideas, the creation of jobs and a better quality of life for all Australians.

"We rely on our researchers to help feed the hungry, cure the sick, protect the environment and secure our future. That is why the Government is providing $310 million to Australia's research institutions through the Australian Research Council's major grant schemes," Senator Carr said.

"Researchers at the University of Western Australia will receive a $300,000 grant to study the design of equipment such as antenna arrays for wireless internet services. This will give rural Australians better access to the National Broadband Network.

"Researchers at Edith Cowan University will use a $220,000 grant to create an accessible New Music Archive to record and celebrate Western Australian music since the 1970s.

"This $22 million investment is great news for the Western Australian community because it highlights the excellent local research talent and supports new interstate and international research partners. I congratulate the successful institutions, researchers and partners."

The 67 research projects were announced as part of the Australian Research Council's 2012 Major Grants Announcement, with $310 million announced for over 1,000 research projects nationwide. Funding will begin in 2012 and be administered over a period of up to five years under the Discovery Indigenous, Discovery Projects, Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities Projects and Linkage Projects scheme.

More information on these projects is attached. To view the summaries of all funding outcomes and information on the funding schemes, visit www.arc.gov.au/media/major_announce.htm.

For more information on the ARC and the Innovation, Industry, Science and Research portfolio, including the research grants available, visit www.arc.gov.au and www.innovation.gov.au.

A printable version of the media release [PDF 54KB] is available.