 |
|
|| Home || Search || Contact || Publications Eshop || Privacy Statement ||
|
|
|| Home || Search || Contact || Publications Eshop || Privacy Statement ||
Tracking Performance
On 14 December 1999, the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry wrote to the Corporation identifying the above seven Government priorities for the Corporation The priorities were reiterated in May 2001 by the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Senator the Hon. Judith Troeth:
"...RDCs must recognise the continuing role of the Minister in accounting to Parliament for the use of levy payer and taxpayer funds.The Parliament will never relent on this requirement which runs to the core of our constitution and democracy. Source:Senator the Hon Judith Troeth, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Agriculture,Fisheries and Forestry."
Triple Bottom Line Reporting—A First Step
Over the past four years the Corporation has conducted a program of impact evaluation via benefit/cost analyses of its research. One of the four research program areas was evaluated each year. This year, 2001–02, the Corporation changed the focus of its evaluation activity from the program to sub-program level.
This year’s study by the Centre for International Economics, again used the RIRDC/GRDC guidelines as a basis for the evaluation. However, specific emphasis was placed on further developing methods for evaluation the more difficult to quantify environmental and social impacts. This still involved a two-stage process. The first stage developed an overview of all projects in the Agroforestry Sub-Program. This overview provided a general picture of the impact of all projects and their classification into themes and groups so that a sub-set can be chosen for detailed benefit/cost evaluation.
The second stage involved a detailed evaluation of 25 completed or nearly completed projects of the 159 projects identified in stage 1. Although 25 projects were covered by the evaluations, four summary benefit/cost evaluations are reported. This was because several projects were identified as being part of a single R&D effort. Fewer research activities were evaluated this year as opposed to earlier years because evaluation of triple bottom line impacts was more complex.
What was found
As has been the case in previous years a significant effort was involved in documenting in detail the results of the stage 1 part of the study. This stage involves a detailed description of all of the 159 funded projects and grouping them into research areas and research efforts. The major funding focus has been on production issues with 40% aiming to develop technologies to improve competitiveness and 40% aiming to improve sustainable development. The rest focused on industry training and development, 15%; markets, 2%; processing, 2%, and communications, 1%. It was also found that emphasis on basic or fundamental research has been quite high at around 48% of funding, with applied research around 28% and development about 24%. This assessment of all projects provided the basis for selecting projects to be evaluated in more detail.
The detailed project evaluations reported in the stage 2 report indicate a range in rates of return to the projects evaluated. The rates of return for agroforestry were generally lower than found for other programs in past years. This is largely due to the long research and then adoption/production lags for agroforestry research and the relatively small production base the research is being applied to. The average B/C ratio for the projects evaluated was about 12 with a range from 2 to 26. The average IRR was 17% with a range from11 to 23. These investment performance indicators suggest mixed results in terms of the corporate benchmarks. All but one B/C ratio achieves the emerging industries benchmark of 5 but only two just meeting the emerging industries IRR benchmark of 20%. The long lags for this research explain this difference.
The Triple Bottom Line
2001–02 was the first time that the Corporation tried to expand its evaluation program to embrace the triple bottom line by mapping economic, environmental and social outcomes.
Trying to evaluate the triple bottom line impacts this year made the evaluations much more complex. However, it was the correct approach, particularly for Agroforestry where there are significant spill over effects on the environment and potentially on social outcomes.
The evaluation methodology employed only included benefits that have a market value metric. There are potential benefits that were not included but this is mainly due to inconclusive evidence on some potential outcomes. The evaluation results suggest even with carbon credits it is difficult to raise the return to commercially attractive levels in areas other than high rainfall locations close to existing processing capacity.
