Collaboration, capability and development

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://elibrary2.sugarresearch.com.au/handle/11079/13848

Research outcomes: A highly skilled industry workforce with the knowledge and capability to meet current and future needs of the industry. Connected and respected, both domestically and internationally. Motivated industry participants who promote an enthusiastic approach to solving industry issues.

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Writing for results : a practical workshop
(Sugar Research Australia Limited, 1991) Wrigley, J
Our Writing for Results Workshop was designed as a follow-up to the workshop held in Mackay September 1991. In it we looked at the writing of project proposals in more detail and sharpened our skills in preparing informative, useful articles and news releases. The workshop included a review of the Sugar Research Council's Five Year Research and Development Plan, as well as the Evlanatoty Notes Relating to Applications for Grants from the Sugar Research and Development Corporation for 1991-1992.
Evaluation of the impact of the Sugar Research and Development Corporation (SRDC)
(1993)
This report presents the results of an evaluation of the impact of the SRC and the SRDC since the formation of the SRC in November 1987. The study was initiated by the SRDC in response to their commitment to undertake an independent review. The first part of the study included consultation with major industry bodies representing the sugar industry as well as the major R & D providers including the BSES and the SRI. The perceptions of the SRDC's performance by these bodies as well as facts concerning changes in funding and direction of R & D are reported. Opinion is expressed by the study team on the performance concerning the role, leadership, planning, funding and strengths and shortcomings of the SRDC, bearing in mind its short existence to date. A second part of the study was an examination of the impacts of 20 projects randomly selected from the portfolio of projects funded by the SRDC and its predecessor over the period 1988\89 to 1992\93.
Evaluation of the impact of investment in sugar research and development
(1998)
The study undertaken for BSES, SRDC and SRI has established that the investment of resources in RD&E is effected in a manner that is providing significant benefits to the sugar industry. This has been demonstrated through various components of this 1998 impact study.
Conflict over land use - urban development or sugar farms? : occasional paper 01/99
(Sugar Research and Development Corporation (SRDC), 1999) Palu, L
The Sugar Research and Development Corporation (SRDC) funds research and development projects aimed at improving industry competitiveness. Urbanisation has been identified as a threat to the Australian sugar industry’s longterm sustainability. SRDC commissioned Agri-focus Pty Ltd to research ways of resolving urban/rural conflict. The researchers found that tackling negative perceptions about the sugar industry and positively positioning the industry at the local level can resolve damaging conflict. This Occasional Paper outlines methods of achieving this.
Improved integrated resource planning in the Australian Sugar Industry : Final report CTA039
(Sugar Research and Development Corporation (SRDC), 2002) Walker, D; Johnson, A
The Australian sugar industry is at the crossroads. Responding to the challenges that it faces requires technical, institutional and social innovation. In responding, the sugar industry requires a capacity to deal effectively and efficiently with the economic, environmental and social consequences of alternative change pathways. This requires working to improve the planning capacity in cane growing regions. This project attempted to address this difficult challenge in two cane growing regions (the Herbert and Sunshine Coast / Moreton Mill) with the intention of generating learnings that could be applied to other sugar cane growing regions.
Far North Queensland Sugar Industry Task Force (FNQSITF) : Final report SN002
(Sugar Research and Development Corporation (SRDC), 2002) Grey, J
The Far North Queensland Sugar Industry Task Force (FNQSITF) was formed on the 16th June 2000 when it held its first meeting. Its objectives were to plan and implement ways of improving the situation in the sugar industry that at the time was in a parlous financial state. Task Force members and the SRDC provided the funding.
Managing farm safety in the sugar industry field sector
(Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC), 2002) Allen, CJ
It is a sad fact that rural industry contributes more than its fair share of workplace accidents and fatalities. Statistically, farming is one of the most hazardous industries in Australia. RIRDC has been actively supporting several organisations to introduce safety initiatives into rural industries. This project has focussed on the development of the materials necessary to introduce a safety management system into the sugar cane industry. The objective is to promote a risk management culture in rural industries. This project was funded by two R&D Corporations — RIRDC and SRDC. These Corporations are funded principally by the Federal Government. This report, a new addition to RIRDC’s diverse range of over 600 research publications, forms part of our (Human Capital, Communication and Information Systems) R&D program, which aims to enhance human capital and facilitate innovation in rural industries and communities.
