Key Points
- The Government will invest $387.7 million in infrastructure for marine science and climate change research that will improve Australia’s ability to respond to climate change and to manage our terrestrial and ocean resources.
- Funding will be provided to CSIRO for the construction of a new marine research vessel to replace the ageing RV Southern Surveyor. The new vessel will be commissioned in 2012 and will substantially increase Australia’s marine research capability (see separate Fact Sheet for more detail).
- Australia’s Integrated Marine Observing System (IMOS) will be provided with enhanced Southern Ocean monitoring capability and extended coverage of northern Australian waters.
- Tropical marine research infrastructure investments will be made at the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) facilities in Townsville and Darwin.
- Australia’s peak high performance computing capacity will be upgraded to analyse and model climate change, earth systems and national water management issues.
Facts and Figures
Marine and climate science are critical for the sustainable development and management of Australia’s terrestrial and ocean resources and the viability of our major commercial enterprises such as the mineral and energy industries, aquaculture and fisheries, agriculture, livestock and tourism. This initiative will target key marine science and climate change priorities identified in the Review of the National Innovation System and the 2008 Strategic Roadmap for Australian Research Infrastructure. These investments also support key infrastructure needs identified in the Government’s new Australian Climate Change Science Framework.
It will provide the funds to address critical infrastructure needs and deliver facilities that will enhance Australia’s existing research strengths in marine and climate science, and underpin responses to climate change – the greatest national and global challenge of our time.
Deliverables under this initiative include:
- $149.6 million to construct a new marine research vessel, and to operate the existing vessel until the replacement is available. The vessel will be operated by the CSIRO and used by marine researchers across Australia.
- $55.0 million to construct new tropical marine research facilities at the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) in Townsville and Darwin. $52.0 million to extend and enhance Australia’s Integrated Marine Observing System (IMOS).
- $50.0 million to provide new high performance computing facilities for climate change, earth systems science and national water management research.
- $35.0 million to extend and enhance the Terrestrial Ecosystem Research Network. $20.0 million to establish a national observation network for analysis of urban resource use and management.
- $15.0 million to establish groundwater monitoring sites across Australia to support climate change research.
- A total of $10.0 million to upgrade the National Plasma Fusion Facility at the Australian National University and enhance infrastructure for research into second-generation bio-fuel manufacturing processes.
Back to Budget 2009-10