The Rural Research and Development (R&D) Council was established in January 2009 to provide high level advice and coordination to better target and improve the effectiveness of the government’s investment in rural R&D.
The council’s term ended in December 2011, as it had fulfilled its terms of reference.
Council terms of reference were:
- Develop a National Strategic Rural R&D Investment Plan based on an agreed list of national priorities for profitable, globally competitive, sustainable, innovative and adaptable primary industries
- Establish a performance measurement and reporting framework against an agreed list of national priorities and key performance indicators
- Provide advice on enhancing cross–sectoral, cross–disciplinary, cross–jurisdictional and international cooperation and collaboration
- Provide advice on improving communication and uptake of new knowledge and technology across all rural industries and at all scales of enterprises
- Foster innovation as integral to the culture of rural communities and industries
- Foster the building of capacity of the rural R&D sector to ensure that Australia is prepared for challenges to global competitiveness, productivity, adaptability and sustainable development into the future, including the challenges associated with climate change
- Advise on any matters relating to rural R&D referred to it by the Minister
Council membership
The council’s members were:
- Dr Kate Fairley–Grenot (Chair)
- Professor Rob Clark AM
- Ms Cathy McGowan AO
- Mr Mark McHenry
- Professor Jim Pratley
- Dr Robert Rose
- Dr Frances Shapter
- Mrs Anne Stünzner
- Professor Beth Woods OAM
- Professor Ian Chubb AC (ex–officio)