ATEC News

Townsville is set to become home to six of Australia’s top 27 research students who will take up Smart Futures PhD scholarships at universities across the state in 2009.

Minister for Tourism, Regional Development and Industry Desley Boyle said the Queensland Government scholarships award each postgraduate $22,500 over three years for full-time research in varied disciplines.

Among the researchers to join James Cook University is Jimmy White who will be examining the effectiveness of current marine park zones in conserving shark populations on the Great Barrier Reef.

Jimmy said a tertiary background in marine biology and zoology and a lifelong interest in sharks were the inspiration for this project.

“I’ve always had a fascination with sharks and through my research I’m hoping to be able to help marine parks maximise effectiveness for all user groups while protecting shark populations,” Jimmy said.

“This study will use acoustic tracking technology as well as conventional mark recapture techniques to assess the efficiency of existing zones and will require me to work with a number of charter, commercial and research vessels in the area,” he said.

Another of the scholarship recipients, David Jones, will be studying distribution patterns of the highly venomous Irukandji and box jellyfish across Australia, Papua New Guinea and Indonesia.

David, who has a background in genetics, hopes that being able to analyse the genetic structure of both species across populations may enable predictions to be made about dispersal and migration trends.

“If my research can allow forecasts to be made about where these jellyfish may be most prevalent at particular times of the year, then this would hopefully minimise contact with swimmers in high risk areas,” David said.

Other scholarship recipients to join JCU are Christina Hicks, Grant Sinnamon, Erica Todd and Rowan Trebilco.

Ms Boyle said other projects undertaken by the 27 PhD scholarship-holders will include climate change on the Great Barrier Reef, skin cancer treatment, obesity intervention, developing new learning methods, improving police investigative practices and the effects of aerosols on rainfall.

“Scholarships foster innovation in Queensland’s research and development sector, helping to build the foundations for a sustainable state-wide research community.

“This in turn plays a key role in our economic prosperity and social advancement.

Member for Townsville Mike Reynolds said James Cook University has an international reputation for quality research and it’s no surprise six of the recipients will be completing their studies here.

“Queensland already has a reputation for building world-class R&D infrastructure and now there is a push to attract leading researchers too.”

Ms Boyle added that during the past 10 years the Queensland Government has invested $3.4 billion in 36 new research institutes and more than 230 research scholarships and fellowships.

“The four-year $120 million Smart State Strategy, launched in 2008 and incorporating the Smart Futures scholarships, will boost science and industry’s capacity to solve problems through research, innovation and key partnerships across public and private sectors.

“The 28 scholarship-holders are to be congratulated on their success, given the calibre of applications received, and I look forward to the outcome of their research.”

The ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies based at James Cook University will receive almost $10 million from the Australian Government.

The funding will extend the operations of the Centre until at least the end of 2013.

In her letter outlining the additional funding of $9.8 million over 3½ years, the ARC’s CEO, Professor Margaret Sheil, said that the Centre had established “a strongly collaborative interdisciplinary team leading to research outcomes of very high quality and international relevance”.

JCU’s Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research and Innovation) Professor Chris Cocklin said today that the ARC had commended the Centre for becoming a focal point for Australian and international research.

He said JCU was very proud to host the centre and have so many of its academics, researchers and students involved in its activities.

“Since it began its work in 2005, the Centre has actively pursued its goal to be the global leader in the provision of the scientific knowledge necessary for coral reef managers to sustain the ecosystem goods and services of the world’s coral reefs,” he said.

“Collectively, the Centre creates the world’s largest concentration of coral reef scientists.”

The Centre’s primary node is at James Cook University with two other nodes at collaborating institutions – the Australian National University and the University of Queensland.

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) and the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS), both based in north Queensland, are also partners and like the three universities provide additional funding to that provided by the Government’s Australian Research Council (ARC).

The Centre is headed by JCU’s Professor Terry Hughes, a dual ARC Federation Fellow and recipient of the 2008 Darwin Medal of the International Coral Reef Society – an award made only every four years.

The future of clean, green energy production will be the topic of conversation at a breakfast seminar in Cairns next week that will feature the Queensland Minister for Mines and Energy, Geoff Wilson as guest speaker.

Co-hosted by Advance Cairns and Steve Wettenhall MP, Member for Barron River, the event is open to all interested parties and will provide attendees with an insight into the State Government’s policy direction for a carbon pollution reduction scheme.

Advance Cairns CEO Ross Contarino identified two major benefits of North Queensland tapping into the green energy market – diversification into a relatively untapped industry in the north, and a consistent supply of energy for the region.

“A combination of renewable energy targets and carbon reduction schemes set by the Australian Government has put North Queensland in the box seat for providing renewable energy,” Mr Contarino said. “In addition, energy production in the north will also assist in consistency of supply for our region,” he said.

