January 29th, 2010
CRCSI-2 builds powerful multi-sector collaborations and alliances to accelerate the take up of Spatial Information based solutions in key end-user organisations in important industry sectors
Communique #6
January 7th, 2010
Dear CRCSI-2 Colleagues and friends
On Christmas Eve I signed off on the start of CRCSI-2 in Canberra with the Acting General Manager of the CRC Program Cathy McKay. I presented to Cathy a complete set of signed Essential Participant Agreements and a complete set of Termination Deeds for CRCSI-1. CRCSI-1 officially ceased operation on 31 December 2009 and CRCSI-2 officially commenced on 1 January 2010 for a period of eight and a half years.
The Commonwealth will now review all of the documentation that we have submitted to determine the timing of their first payment to us. Of particular interest is a reconciliation report that we submitted that shows the total amount of cash, inkind and people (measured as full time equivalents) that have been committed compared with the bid itself and the Commonwealth Agreement.
The Commonwealth have indicated their willingness to work with us in the New Year to satisfy the requirements of all parties. I hope this process moves swiftly to the point where the Commonwealth feel they can commence payment.
On behalf of the Management Team thank you all for your great support, and I look forward to an exciting 2010.
Peter Woodgate
CEO, CRCSI-2
RESEARCH ACTIVITIES PLANNING - Positioning Program
The CRCSI-2 Positioning Program will hold several workshops in February 2010. The purpose of the workshops is to bring together academic, government and private sector partners in an open forum to discuss the essential elements of the program. As we move toward the initiation of the research program in mid-2010, there is a need to canvas and discuss the needs and expectations of partners and to identify the key research outputs and objectives to be pursued. Those planning to attend the workshops should come prepared to present and discuss the positioning-related research requirements of the organisation they represent.
A briefing document will be sent by Phil Collier to those who register interest by end January.
The outcome will be a defined description of the research program and, ultimately, the formulation of research projects and research teams. Enquiries to Phil Collier (03 8344 8125 pcollier@crcsi.com.au). A synopsis of the workshops will be made available after the Melbourne event.
RSVP to Jane Inall jinall@crcsi.com.au by 1 February 2010, stating which city workshop you wish to attend.
PERTH: Friday 5 February 2010, 9.30 am – 12.00 noon followed by a light lunch.
Venue: Floreat Conference Room, Landgate, 65 Brockway Road, Floreat Park, Perth
PERTH: Friday 5 February 2010, 9.30 am – 12.00 noon followed by a light lunch.
Venue: Floreat Conference Room, Landgate, 65 Brockway Road, Floreat Park, Perth
BRISBANE: Tuesday 9 February 2010, 9.30 am – 12.00 noon followed by a light lunch.
Venue: Level 1 Theatrette, Land Centre building, Department of Environment and Resource Management (DERM), 867 Main Street, Woollangabba. Allow time on arrival for check-in with security at building entrance.
Venue: Level 1 Theatrette, Land Centre building, Department of Environment and Resource Management (DERM), 867 Main Street, Woollangabba. Allow time on arrival for check-in with security at building entrance.
SYDNEY: Wednesday 10 February 2010, 9.30 am – 12.00 noon followed by a light lunch.
Venue: TBC
Venue: TBC
MELBOURNE: Friday 12 February 2010, 9.30 am – 12.00 noon followed by a light lunch.
Venue: Stella Langford Room, Graduate House, 220 Leicester Street Carlton.
Venue: Stella Langford Room, Graduate House, 220 Leicester Street Carlton.
Communique #5
November 27th, 2009
Dear CRCSI-2 participant and position holders
The November roadshow of 43pl-2 & CRCSI-2 briefing sessions explained the context of the various contracts; summarised progress to date and principles of CRCSI-2 operation; and discussed issues raised.
The 43pl-2 presentation can be viewed at http://crcsi2.com.au/43pl/43pl-2-roadshow-nov09/ and the CRCSI-2 presentation at http://crcsi2.com.au/
1] Contracts 2] Governance 3] Research Activities Read more…
Communique #4 (and Communique 43pl-2#6)
October 27th, 2009
In the coming weeks there will be a series of 43pl-2 briefing sessions, and ‘whole of CRCSI-2′ discussion sessions. The initial timetable is below. The purpose of these sessions is to explain the contract signing requirements; to summarise progress to date and principles of CRCSI-2 operation; and to discuss any issues raised. As an outcome our participants will be aware of where the CRCSI-2 build is at; the next steps required; and the timing of our CRCSI-2 implementation. This is an important briefing session that will be of value to both management and technical staff.Please feel free to call me with any queries and pls rsvp as below. Mike Read more…
Communique #3
October 22nd, 2009
Letter to all CRCSI-2 participant personnel …
Progress report on creation of CRCSI-2
I am writing to you in my capacity as Chair of the Steering Committee for CRCSI-2 to update you on progress.
