Research Advisory Committees (RAC)
About Research Advisory Committees
Research Advisory Committees (RACs) are the result of formal initiatives taken by the grains industry in Queensland and in New South Wales in 1992. These initiatives were aimed at improving the communication of research, development and extension (RDE) priorities to research funders and providers. These committees were subsequently expaned into Victoria and South Australia as linkage groups. In 2002, the names of these committees were changed from being Regional Advisory Committees in Queensland and Linkage Groups in NSW/VIC/SA to the present name: Research Advisory Committees (RACs).
The RACs function independently of the GRDC and other research funding organisations and as such are vital contributors to the progress of RDE. RAC membership is the result of a formal process of nomination and selection by each producer organisation (see Contacts). The term of appointment, managed by the State Farming Organisations, is for three years with a possible second appointment. The committees comprise mainly producers, but in some instances also include agribusiness representatives and research providers to assist discussion and to ensure that a balanced range of views is considered.
Links of Research Advisory Committees to GRDC
The GRDC has had a long lasting and productive relationship with Research Advisory Committees (RACs). Recognised as a component of the GRDC’s interaction with industry, namely grain growers, the RAC model enables the GRDC to interact at a grass roots level in addition to being a component of GRDC’s business processes. RACs play an important role in assisting the implementation of GRDC’s investment cycle, particularly with regular engagement with the GRDCs Regional Panels.
Locations of Research Advisory Committees
Research Advisory Committees are located in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania.
Specific locations of RACs are follows:
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GRDC NORTHERN REGION
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SOUTHERN REGION
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QLD
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NNSW
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SNSW
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VIC
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TAS
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SA
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Central Qld (CQ): Clermont, Emerald, Springsure, Moura, Theodore, Monto, Biloela, Rockhampton & Mackay districts
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North West (NW): West of Newell H'way (inc. Narrabri and Moree) & north of Castlereagh Highway (inc. Coonamble & Walgett)
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South West (SW): South of Mitchell H'way, West of Newell H'way (inc. Nyngan, Tottenham, Peak Hill, Forbes, Condobolin, Lake Cagelligo, West Wyalong, Barellan, Hillston, Hay and Deniliquin).
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Mallee:
North West Victoria generally sandy – sandy loam soils in a 300 – 350 mm rainfall zone.
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All Tasmania
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Eyre Peninsula:
The whole of the Eyre Peninsula is represented by the current committee.
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Darling Downs (DD):
Toowoomba, Warwick, Pittsworth, Dalby and Chinchilla districts
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North East (NE): East of Newell H'way from Liverpool Range to Qld border
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South East (SE): South of Mitchell H'way, East of Newell H'way to Victorian Border (inc. Molong, Orange, Orange, Cowra, Yass, Cootamundra, Coolamon, Wagga Wagga, Finley and Albury).
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Wimmera:
Mid West Victoria generally loam – clay loam soils in a 350 – 500 mm rainfall zone
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Mid North/Yorke Peninsula:
Members from the Upper North cropping areas, the Mid North area and the Yorke Peninsula are represented
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Western Downs (WD): Taroom, Miles, Tara, Goondiwindi & Maranoa (WD/M): St.George & Roma districts
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Central West (CW): West of Newell H'way (inc. Gilgandra to Dubbo) & south & west of Castlereagh H'way (inc. Collie, Warren & Nyngan
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High Rainfall/ Duplex Soils:
This represents areas in what are designated high rainfall zones (450-600mm).
1) Southern:
South of Horsham and east of the Avoca river
2) North Eastern Victorian
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Mallee/South East
The Upper and Lower South East as well as the mid and eastern Mallee area are represented.
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South East Qld (SEQ): Mundubbera, Gayndah, Kingaroy, Gatton, Boonah, Gympie & Bundaberg districts.
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Central East (CE): East and south of Newell Highway (inc. Coonabarabran, Coolah, Merriwa) to Macquarie Valley (inc. Gulgong & Wellington.
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These commitees are also represented on a regional map. To download click here.
R, D and E priorities in Western Australia
In Western Australia, a separate industry consultation process is undertaken whereby Panel members visit stakeholders and compile the findings at Panel meetings annually.
When Research Advisory Committees operate?
Committees generally will each hold two formal meetings at which current research, development and extension emphasis and emerging issues will be discussed and prioritised. Issues are presented in Priority Issues Papers and are regularly examined, updated or discarded depending on whether the issues are still regarded appropriate.
Current Research Advisory Committee Projects/Contacts
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Project Page |
Weblink |
Priority Issues Papers | Contact |
| QLD | Priority Issues Papers |
Nicole Jensen |
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| NSW |
NFA00008 - Research Advisory Committees - Northern and Southern NSW |
Priority Issues Papers |
Bob Freebairn |
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| VIC |
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Priority Issues Papers |
Stephen Sheridan |
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| SA |
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Priority Issues Papers |
Dean Crabb |
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| TAS | Priority Issues Papers |
Sarah Gatenby |