Stewart Christie, project manager for ARUP and committee member of the Cairns Chamber of Commerce said the Chamber, in partnership with Advance Cairns and other key regional bodies, has been looking at initiatives to develop clean, green and smart industries in the region that could help diversify the economy and create new jobs.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for TNQ to achieve this and at the same time reduce the region’s reliance on energy produced from coal powered stations that are inefficient and produce large amounts of CO2,” Mr Christie said.

“This initiative will also help to preserve and promote the region’s ‘green’ image,” he said.

Member for Barron River Steve Wettenhall MP said, “The current threat of a global recession makes it even more important that we make the most of every opportunity to create new jobs for our region.”

“The government is encouraging clean green industries both to protect the environment and create employment. This region is ideally placed to drive the development of the green energy market so I hope we get a great response to Minister Geoff Wilson’s visit,” Mr Wettenhall said.

“Green Energy – Is It Our Future?”
Breakfast Seminar

Wednesday, March 4, 2009
7am – 9am
Urchins rooms 2-3, Pullman Reef Casino
Guest speaker: Minister for Mines & Energy, Geoff Wilson

$30 per person
RSVP: By 5pm, Monday, March 2, 2009
To book your attendance please email: sao@advancecairns.com
Payment can be made by direct debit, cheque or cash.
Credit card facilities are not available for this event.

Australian Consulting Services Mission to Manila

March 4-6, 2009

Opportunities with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and World Bank (WB)

**We are making a final call for participants for the above Trade Mission to Manila**

A group under the “Tropical Expertise” umbrella will join the national Austrade mission. The mission will provide you with ways to access projects funded by the ADB and WB. This mission is different to previous years in that delegations organised by the WB will join the ADB delegation so there will be greatly enhanced networking opportunities with people from all over the world. Regional Austraders will also be available for discussions on what is happening in their countries.

To value-add to the Tropical Expertise group from Queensland,:

• We will be asking Austrade for a group rate with respect to the participation fee we may be able to get a reduction on the individual fee for you
• Graham Poon will conduct a briefing to mission participants beforehand on what to expect and how to maximize your time in Manila
• Graham Poon will be joining the mission and where possible will be pleased to accompany “Tropical Expertise” members on individual appointments to facilitate discussions with project officers and staff

Please contact Graham Poon on (07) 4040 7100, 0448 951 454 or e-mail graham@kleinhardt.com.au if you have any questions or would like to attend.

Time is quickly running out!

(You can also see more information on the Austrade website at: www.austrade.gov.au/ADB09 )

GHD/AusAID

Background: GHD Pty Ltd is the managing contractor for the Australia China Environment Development Program (ACEDP), which is a five-year, $25 million Australian Government – AusAID initiative that aims to foster environmental policy dialogue between Australia and China.

GHD has established a web-based database of all Australian agencies, organisations and institutions that are involved in, or have an interest in developing, dialogue/cooperation on environmental policy issues with China. Initially the focus is on all aspects of water resource management and on integrated river basin management in particular. They also seek your registration if you are involved in aspects of climate change adaptation and mitigation as they relate to water management.

This database is open to any type of organisation, e.g. commonwealth, state/territory and local government; research; education, science and technology; business and, the non-government sector.

Individuals who are interested in being considered for consulting inputs, that are required from time to time, are encouraged to register/submit their CV. This database will be used to inform agencies of ACEDP activities and of funding/cooperation/partnership opportunities as they become available. The database will be accessible to subscribers by password. Registration can be made through the ACEDP website at:

http://www.acedp-database.org/

AusAID: FUNDING SCHEMES

As well as “traditional” funded projects, the following AusAID funding programs provide further opportunities for involvement in Australia’s aid program. These are usually applied for through regular funding rounds. Brief details are listed below. Many of the projects require an overseas counterpart who has a particular need. The rounds are quite competitive and require a submission with very defined goals and outcomes. Some organisations in the Australian Tropical Expertise Consortium have already applied or will do so.

Asia Public Sector Linkages Program (PSLP)

The Asia Public Sector Linkages Program provides funding for public sector bodies and public universities to support development activities in selected partner Asian countries. PSLP incorporates the former Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Support Program.

ASEAN Australia Development Cooperation Program (AADCP)

The AADCP is a six-year, $45 million program run in partnership with the ASEAN Secretariat. The AADCP aims to promote sustainable economic and social development in ASEAN. It consists of a Program Stream, to support ASEAN economic integration and competitiveness-related activities; a Regional Partnerships Scheme, providing a flexible mechanism for smaller collaborative activities, and a Regional Economic Policy Support Facility, providing economic policy research to the ASEAN Secretariat.

Australian Development Research Awards

The Australian Development Research Awards are designed to attract quality research that informs policy development and increases the general stock of knowledge around development issues.

