5. Research, development and innovation
5.1 Climate Change Adaptation Research Grants
The Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency has allocated a$30 million in seed funding for research aimed at helping communities across Australia prepare for the impacts of unavoidable climate change on towns, cities and coasts.
Currently, grants are open for
- Freshwater biodiversity and climate change - expressions of interest
- Human health grants – third round
5.2 Australian Solar Institute
The Australian Solar Institute supports Australian researchers in solar photovoltaic and concentrating solar thermal technologies. The majority of the Institute's $150 million research funding is allocated through a competitive grants program. A smaller proportion of research funding is provided to core Institute projects and activities. This funding will lay the foundations for the Institute's participants to conduct world-leading solar research and development and provide the Australian solar research community with access to world-class facilities.
Grant applicants can apply for grants of up to a maximum of $5 million for applied research and $1 million for basic research grants. Doctoral or postdoctoral awards may be given as part of the research program. A priority outcome for the research is to reduce the cost of deploying solar technologies, making them more competitive with other stationary energy sources.
5.3 Built Environment Industry Innovation Council
The Built Environment Industry Innovation Council (BEIIC) was formed by the Federal Government as an advisory body on innovation generally, including climate change, industry competitiveness, future workforce capability, skills needs and access to new technologies. Members of BEICC have been drawn from representatives of business, the research community, unions and government agencies.
5.4 Building Better Regional Cities Program
The Building Better Regional Cities (BBRC) Program is a $100 million funding commitment by the Australian Government to invest in local infrastructure projects that support new housing developments in regional cities. The awarding of funding under the Building Better Regional Cities Program is based on a competitive selection process.
The objectives of the BBRC Program are to invest in local infrastructure projects that support an increase in the number of homes for sale and rent that are affordable for working families on ordinary incomes, in communities that are experiencing positive jobs and population growth that need more homes to be built. This investment in regional centres may also help to relieve the pressure on major capital cities, so that Australia can grow sustainably.
Up to $15 million (GST Excl) will be provided for infrastructure in each successful regional city, for projects that support new infill or greenfield housing developments located within Eligible Regional Cities. This could be for one development or spread across several, depending on local demographic patterns and community preferences.