Key Lessons Learnt
Project evaluation is always challenged by the lack of hard data on adoption rates but a triple bottom line approach is harder because of the problems of establishing market value metrics for the benefits. This year’s attempt was a first step. With that in mind, some of the key lessons learnt were:
Agroforestry is an unusual industry in that it has significant spill over effects on the environment and potentially on social outcomes. The concern of industry supporters is that the commercial benefits are not sufficient to grow the industry and bring about subsequent environmental gains. Hence the focus of much of the R&D evaluated here on raising the commercial returns. The results suggest that significant progress has been made, but the commercial hoop is still out of reach in some areas. The future challenge is to target R&D to make the jump and get the industry onto a widespread commercial footing. The environmental outcomes and their value also need to be quantified in order for policy makers to determine the appropriate level of public support. JVAP R&D projects are also tackling these issues. The long lag before trees provide a commercial return means that the return on R&D will always be comparatively low, compared with products with annual production cycles. It is the commercial returns on agroforestry – in wood and in carbon credits that provide the greatest return, and hence motives for industry investment in agroforestry. The research evaluated has focused largely on improving the commercial outcomes. The limited expansion in areas planted that can be attributed to the R&D evaluated meant that while there are environmental outcomes that are valuable, these are not large relative to the commercial returns on the R&D. There are situations where agroforestry looks like a good complement to other agriculture as with cabinet timber production. However, in many cases the return may be more marginal, and individual values on the outcomes that are not reflected in the market based values used here may need to be high to get the investment over the line. Initial research in new industries can deliver enormous productivity gains. Once this ground breaking research is done it will be harder to deliver such big gains in the future. This means that greater attention to project selection will be needed to identify where the greatest gains are in the future. Returns to any given investment in R&D are lower in small industries because the base is lower. While small can also mean new, hence the big productivity gains offset this to some extent, the benefits are contingent on the growth in the industry. It is very hard to tell if the assumption of a fixed share of a growing plantation industry is an under or over estimate of the growth of the industry. Addressing Government Priorities
Sustainable Natural Resource Management
Government’s Priority RIRDC Action Sustainable management and use of our soil, water, air, vegetation and fauna resources integrated into farming and land use systems · Work on innovative products from indigenous Australian native foods was completed at the University of NSW. · The final project on cashew nutrition and management was completed and published thus providing a strong basis for future producers of this crop.
· Durian germplasm evaluation trials and an industry strategic plan for this fruit were completed and published.
· Reports on farmed crocodile nutrition, husbandry, housing, effluent management, diseases, genetics, animal capture, economic and extension methods. In Queensland the spreadsheet decision tool CrocProfit has been improved. The industry newsletter Crocodile Capers was published twice.
· Research showing that cattle and camels can co-graze on marginal land in Central Australia. There is some dietary overlap, and with expanded co-grazing the plant species preferred by both may be an indicator of pasture condition.
· Focus farms and farm surveys for dairy goats identified effective management practices and industry benchmarks, published as a technical manual, Dairy Goat Notes.
· Two complementary reports into Environmental Services were published. These were Emerging Markets for Environmental Services- Implications and Opportunities for Resource Management in Australia and Making Farm Forestry Pay: Markets for Ecosystem Services. These were combined and distilled into a single Research Update.
· Published the first in the Agroforestry Guideline Series Trees, Water and Salt, launched at a high profile event in March 2002.
· Published a discussion paper to follow up from the conference held the previous year on Plantations, Farm Forestry and Water.
· Published a report characterising root morphology in agroforestry alley systems.
· Published a report on salt tolerant trees with high pulp quality.
· Released The Carbon Farmer report, manual and software, which allow farmers and advisers to evaluate whether it is worth engaging in carbon farming.
· Released guidelines for the silvicultural management of blackwood.
· Release of a report, bibliography and database of national silvicultural research and proposals in farm forestry.
· Published a further three Research Updates including Making Farm Forestry Pay: Selling the Environmental Services of Farm Forestry Research Update No. 3, The Australian Low Rainfall Tree Improvement Group Research Update No. 4, and Site Selection for Farm Forestry Research Update No. 5. The existing two Research Updates continue to be in high demand.
· Significantly increased oil yield and quality by selecting and breeding tea tree lines of different provenance and sales of improved seed.
· Started new projects on The Australian Cutflower Best Bets Program and Speeding the release of new varieties of Leucadendron.
· Demonstrated the potential of naturally occurring cytokines to enhance performance and vaccine efficacy in meat chickens.
· Developed a database of information on the environmental performance of Australian meat chicken farms.
· Conducted a workshop to identify issues and research needs related to the sourcing, use and management of chicken litter.
· Developed an Environmental Management System for Australian meat chicken farms and a strategy for its implementation.
· Release of a new report, which provides an update of an evaluation of the economic value of pollination services for honeybees to the Australian economy.
· Improved information regarding factors influencing the productivity of queen bees.
· Improved guidelines for the management and control of a range of important bee diseases.
· Released significant results on rice nutrition including update of maNage rice, which provides guides to improved fertiliser use by growers.