Strategic baiting protocols for rodents in sugarcane : Final report STU033
(Sugar Research and Development Corporation (SRDC), 2003) Ward, D
This research was undertaken to investigate the perceived problem of secondary poisoning risk to avian predators associated with the use of rodenticides in the Australian sugar industry. Although a minor component of the rodent integrated pest management strategy and used at relatively low levels, there is widespread public concern that their use can significantly impact raptor populations. At present, only anecdotal evidence of secondary poisoning events occurring in raptor populations are available and these relate to the use of Klerat® (active constituent: brodifacoum), a now de-registered rodenticide. Currently, two rodenticides are available for use in sugarcane crop, the acute toxicant Rattoff® (active constituent: 2.5 % zinc phosphide) and the first generation anticoagulant rodenticide Racumin® (active constituent: 0.037 % coumatetralyl). While laboratory trials indicate that raptors have a high toxic threshold to these rodenticides, trials conducted under laboratory conditions cannot reflect the complex processes which lead to secondary poisoning events that occur in the field. Given this, the objective of this project is to provide an ecologically-based field assessment of the risks that the use of rodenticides pose to avian predators in Australian sugarcane producing areas.
Building capacity to lead and implement regional transformation in the sugar industry : Final report CSR029
(Sugar Research and Development Corporation (SRDC), 2004) Livingstone, G
This project arose from an emerging need to increase the capacity of leaders at all levels of the Australian Sugar Industry and its supporting communities. Specifically, the industry was going through a period of substantial change in technical and organisational systems in response to the need to build its international competitiveness and sustainability. New skill sets were seen to be necessary in order to achieve required changes in the organisation of sectors within the industry including changes to practices within individual organisations and developing new ways of working together with a whole of value chain approach.
Researching accredited training needs for the Australian Sugar Industry : Final report CG003
(2004)
This report researches training needs for cane growers in Queensland and Northern New South Wales and addresses the project objectives:
Developing the vision of the Tully Sugar Industry : Final report CG002
(Sugar Research and Development Corporation (SRDC), 2004) Lucy, P
The project was successful in involving the community and industry sectors in a project which addressed the viability of an important industry facing a crisis. Community involvement provided an increased level of understanding of issues, and a recognition that all sectors needed to work closer together on issues, which were within their control.
Maintaining and enhancing core skills and capabilities within the NSWSMC, for a sustainable NSW sugar industry : Final report NSC004
(Sugar Research and Development Corporation (SRDC), 2004) Messiter, GM; Beattie, RN
This report describes a 3 year project to improve industry competitiveness by maintaining and enhancing core skills and capabilities within the NSW sugar industry. The project commenced in July 2001. Seven major objectives to improve industry competitiveness were identified and include the delivery of an efficient plant breeding program; the maximising of productivity by controlling pest and diseases; the development of best practice for the NSW sugar industry for both on farm activities and relationships with the community; the development of new strategies to maintain the competitiveness of the NSW sugar industry; the delivery of an essential extension service to co-operative members; the maintenance of core skills within the co-operative for industry competitiveness and the development of an environmental management system for cane growing and to underpin environmental awareness with NSW cane growers. The project targeted three core areas identified in an activity plan for core competency funding (refer Appendix 1) developed at the commencement of the project.
Continuous improvement and innovation workshop : final report WS008
(2005) Tims, J
Reports and programs associated with the sugar industry have highlighted significant needs and opportunities for the industry including: ~ The need for significant performance improvement across all sectors ~ Effective transfer and implementation of best practices in relation to farm performance, harvesting and mill performance ~ Commitment to implementing best practice extension methods ~ Increasing the efficiency of industry bodies ~ Adoption of "whole-of-system" solutions, to enhance revenue and cost efficiency, and to facilitate environmental and social sustainability across the industry chain. These needs and opportunities pose a significant challenge to sugar industry R&D and extension (RD&E) service providers to improve their own performance, while also supporting their clients to achieve improved performance. A 12 month Continuous Improvement and Innovation (CI&I) program was proposed for people involved in sugar industry RD&E. The aim of the program was to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of R&D and extension services in the sugar industry through building the capacity of participants in continuous improvement and innovation (CI&I). The objective was to deliver a workshop on the principles, processes and tools of continuous improvement and innovation (CI&I) to up to 20 sugar industry service providers, with support over a 12 month period for participants to apply the skills and knowledge learnt in the workshop. Overall, the program achieved its aim and objective, but was less successful in achieving some of the higher leverage benefits targeted at the beginning of the project such as: ~ The involvement of the right proportion of practitioners, leaders and managers ~ The implementation of an effective and efficient R&D and extension service system. A system design was documented, but no action was taken to purposefully use it to implement a more effective and efficient service system. ~ The design of services to equip and support customers to continuously improve and innovate their thinking, and their on-farm practices, processes and systems. Program participants focused on improving existing services or successfully implementing new projects, rather than on leading the design and implementation of CI&I services for/with customers.
