EMBARGOED UNTIL MONDAY, 9 November 2009
NEW ERA FOR MARINE RESEARCH IN THE NORTHERN TERRITORY
Understanding of the north’s rich tropical marine endowment will be enhanced today following the signing of a landmark
Memorandum of Understanding between Charles Darwin University, the Australian Institute of Marine Science, The
Australian National University and the Northern Territory Government.
The Memorandum details a framework of cooperative research, academic and training activities, and expanded research
infrastructure, helping to ensure sustainable and community-friendly development of tropical marine resources.
Announcing the agreement, the Federal Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, Senator Kim Carr said:
“This is an innovative partnership which will provide real benefit to northern Australia.”
“The MoU is a milestone agreement that unites the research efforts of three distinct institutions and the Northern Territory
Government. By combining their efforts these organisations will be able to focus their attention on critical issues like sustainable
development, protecting biodiversity, and mitigating the impact of climate change.”
The Australian Government’s Super Science Marine and Climate initiative includes $387.7 million for marine research and climate
change research, including $55 million for tropical marine science infrastructure at AIMS.
“This includes $5.5 million for the Arafura Timor Research Facility – an investment that will provide new infrastructure and provide
some of the tools needed to fill knowledge gaps,” Senator Carr said.
“Australia has the third largest ocean territory in the world, but too little is known about Australia’s marine estate and this new
partnership will help close that gap.
“The Australian Government has made marine science one of the nation’s innovation priorities for the next decade,” Senator Carr
said.
The CEO of the Australian Institute of Marine Science, Dr Ian Poiner, speaking on behalf of the memorandum parties, said it
was critical to work together to understand the unique ecosystems of the Arafura and Timor Seas.
“This memorandum of understanding between the Australian Institute of Marine Science, Charles Darwin University, The
Australian National University and the Northern Territory Government is about demonstrating the links and connections
between organisations, levels of government and communities,” Dr Poiner said.
Northern Territory Environment Minister Karl Hampton today welcomed the $5.5 million in extra funding.
“The Territory Government continues to build and strengthen partnerships to support vital research that benefits all
Territorians,” Mr Hampton said.
Under the MOU the following programs and activities will be encouraged:
Appointment of appropriate AIMS and NTG staff to adjunct academic positions at CDU and/or ANU
Appointment of appropriate CDU, ANU and NTG staff to adjunct research positions at AIMS
Cooperative and collaborative research activities
Access to research infrastructure and equipment
Funding of joint appointments of research staff
Joint research training activities including the funding of scholarships for Higher Degree by Research students
Joint supervision of Higher Degree by Research students.
Media Contacts:
Jackie Levett, Minister Carr’s office, 0451 550 007
Dr Ian Poiner, AIMS CEO, 0419 702 652; i.poiner@aims.gov.au
Professor Barney Glover, CDU Vice-Chancellor; 0439 675 567
Dr David Parry, AIMS Science Leader, Darwin, 0419 820 724; 08 8920 9240; d.parry@aims.gov.au
Wendy Ellery, AIMS media liaison, 0418 729 265; w.ellery@aims.gov.au
Robyn McDougall, CDU media manager, 0439 675 567; robyn.mcdougall@cdu.edu.au
Martyn Pearce, Media Officer, The Australian National University, 02 6125 5575; 0416 249 245; Martyn.Pearce@anu.edu.au
Edwin Edlund, Media Advisor to Minister Hampton, 0401119563.
NEWS 