· Provided important information regarding the effectiveness of several new herbicides and how they can be more effectively included in an integrated weed management program for the rice industry.
· Commercialisation of a new microbial inoculant for hay preservation.
· Improved weed control technologies for a range of new temperate legumes.
· Identification of management strategies to improve lucerne seed yield and productivity for this important deep rooted perennial..
· Management strategies to effectively control lucerne seed wasps. A pocket size grower brochure was developed to more effectively promote these strategies.
· A report on Environmental Partnerships: Combining sustainability and commercial advantage in the commercial sector.
· Principal sponsor of the second conference on accreditation of Environment Management Systems in Australian Agriculture, 6-8 November 2001, Ballina, NSW. Major themes at the conference were:
– EMS case studies · Publication of a report on Hydroponics as an Agricultural Production System that aims to increase the understanding of hydroponics as an alternative to conventional soil based agricultural production systems.– Integration of management systems, policy innovations and trade, and environmental outcomes
– Eco-labelling and green marketing, certification and auditing
– Beyond compliance – EMS and regulation
– Organisation of a national approach to EMS
· Commercialisation of substances that bioremediate pyrethroid contaminated wastes.
· Commercialisation of Distichlis for rehabilitation of highly saline areas for grain, turf and grazing.
· Handbook on integrated agri-aquaculture systems.
· Report on the development of industry standards (benchmarks) for the long-term sustainability and viability of grazing businesses.
· Report on quarry rock dust as a soil ameliorant.
· Report that sought to improve Community Participation in rangeland management. The research revealed many approaches for involving local communities in planning implementation methods for sharing decision-making power with local people.
Government’s Priority RIRDC Action A whole of industry approach to production, processing and marketing to ensure the chain works to its best advantage · The Native Food and Plants website commenced operation. · A Native Food R&D Plan for 2002-2007 was completed and published with broad support in the industry.
· An analysis of the economics and agronomic requirements for the production of food gums from Senna spp was published.
· Workshops on quality protocols and guidelines for the production of table olives in Australia held.
· The lychee industry program was moved to Horticulture Australia as it now has raised a substantial levy base for R&D.
· Benchmark research publications on alpaca, buffalo, rabbit and duck management practices. Productivity is shown to be determined by enterprise size, labour efficiency and adoption of innovation.
· Reported dairy goat product marketing opportunities: for powdered products for Korea, Japan and Taiwan; and for UHT goat milk in Singapore and Malaysia.
· Report on the management and nutrition of Awassi, a milking sheep breed. Preliminary market research indicates some domestic and export demand for sheepmilk powder.
· An annual Asian vegetable meeting to improve communication between industry and researchers was held. The agenda covered presentations on green soybean, lotus, daikon, leafy vegetables, taro, waterchestnut and new developments in postharvest technology. There was strong interest, with over 130 people attending the meeting.
· Publication of reports on Diversifying Asian Vegetable Markets that examine a range of postharvest handling, packaging and marketing issues that will help deliver quality product through local and export distribution networks.
· ANU Agroforestry Quarterly Market Report was published.
· Published agroforestry reports and brochures on alternative timber products including cement-board, oriented strand board and medium density fibreboard.
· Held a workshop on the potential of the Wattleseed industry in March 2002.
· Velvet and Venison Co-products Specification manual produced.
· Upgraded deer industry Quality Assurance Manuals were disseminated to all registered participants in the Industry Quality Assurance program.
· Deer Quality Assurance, Management and Analysis (Deer QAMA) software distributed to all registered participants in the Industry Quality Assurance program.
· Industry software produced as part of RIRDC funded projects (Deer QAMA and VenStat) demonstrated and promoted at the Third World Deer Farming Congress (Austin, Texas).
· Deer Industry Quality Assurance approved by the Trade Marks Office and the ACCC. Reviewed the research requirements of the Australian lavender industry.
· Supported the Organics Federation of Australia (OFA) and other industry organisations to represent the Australian industry at the Biofach Trade Show in Germany in February 2002.
· Published a business plan for the Australian Mohair industry. A SWOT analysis was made of seven industry sectors. One of the recommendations was to set a production objective of about 1 million kg to restore critical mass and provide efficiencies and marketing positioning. This level of production is approximately double that in 2001–02.
· Development of improved methods for the use of liquid honey in food manufacturing.