Tully Sugar Industry project : Working for our future, phase 2
(Sugar Research and Development Corporation (SRDC), 2005) Lucy, P
The project utilised services of Organisational Psychologist Ian Plowman, to build capacity for change and develop the management ability of a number of participants in the Tully Sugar Industry.
Assessment of investment by in selected projects : Final report SRD007
(Sugar Research and Development Corporation (SRDC), 2006)
The Sugar Research & Development Corporation (SRDC) required benefit-cost analyses (BCAs) to be undertaken on six of their recently completed investments. Information from the original project proposal, milestone reports, final reports and relevant correspondence was extracted from the appropriate SRDC files and relevant published papers and reports and other material were assembled. Principal Investigators for each project were also consulted. Each of the six case studies provides a description of the project background, objectives, activities, costs, outputs, outcomes, benefits, quantification of benefits and results.
Establishing a million tonne harvesting co-operative : Final report HGP001
(Sugar Research and Development Corporation (SRDC), 2006) Tickle, A
The aim of the project was to form a million tonne harvesting co-operative in the Broadwater Sugar Mill area involving the amalgamation by way of merger of 7 registered harvesting groups with the option for 2 current harvesting contractors to become part of the proposed one river co-op.
Study tour to New Zealand, control measures for canegrubs : Final report SRD06001
(BSES, 2006) Nutt, KA; Fox, RA
Kerry Nutt and Rachael Fox visited researchers at HortResearch (Auckland and Palmerston North), Crop & Food and AgResearch (Lincoln). The CRCSIIB 1Bii project group currently uses the avidin transgene with the PPI vacuolar targeting sequence developed by scientists at HortResearch. This trip was an opportunity to discuss the progress of work with PPI-avidin, obtain methods for screening plants and ideas for identifying promising plants earlier, as well as information to help progress plants to commercialisation.
Assessment of NutriSmart, a new environmentally friendly fertiliser in the Herbert River sugar-growing region
(Sugar Research and Development Corporation (SRDC), 2006) Crisp, C
"In recent years Australian cane growers have sought to maintain viability and world competitiveness in an increasingly tougher export market environment by adopting new farming practises which are more profitable and sustainable” (www.canegrower.com.au). In addition the industry is confronting the ever increasing pressure of potential environmental issues, particularly with regards to nutrient losses and influence on sensitive ecosystems, such as the Great Barrier Reef Lagoon.
Generation Next Forum : Townsville evaluation report
(2006) Phillips, C
The Generation Next Forum resulted in approximately fifty young people from all sectors of the Australian Sugar Industry identifying practical commitments they could contribute to the future of the industry. The Generation Next Forum was conducted in Townsville between the 15th and 17th of February 2006. Approximately thirty senior industry leaders were also involved in the Forum, both gaining an understanding of the delegates’ perspectives and resourcing them with information and knowledge. The industry leaders also made commitments to continue to invest in the development of delegates through practical initiatives. The Forum provided opportunities for delegates to gain exposure to ideas, perspectives, skills and opportunities from a wide range of industry stakeholders and several from outside of the sugar industry.
Farm health and safety tools for the Sugar FMS framework : Final report FMS008
(Sugar Research and Development Corporation (SRDC), 2006) Pawsey, M; Holloway, S
The main issue being addressed by this project was a practical need for workplace health and safety (WHS) information specific to the sugar industry, a complex issue only lightly addressed within the environmentally focussed Sugar FMS program. Regional CANEGROWERS from Bundaberg and Burdekin in particular recognised this issue and had been accumulating relevant material for some time. This project enabled them to compile this information into a format compatible with the broader FMS materials, incorporation of the material by Agrecon, with testing and feedback provided by growers.