Australian Leadership Awards – Fellowships

Fellowships grants are available for short-term study, research, and professional attachment programs in Australia delivered by Australian organisations. Fellowships target current and emerging leaders from the Asia-Pacific region and foster existing linkages between community, civil society, private sector, research, academia and Australian government agencies. Applications are sought and assessed on a competitive basis from Australian organisations.

Avoidable Blindness Fund

The Avoidable Blindness Fund is a competitive fund to support to Australian not-for-profit organisations to scale-up and build on existing efforts and opportunities, lessons and successes in eye health and vision care activities in the Asia Pacific region.

Enterprise Challenge Fund for the Pacific and South-East Asia (ECF)

The ECF aims to reduce poverty by encouraging private sector led pro-poor growth. Through open competition, up to 50 per cent of project costs will be awarded to private sector firms to undertake projects in selected countries in the Pacific and South-East Asia. Concept notes for ALL countries (Fiji, Papua New Guinea, selected provinces of Indonesia, southern Philippines, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands, Cambodia, Laos and east Timor) are NOW being accepted.

Government Partnerships Fund (GPF) – AIPRD

The Government Partnerships Fund (GPF) is a $50 million, five-year program to strengthen Indonesia’s economic governance and public sector management. It is part of the Australia Indonesia Partnership for Reconstruction and Development (AIPRD) program, a five-year $1billion commitment to support Indonesia’s reconstruction and development announced by the Prime Minister in the aftermath of the December 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami.

Human Rights Small Grants Scheme

This initiative provides small grants to in-country organisations (primarily non-government) for activities aimed at promoting and protecting human rights in a direct and tangible way.

Illicit Drugs Initiative (IDI)

The IDI is a competitive grant initiative that aims to strengthen regional responses to the development impacts of illicit drugs. The initiative was open to Australian government departments, national organisations in the identified countries, regional organisations and Australian peak bodies actively engaged in illicit drug control, treatment, and related activities in South East Asia.

International Forest Carbon Initiative Concept Development Grants

The Australian Government is calling for applications from Australian and International non-government organisations (NGOs), with expertise in reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation in developing countries (REDD), for seed funding to develop initial concept stage demonstration activity ideas.

This funding opportunity is made available under Australia’s $200 million International Forest Carbon Initiative which supports international efforts on REDD through the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The Initiative aims to demonstrate that REDD can be part of an equitable and effective future global outcome on climate change. A central element of this is the Initiative’s focus on developing practical demonstration activities in our region.

International Seminar Support Scheme (ISSS)

AusAID administers the ISSS program. The program provides financial support for selected participants to attend development-oriented international seminars in Australia and overseas.

Pacific Governance Support Program (PGSP)

PGSP offers departments and agencies of the Australian Government the opportunity to compete for grant funding to work with their Pacific and Papua New Guinea counterparts on governance issues.

Applications for 2008-09 funding have closed.

NGO Funding Schemes

Funding Schemes for non-government organisations (NGOs) aim to provide or supplement funding for Australian NGOs to implement development, relief and rehabilitation activities in developing countries.

A program of NGO activity funding (NGO scheme) may be agreed between the Australian Government and a partner government as a suitable contribution to the aid program’s strategy in that country. NGO funding schemes also contribute to the global reach of the Australian aid program. There are a number of ways that NGOs can access funding from the Australian Government; these include the AusAID-NGO Cooperation Program and the Direct Aid Program and Small Activities Scheme which are available to developing country NGOs.

For more detailed information on these funding schemes, go to the website at:

http://www.ausaid.gov.au/business/other_opps/

WORLD BANK

Assignment: Assessment of Shifts in Ecosystems and Agro-ecosystems induced by Climate Change in the Middle East and North Africa Selection

Notice Type: Request for Expression of Interest (not full tender at this stage)

Notification Publication Date: 05/02/2009

Deadline for Submission: 26/2/2009

Assignment Country: Tunisia, Morocco, Syria and Yemen

Assignment Description: The main services are to (a) review of the current status of selected ecosystems and agro-ecosystems, their ecological significance and threats due to human induced non-climatic factors; (b)assess spatial shifts the selected ecosystems and agro-ecosystems could undergo as a result of climate change using regional climate models, developing climate change scenarios and resultant scenarios for ecosystem level changes. (c) on the basis of these shifts, develop scenarios for socio-economic impacts on the poor, and on the development of the countries in the study area; and, (d)develop options and strategies to build climate resilience in development planning in the target countries. Although information on global climate change is being generated, there is very little information on changes at smaller scales – countries/ ecosystems, which is necessary for governments planning adaptation activities. This study focuses on ecosystem-level impacts of climate change to present strategies and to help re-tune national policies and plans in view of climate induced changes. The proposition is that the analytical work will focus on Tunisia and Morocco for the natural ecosystems, and Syria and Yemen for the agroecosystems.