· Released the second stage of a new guide to quality rice production in south-eastern Australia.
· One new rice variety was released and two others are well advanced to the near release stage.
· Publication of an industry-wide study on the economic significance of the horse industry.
· Handbook for racecourse managers to provide consolidated information on racetrack maintenance.
· Development of the commercialisation process for and release of three new oaten hay varieties.
· Identification of early indicators of the factors critical to hay palatability.
· Publication and distribution of a set of best practice production guidelines for sub-clover seed production.
· Analysis of a range of institutional structures, which can have an impact on the competitiveness of the agricultural sector. These especially included the implications of changes in equity and credit financing for the rural sector and a detailed benchmarking analysis of the technology used on the Australian waterfront and its implications for agricultural export industries.
· Proceedings of InFoRM 2000, a national workshop on integrated food production and resource management, held in Brisbane in November. It brought together farmers, industry leaders, technologists, resource managers and planners to explore integrated options for a new, sustainable Australia.
Government’s Priority RIRDC Action Development of biotechnology, along with sensitive handling to accommodate consumers’ concerns · Major review of the farm and resource management issues relating to Genetically Modified Plants was published. · Several new genetic markers have been developed and passed on for use in the quality evaluation program to streamline selection for several rice quality attributes.
· Some factors have been reported related to high phenotype cashmere down production. Attempts have been made to separate genetic and environmental effects.
· Greater knowledge of the female reproduction in alpaca has been reported from research that manipulated hormonal control via various progestogen treatments association with ovarian follicular wave synchronisation.
· Commenced research into progeny testing mohair sires and optimising harvesting strategies in angoras.
Increases in Trade and Market Access
Government’s Priority RIRDC Action Trade and market access negotiations · In collaboration with Supermarket to Asia and other organisations released a major book (several volumes) which updates information on the potential for resurgence of agribusiness in Asian markets and the implications for Australian businesses. · Detailed analyses of the organisation and operation of the Japanese agrifood sector and its implications for better Australian access and wholesale markets for agricultural products in China.
· A series of trade policy analyses and reports which considered: the implications of export subsidies for trade reforms; the costs and benefits of preferential trade access for developing countries; the implications of recent US farm policy developments for trade policy reforms; and the implications for agriculture from a bilateral free trade agreement between Australia and the US. Reports from this research have been used extensively to support a range of WTO meetings throughout the year. Sections of one report have been reproduced in a recent World Bank book. Support was also provided for workshops in Australia to promote the results of this research to farmer groups.
· Publication of reports on lotus for export to Asia and development of wasabi for the East Asian market.
Government’s Priority RIRDC Action Maintenance and enhancement of our clean green image · The Bioenergy Atlas of Australia (jointly funded with AGO) was published as a report and made available online. The Atlas allows interactive view and query of information useful to evaluate bioenergy resource at a national scale, with two more detailed regional case studies. · Published a feasibility study investigating the potential for integrated mallee processing for carbon products, eucalyptus oil and electricity. A pilot plant based on this system is currently being established in Narrogin WA, with government and private investment.
· Supported and presented a keynote paper at the IUFRO Forestry Extension Conference in Lorne in November 2001.
· Successful inaugural national organic conference to assist the Australian industry to rise to the challenges it faces was held in September 2001.
· Organic Federation of Australia supported to develop an Organic Harvest Festival concept.
· HACCP and audit-based training program for organic inspectors developed and courses held.
· Assisted in the re-establishment of Australia’s Newcastle disease-free status for poultry.
· Demonstrated that Australian poultry remains free of very virulent forms of infectious bursal disease virus.
· Launch of a welfare audit system program for the chicken meat industry.
· Developed improved experimental methods for investigating laying hen behaviour and welfare
Government’s Priority RIRDC Action Addressing food safety concerns of consumers · Finalisation of a national generic quality assurance program covering food safety, bird welfare, farm biosecurity and labelling for the egg industry. · Completed a review of food safety risk management in different egg production systems.
· Completed a risk assessment and cost/benefit analysis of Salmonella enteritidis monitoring and control programs for the Australian egg industry.
· Published a landmark study on the antibiotic resistance profile of bacteria from Australian chicken, which will assist industry to identify appropriate usage patterns for the future and to identify areas of greatest need for the development of alternative strategies to the use of antibiotics.
