At the ‘Shaping Indigenous RD&E Forum’ a key outcome was the development of a revised Indigenous Reference Group (IRG) which was tasked with a number of responsibilities including;

- determining a meeting schedule and work program
- developing terms of reference for the group
- developing processes under which the IRG will operate
- building communication channels within the IRG, to broader forum participants and beyond
- working towards processes to identify a more permanent arrangement with respect to representative(s) for the National Priorities Forum
- working towards developing a ‘futures plan’ from the Cairns workshop outcomes and principles to provide more solid actions for progression
- key outcomes have been developed and there is a need to identify the RD&E to deliver on the key principles
- providing advice on a process for getting the Cairns forum group back together to review the IRG outcomes and processes
- providing advice to FRDC, National Priorities Forum, people development program and assistance with the scholarship selection promotion.

This project seeks to provide a means to support the IRG so it can achieve the tasks it has been requested to address. These tasks could not be achieved without logistical, financial and human resource support for the group. Without the support of FRDC none of these actions will be able to take place.

PIEF has identified at least 250 seperate initaives related to primary industries education in Australia. The need for a one-stop shop for educators to obtain quality controlled resources is well documented. PIEF will manage existing resources, develop a one stop web portal and link these resources to the Australian curriculum.
We aim to make it easier for teachers to include the Primary Industries within their teaching and learning program.

Less than 2% of State fisheries agency RD&E capacity is focussed towards indigenous needs. Only the NT has an operational group focusing on indigenous fishing and aquaculture.

Indigenous input and project assessment by FRDC is limited due to the complexities and costs of engaging effectively with indigenous Australians on fishing and seafood related RD&E.

The ability of FRDC’s IIRG to provide advice and input has been limited by the relatively short time available during teleconferences to thoroughly work through proposed concepts. While the IIRG is made of experienced members, the small numbers involved lack some clarity around the type of advice that it can provide towards a national approach, whilst being cognisant of FRDC’s limitations. The group has identified that a face to face meeting/workshop is vital to allow it to develop identifiable Indigenous sector input to the National Strategy.

Following presentation of the IFCoE scoping study the Board noted;

• building capacity was a crucial first step
• that FRDC needs to progress its indigenous investment strategy slowly with much care
• the IIRG will link FRDC to people and hubs where FRDC’s investment would have the greatest chance of success
• FRDC should look for opportunities to partner with organisations on indigenous investment.

The proposed meeting will allow the expansion of the group’s capacity by broadening its network through the inclusion of additional people who provide expertise and links to improve FRDC’s strategic investment in indigenous focussed RD&E and providing an environment conducive to building trust and securing genuine and well-considered input.

This forum will provide advice and assistance to help address the above needs of the FRDC, and to assist the Forum to enhance engagement and enhance RD&E needs for the indigenous commercial and customary sectors.

At its meeting on 14 july 2010, NORMAC was presented to by a contingent of the Carpentaria Land Council Aboriginal Corporation (CLCAC) on a proposed Thuwathu/Bujimulla Indigenous Protected Area draft management plan plan for the Wellesley Island area. At that meeting the need was identified for better engagement between the CLCAC and the NPF Industry Pty Ltd, to develop and maintain a more harmonious relationship, and capitalise on opportunities for collaboration when dealing with common issues. It was recognised that development and implementation of a strategy to communicate fishing practices and management arrangements in the NPF to Lardil, Yangkaal, Kaiadilt and Gangalidda Peoples would be beneficial in achieving this, to demonstrate the high level of stewardship exercised by NPF operators for the region and its abundant natural resources. There was also recognised value in developing and implementing a strategy to promote and enhance respect for and understanding of indigenous culture and areas of cultural importance in the Wellesley Islands area among NPF operators.

This project seeks to achieve the above-mentioned objectives through facilitating engagement between the NPF Industry Pty Ltd and the CLCAC and Wellesley Island indigenous communities, and development and implementation of a communication strategy between these two groups.

Knowlege gained through this project will also be utilised to identify approaches for improved consultative processes between representatives of other fisheries and indigenous communities with respect to natural resource management.

In the face of mounting pressure on Australia’s marine and freshwater ecosystems, arising from environmental and human factors, there is a need for robust scientific information to support the sustainable development and management of our aquatic resources. The Australian Society for Fish Biology (ASFB) is Australia’s premier professional association for fish and fisheries researchers in Australia. The annual science conference (and workshop) makes an important and tangible contribution to skill development of people involved in fish and fisheries research and management, particularly offering students and early career researchers opportunities to present their work, interact with peers, develop collaborative links and obtain new ideas. ASFB has a strong commitment to promoting and communicating science, encouraging sustainable management practices, encouraging excellence in fisheries research, and recognizing outstanding contributions of scientists and professionals through various awards and scholarships.

This proposal is seeking sponsorship support for the annual science conference in 2011 (Townsville) and 2012 (South Australia) and a series of conference associated awards that support student travel and recognise research excellence. The proposal addresses two people development program priorities, namely (i) to encourage knowledge transfer and R&D adoption (ASFB annual science conference) and (ii) to recognise and promote achievements (ASFB research awards). Focus of the latter is clearly on early career researchers, not only in providing encouragement to strive for research excellence but to encourage participation in the exchange of information and to provide opportunity to develop networks and collaborations with outside organisations.