Minister Carr approved the establishment of CRCSI-2 on 6 August 2009. Approval was granted for the CRCSI-2 proposal as submitted at the time of application. But the Commonwealth funding was $8.0 million less than requested, which means the total cash budget will now be $60.6 million. This change will require careful planning and adjustment to the range of activities for the CRC in order to meet it original objectives. Read more…
Communique #2
September 21st, 2009
Dear CRCSI-2 Colleagues
An update on the implementation of CRCSI-2, grouped under several major headings. If you have any queries feel free to contact us. Read more…
Communique #1
August 26th, 2009
Dear CRCSI-2 Colleagues
Since our news of success a fortnight ago we have received, and accepted, the Commonwealth Program’s terms and conditions of our CRCSI-2 funding. We are still negotiating some of the finer details.
Broadly this means we have the following tasks ahead of us in the coming few months: Read more…
update
August 11th, 2009
Over the past year the Cooperative Research Centre for Spatial Information (CRCSI) has developed a strategy for the further development of the Australian spatial information industry called ‘Spatially Enabling Australia’. It has done this in collaboration with about 100 organisations in the public, private and research sectors, principally in Australia and New Zealand, but also with input from organisations in Europe, Canada and Asia. The strategy looks out over the better part of the next decade. Read more…
CRCSI-2 BID SUCCESS !
August 7th, 2009
Key Australian industries will gain access to new data, technologies and services through the $32.2 million funding of a major research program in satellite positioning and remote sensing technologies, announced by Senator Kim Carr.
With a total budget of $180 million, the next phase of the Cooperative Research Centre for Spatial Information (CRCSI-2) involves over 100 organisations including from government and the private sector coming together with universities in an eight-year joint venture.
“The new CRCSI-2 will help us to remain internationally competitive and capitalise on rapid growth in the spatial industry. The CRC Program’s investment in this industry will deliver tremendous benefits to the nation.” Said Mary O’Kane, Chair of the CRCSI Board.
“Through this funding the CRC Program has recognised the tremendous potential spatial information offers to the Australian economy,” said CEO Dr Peter Woodgate.
The spatial information industry currently contributes an estimated $12.6 billion to national GDP. Direct outcomes from the CRCSI-2 are expected to deliver a further $305 million to the nation if emerging developments can be leveraged for Australian industry. The wider benefits are far larger.
Over 90 end-users, mostly small and medium companies, will participate in the program to direct and speed delivery of research outcomes. “Our end-users give us a a tremendously strong picture of the technology and services the marketplace needs,” said Dr Woodgate.
The CRCSI will deliver benefits to several industry sectors including
- Health – Preventative medicine policies will be improved through the way in which spatial information can show patterns of disease which are otherwise undetectable. CRCSI-2 will spatially analyse data for early detection of cancer and childhood leukaemia.
- Energy and utilities – Unmanned air craft will monitor powerlines with laser scanners to get timely, accurate knowledge on the condition of power infrastructure which will improve safety and reduce costs for consumers.
- Sustainable urban development – Planning, transport costs and “living affordability” in our cities and towns will be assisted by spatially understanding what makes good urban areas work.
- Agriculture and climate change – Farmers will have more precise information to guide the planting, treatment and harvesting of crops due to spatial precision agriculture. Scientists and land managers will be able to monitor landscape changes more closely, particularly important given the widespread effects anticipated from climate change
- Defence – research into new imaging technologies for national defence
Through its strong international linkages, the CRCSI-2 will also be targeting overseas markets to deliver new technologies and services.
“Our fledgling industry will have a great chance to gain international prominence through this initiative,” said David Hocking, CEO of the Spatial Industries Business Association which is also participating in the CRCSI-2. “Overseas governments are spending big on infrastructure and that is where our 500 members operate.”
“In its first incarnation, the CRCSI helped to position Australia as a world leader in the development and use of spatial information technologies,” according to Warwick Watkins, Chairman of the Australia and New Zealand Land Information Council.
Media information
Peter Woodgate, CEO 0408 252 083
Mike Ridout, Communications Director 0417 908 180
media release 110809-crcsi-rebid-successful