· Published reports on:
- Tea tree oil as a topical decolonisation solution for adult in-patients with Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureas. · Chemical analyses of emu egg shell show that therapeutic use would require the processing of large quantities of shell, and the strontium levels could limit its nutritional use.- Clinical efficacy of tea tree oil for treating coldsores.
- The anti-inflammatory and anti-itch properties of tea tree oil.
- The antifungal activity of tea tree oil in vitro.
· Improved information regarding the glycemic index of honey so that this can be used to provide advice for the use of honey by diabetics.
Government’s Priority RIRDC Action Cultivating creativity and innovation among our human resources · Published a report and evaluation of the Master Tree Growers program supported by JVAP. · Retrained and reassessed industry Quality Assurance facilitators to ensure they are familiar with amended manuals and the Deer QAMA program.
· Supported the second National Conference on Herbs, Native Foods and Essential Oils, Lismore, 16-18 August 2001 and the 6th International Lavender Conference held at Charles Sturt University, Wagga on 25-26 August 2001.
· Supported Australian industry representation at two world conferences; Europe (IFOAM) and a biodynamic workshop in southern India.
· Sent a team to the 6th European Symposium on Poultry Welfare which resulted in a series of topical and insightful travel reports and articles in a major industry magazine.
· Completed study programs for two postgraduates in the poultry flock health area
· Developed a vaccination training manual for laying hens.
· An extensive review of the rice extension system was commissioned during the year. This has lead to development of several new initiatives in this area, for example, the trailing of an electronic Rice Bulletin sent every two weeks to all rice growers. This complements the usual extensive extension activities, which involve release of the annual RiceCheck production guidelines and organisation of hundreds of grower meetings at five critical stages of the production cycle.
· Support for a range of human capital development activities in the rice industry for both research and grower groups.
· Major international seminar for the horse industry on latest research findings and participation in major horse industry exhibition.
· Workshop for researchers and racetrack managers to examine R&D needs for improving working surfaces for horses.
· Awards to postgraduate students for outstanding research to assist the horse industry
· Provided support for the annual awards for excellence in agribusiness.
· Produced a rural and regional guide to E-commerce.
· Continued web site upgrades of the Farmers’ Guide to the Internet
· Finalised a Business Plan for the Cooperative Venture for Capacity Building for Innovation in Rural Industries and commissioning of three central projects.
· Published a report on control, innovation and strategy in farming.
· Publication and launch of the Kit for Small Town Renewal.
· Finalisation of the Options for change for farming people: Doing things differently guide that explores innovative business development options available to farmers.
· Publication of research reports related to the Options series on:
- Leaving the Land · A report which identifies the social needs of youth and strategies to encourage youth to remain in rural communities.- Costs and Benefits of Diversification
- Case studies in Off Farm Income
- Adding value on farm
- Practical guidelines for initiating and developing farmer/producer marketing groups
- Syndication of machinery, buildings and infrastructure
- Succession planning.
· A report which identifies strategies for enhancing the leadership role of schools in rural communities.
· Reports on:
- Occupational health and safety risk associated with sheep and wool production in Australia · Training resources for farm machinery safety.- Health and safety risks associated with cotton production on-farm
- Occupational health and safety risks associated with horticultural produce production
- The health and safety of Western Australian farmers, farm families and farm workers.
· A report which reviews regulation of farm machinery safety.
· A report on the comparison between different approaches to farm injury prevention in Victoria and Queensland.
· Two Australian Rural Leadership Program scholarships awarded.
S.74 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act 1991 - Reporting
Section 74 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act 1991 sets out requirements to be included in the Corporation’s Annual Report.
In a formal sense, our occupational health and safety policy framework is codified in the Staff General Terms and Conditions. These were reviewed in September 2000 and run for a two year period from 1 October 2000. Copies of the Staff General Terms and Conditions are available on request. No claims were lodged with Comcare in 2001–02.
Our reporting against the requirements of S.74 for 2001–02 is as follows:
Legislation S.74 RIRDC Action Details of any agreement made with employees relating to occupational health and safety. · See General Staff terms and Conditions, 1 October 2000 to 30 September 2002. Details on any Committees established to deal with occupational health and safety. · No formal committees. The Corporation only has 15 full time staff and we do not need specialist Committees. Our consultations include all staff. Details of the selection of health and safety representatives. · Mr Claudio Ciuffetelli is responsible for occupational health and safety issues. · Ms Keller and Ms Reeve were the Corporation’s qualified officers during the year.
