Funding for Tasmanian research into energy from the sea

Tasmanian researchers have received $815,000 in Australian Government funding for research projects, including one seeking better ways to generate energy from ocean waves. The University of Tasmania is also partnering with governments and industry to understand the biodiversity impacts of bushfires in Kakadu National Park and investigate student retention rates after the compulsory attendance years in rural, regional and disadvantaged communities.

These research projects are among four Tasmanian projects receiving the funding from the Australian Government's Linkage Projects scheme.

Announcing funding of $67 million for 219 new Australian research projects, Innovation Minister Senator Kim Carr said the Australian Research Council's Linkage Projects scheme encourages research and development projects that will enhance the lives of Australians.

Using a $342,000 grant, the university will work to reduce energy conversion losses from ocean wave energy generation devices, known as oscillating water columns, and make them competitive with other renewable energy technologies.

A $60,094 grant will help the university study the impacts of fire on a fire-sensitive tree across Kakadu and central Arnhem Land to see how fire management can be optimised to help prevent biodiversity loss on the Arnhem Plateau.

A $264,000 grant will help the university investigate the factors influencing student retention rates after the compulsory attendance years in rural, regional and disadvantaged communities.

For more information on these projects and to see a list of all projects, visit www.arc.gov.au/media/major_announce.htm.

Nationally, 436 national and international partner organisations will top up the Australian Government’s $67 million investment in Linkage Projects with an additional $139 million in cash and in-kind support.

For more information on the ARC and the Innovation, Industry, Science and Research portfolio, visit www.arc.gov.au and www.innovation.gov.au.