Australia’s agricultural sector, automotive industry and urban water managers are among the communities who will benefit from $148 million in funding for new Cooperative Research Centres (CRCs).

Announcing the successful applicants of this year’s CRC selection round, Minister for Innovation Senator Kim Carr said the CRCs are building partnerships between excellent researchers and industry, working collectively for the national benefit.

“These CRCs will research the major challenges facing Australia, as well as our big opportunities. Their collaborations will deliver important economic, environmental and social benefits. This is about improving the living standard of all Australians,” Senator Carr said.

“This selection round has been extremely competitive – 26 applications were received for round 14 – and I congratulate those that have been successful.”

The successful CRCs are:

• Automotive Australia 2020 CRC ($26 million): will undertake research programs and build human capital in areas of vehicle electrification, gaseous fuels and production of greener vehicles and components.
• CRC for Low Carbon Living ($28 million): will bring together leading researchers and key end-users to develop new tools to reduce carbon emissions and transform the built environment to a low carbon future.
• CRC for Polymers ($14.5 million): will contribute to establishing Australia as a leading provider and exporter of products that meet emerging global needs in the areas of health therapies, water and food security and low-cost solar energy.
• CRC for Water Sensitive Cities ($30 million): will deliver the planning, technology and decision support tools required to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of urban water systems.
• Invasive Animals CRC ($19.7 million): will deliver key technologies to reduce the impacts of new and existing pest animals on Australia’s agricultural competitiveness and biodiversity assets.
• Plant Biosecurity CRC ($29.7 million): will develop and deploy the knowledge and tools to safeguard Australia from damaging plant pest incursions.

The CRC program is an Australian Government initiative. More information on the CRC program and the successful centres is available at www.crc.gov.au.

For more information on the Innovation, Industry, Science and Research portfolio and the grants it administers, visit www.innovation.gov.au.

A printable version of the media release [PDF 59 KB] is available.