Measures taken during 2001–02 to ensure health, safety and welfare at work. · During the year, workstation assessments were carried out for all staff by a qualified occupational therapist. · The recommendations of the workstation assessments will be implemented in 2002–03.
Statistics on any accidents. · No accidents recorded. Investigations conducted during the year that relate to undertakings given by employer. · No undertakings given. As a tenant we have continued to seek confirmation about air quality systems from the building owner. · No directions or notices given to the Corporation.
S.516A of theEnvironment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 -Reporting
Legislation S.516A RIRDC Action How actions of the agency during the period accorded with the principles of ESD · The Corporation has adopted a new Five Year Strategic Plan for 2002-2007 that includes a goal of minimizing and, where possible, improving the impact of existing, emerging and new rural industries on the environment. · The Corporation manages a number of programs that specifically focus on improved economic and environmental outcomes. These include the Organics, Agroforestry and Resilient Agricultural Systems Programs. All RIRDC programs incorporate sustainability in their five year strategic plans.
· The RIRDC project selection process specifically requires an assessment of whether prospective projects are likely to have a negative impact on sustainability or biodiversity. This criterion is second in a set of eight criteria that the Corporation uses to assess project applications and can lead to the rejection of a project if the research objectives, methodology and/or outcomes outlined in the application are judged to have adverse environmental consequences.
How the outcomes specified for the agency in the Appropriations Act contribute to ESD · The outcome specified for the Corporation is to facilitate a more profitable, dynamic and sustainable rural sector. It contributes to ESD by recognising the need for research outputs that integrate economic, environmental and social objectives. The effect of the agency’s actions on the environment The Corporation’s charter is to make and manage research investments. Impacts of this activity on the environment are sometimes difficult to attribute and may be subject to long response times. Some key impacts are the following:
· More sustainable management of natural resources such as soil, water and biodiversity is an integral objective of RIRDC’s Joint Venture Agroforestry Program. A key activity to meet this objective during the year was the Publication of Trees, Water and Salt which draws on new and existing research to show how trees can be used successfully to combat salinity while also providing farmers with an income.· The Program also published two complementary reports into environmental services from agroforestry: Emerging Markets for Environmental Services- Implications and Opportunities for Resource Management in Australia and Making Farm Forestry Pay: Markets for Ecosystem Services. The aim of these publications is to improve the profitability of agroforestry in low and medium rainfall areas by researching ways in which markets could be developed for environmental services from trees in addition to the returns from their traditional products.
· The Agro forestry Program held a workshop to develop guidelines for biodiversity in agroforestry in March 2002. It also published a report on salt tolerant trees with high pulp quality.
· RIRDC’s Organic Produce Program initiated an inaugural national organic conference to assist the industry’s development and supported the development of an audit-based training program for organic inspectors.
· The Chicken Meat Program developed a database of information on the environmental performance of Australian meat chicken farms. It also developed an Environmental Management System for these farms and a strategy for its implementation.
· The Honeybee Program published a report on the floral resources in South Australia and the value of these for honey production.
· A number of activities in the Resilient Agricultural Systems Program will contribute to improved environmental management, including:
- A report on Environmental Partnerships: Combining sustainability and commercial advantage in the commercial sector; - Principal sponsor of the second conference on accreditation of Environment Management Systems in Australian Agriculture, 6-8 November 2001, Ballina, NSW;
- Commercialisation of substances that bioremediate pyrethroid contaminated wastes;
- Commercialisation of Distichlis for rehabilitation of highly saline areas for grain, turf and grazing; and
- Report on the development of industry standards (benchmarks) for the long-term sustainability and viability of grazing businesses.
Measures the agency is taking to minimise the impact of actions by the agency on the environment The Corporation’s research and development project agreement requires a specific assessment of the potential for environmental damage to result from a project. Applicants must alert the Corporation to any proposal that may be considered an "environmentally significant action". Mechanisms for reviewing and increasing the effectiveness of the above measures The Corporation reports to the Federal Government after each Board meeting and publishes most final reports. This transparency facilitates stakeholder input to our operations and the application of ESD principles.
 
|
Last updated: October 2002
Copyright © RIRDC
http://www.rirdc.gov.au/pub/anrep02/trackingperformance.html