Individual/Firm Profile: The consultant can be a firm or consortium.

Submission Requirements: The World Bank now invites eligible consultants to indicate their interest in providing the services. Interested consultants must provide information indicating that they are qualified to perform the services (brochures, description of similar assignments, experience in similar conditions, availability of appropriate skills among staff, etc.). Consultants may associate to enhance their qualifications.

Interested consultants are hereby invited to submit expressions of interest.

Expressions of Interest should be submitted, electronically through World Bank Group eConsultant http://www.worldbank.org/wbgeconsultant

Assignment: Study on Carbon Emission Mitigation from Road Construction and Rehabilitation

Notice Type: Request for Expression of Interest at this stage

Notification Publication Date: 04/02/2009

Deadline for Submission: 19/02/2009

Project Country: China

The objective of this study is to better plan, design and build roads with a view to achieve minimum impact of carbon emission due to road construction and rehabilitation.

The following activities shall be undertaken: (a) An assessment of carbon emission related to transport sector, highway in particular. b) A detailed literature search to identify what different approaches are being adopted around the world to calculate and mitigate carbon emission from road construction. c) Identify three East Asian developing countries, (such as tentatively Lao, Vietnam and China) as pilots and undertake a review of road construction and rehabilitation practice and specifications utilized in these countries. d) Undertake at least one recent road construction or rehabilitation project as case study from each country and do a detailed analysis of various activities that contribute to carbon emission during construction, and identify key activities in road projects that are sensitive to carbon emissions. These may include but not limited to: • construction materials (aggregates, bitumen, concrete, steel etc.) • Transportation to site (vehicles fleet, logistics, etc.) • On site construction (planning, contracts packaging, processes, etc) • Construction monitoring • Electricity • Other e) Undertake carbon emission calculations and analyze emission for different specifications, construction techniques, material sources, etc. f) Discuss and assess best practices from developed countries (for example, Australia, Canada and France), identify the gap between the best practice and existing status in piloted developing countries with regards to carbon emission level in highway construction and rehabilitation, and identify the alternative practices that might be applicable to the selected developing countries to improve their current situation g) Assess the cost benefits of each alternative practices identified in activity e) above. h) Develop a Carbon Emission Mitigation Toolkit for identifying key carbon sensitive activities for road construction and rehabilitation; calculating carbon emission for each activity tailored to varying construction techniques and specifications; and providing strategies for minimizing or offsetting carbon emission produced by these activities. i) Develop a user manual to accompany the Carbon Emission Mitigation Toolkit. The user manual shall provide a clear navigation for the users and additional information needed to better understand the concepts, calculations and various practices.

Assignment Description: The following activities shall be undertaken: a) A detailed literature search to identify what different approaches are being adopted around the world to calculate carbon emission from road construction. b) Identify three East Asian developing countries, (tentatively Lao, Vietnam and China) as pilots and undertake a review of road construction and rehabilitation practice and specifications utilized in these countries. c) Undertake at least one recent road construction or rehabilitation project as case study from each country and do a detailed analysis of various activities that contribute to greenhouse gas emission during construction, and identify key activities in road projects that are sensitive to carbon emissions. These could include: • Construction materials (aggregates, bitumen, concrete, steel etc.) • Transportation to site (vehicles fleet, logistics) • On site construction (planning and contracts packaging) • Construction monitoring (supervision arrangements) • Electricity (gen-sets, pumps, lighting in tunnels) • Other d) Undertake carbon emission calculations and analyze emission for different specifications, construction techniques, material sources, etc. e) Discuss and assess best practices from developed countries (for example, Australia, Canada and France), identify the gap between the best practice and existing status in piloted developing countries with regards to carbon emission level in highway construction and rehabilitation, and identify the alternative practices that might be applicable to the selected developing countries to improve their current situation f) Assess the cost benefits of each alternative practices identified in activity e) above. g) Develop a Carbon Emission Mitigation Toolkit for identifying key carbon sensitive activities for road construction and rehabilitation; calculating carbon emission for each activity tailored to varying construction techniques and specifications; and providing strategies for minimizing or offsetting carbon emission produced by these activities. h) Develop a user manual to accompany the Carbon Emission Mitigation Toolkit. The user manual shall provide a clear navigation for the users and additional information needed to better understand the concepts, calculations and various practices. The Consultant is to work very closely with the Task Manager during all stages of activities in order to achieve an outcome that is applicable to the developing countries.

Contact Person: Fei Deng

Contact Person Phone Number: 202-458-8606

Address Line 1 1818 H Street, NW Mail Stop MC-9-919 City: Washington