May 19, 2005
Cooperative Research Centres Association Media Release - CRC Association Awards for Excellence in Innovation By Jenni Metcalfe
By Jenni Metcalfe

The media are invited to the Awards for Excellence in Innovation Dinner presented by the Minister for Education, Science & Training, Hon Dr Brendan Nelson, MP, 7.00 pm for 7.30 pm on Thursday May 19 at Zinc at Federation Square during the Cooperative Research Centre Association (CRCA) conference.

Sky no limit for lighter, stronger aircraft

Research conducted by the Advanced Composite Structures CRC will result in lighter, stronger, and more economical passenger aircraft that is also more comfortable for passengers.

A core participant in the CRC, Hawker de Havilland, will use the outcomes of the CRC's research in the design and manufacture of all the flaps, spoilers and ailerons of the new Boeing 787. These components are crucial for control, landing and braking.

This huge “Tier One” contract for Hawker de Havilland is likely to span three decades, directly support hundreds of Australian jobs and result in export sales of $4 billion over the life of the program.

Insect magnetism

Australian Cotton CRC researchers have developed a new pest management tool that will reduce insecticide use and ensure the sustainability of the cotton industry.

Their Magnet® technology uses chemicals which can kill insects by luring them to a deposit of insecticide. Less than 2% of a field needs to be treated with insecticide when Magnet® is used.

The Australian cotton industry is Australia's fifth largest agricultural industry with exports of around $1.5 billion. The benefits of Magnet® will be substantial to the cotton industry where insect control represents 35% of growers' annual operating costs.

Doctoring the figures

The Capital Markets CRC has produced the world's first real-time health fraud detection technology known as Dtechtive.
Health fraud is estimated to be costing Australia $1.8 billion per annum. This is around 10% of health claims. Successful early trials of Dtechtive have identified fraud levels of 4%, a possible saving of $720 million per annum to the health industry.

These savings could mean a substantial difference to the Australian health industry, for example in reducing waiting lists and increasing available hospital beds.

Passing the torch

Yalanji-Warranga Kaban. Yalanji People of the Rainforest Fire Management Book has evolved from collaborative fire research between the Rainforest CRC and Yalanji Traditional Owners from the World Heritage listed Daintree rainforest.

The book explores traditional natural resource management, transfers oral history into written words, both in English and – for the first time – in Yalanji language. The passing on of this intimate traditional knowledge in natural resource management will make a significant contribution to future generations.

All award winners will be available for interview by the media today. The submissions of each award winner giving full details of their research are available from Jenni Metcalfe. Additional media releases and photos of award winners are also available.

Media contact: Jenni Metcalfe; Phone 0408 551 866