The Tropical Savannas Futures CRC: Unrivalled NRM tools and networks developed by the Tropical Savannas CRC + Internationally respected expertise + Innovative collaborations with industry and enterprises = Acceleration of north Australia’s industrial, commercial and economic growth

The above goal will be achieved in three ways:

1. By increasing access to, and production from, grazing and mineral resources and environmental services;
2. By generating new forms of commercial activity matched to needs and opportunities in the savannas; and
3. By providing enhanced opportunities and increased economic engagement for regional communities, thereby improving performance of mainstream industries while reducing local economic disadvantage.

The net present value of these contributions should exceed a billion dollars.

Background

Australia’s tropical savannas—the landscapes of scattered trees and grass that dominate the northern third of Australia —present us with a remarkable opportunity: to stimulate economic growth with all the social benefits that entails while at the same time conserving and enriching the natural and cultural values that sustain that growth.

Despite a sparse human population, the savanna industries across the top of Australia pack a significant economic punch. Most are based on the use of natural resources.

• Nearly 5 million cattle produce turnoff of $1.4 billion a year.
• Minerals generate incomes exceeding $6 billion a year.
• In 2003–04 tourist expenditure in the Northern Territory alone rose 7.5% to $1.16 billion. Approximately 8% of the savannas’ population is involved in the tourism or hospitality industries.

Sustaining these industries and promoting economic growth can be achieved if some uses of natural resources are intensified and new uses added while maintaining biodiversity values and essential ecosystem services. This can only be done, however, if it is supported by a knowledgeable and committed population active in regional landscapes.

Skilled land managers deploying new technologies and sophisticated knowledge systems are needed to enhance production, prevent undesirable environmental change and control processes, like livestock disease incursion and vegetation structural change, that threaten production.

Keys to success

The Tropical Savanna Futures CRC will focus on six areas of achievement. Click on the headings at the top of this page to find out more.