Carry on cooperating
Regular readers of ‘The Leaflet’ may recall the facsimile World War II poster which I used as part of my musings in the November 2011 edition. It’s been seen quite widely ‘around the traps’. [This is an arcane expression which I picked up from the Invasive Animals CRC types. I believe they’re thinking of trying them for rabbit control in their latest iteration. But, as ever, I digress].
What I hadn’t seen, until this week, was the flip side of the red poster.
Whilst we of the CRCNPB fraternity would never allow ourselves to panic or freak out, certainly not simultaneously, the blue poster is relevant to the intense activity which is attending the establishment of the Plant Biosecurity CRC (PBCRC).
For those who thought the game was over in November when we received glad tidings from DIISR I fear I have to disillusion you. In fact, by announcing the successful CRCs early, DIISR (now DIISRTE) was able to shift its deadlines for completion of the relevant documentation forward. Hence, our last meeting of the year – 21 December with our colleagues from New Zealand Crop and Food – was very quickly followed by a ‘Core Team’ meeting on 4 January to plan strategy and tactics up to 30 June.
All Participants speedily received documentation – and deadlines – largely through the hard work of Nick Langley over what was risibly described as ‘the holidays’. There has followed an intensive program of contacts by Nick, many being face-to-face with Participants, (perhaps I should rephrase that – no, I’ll see if it gets past the censor) especially to discuss business and legal aspects of the ‘PBCRC’. Meanwhile, Simon and I have also had a program of visits to ensure that we have buy-in at all levels with our Participant colleagues.
Perhaps even more importantly, we have used these visits as an opportunity to say ‘thank you’, not only for participating but also for the substantial efforts which so many in our CRC community made on behalf of the bid.
Happily, no significant impediments to our completing all DIISRTE and other requirements in a timely fashion have emerged, to date, with Participants favouring plans for a seamless transition from ‘CRCNPB’ to ‘PBCRC’.
An interesting phenomenon has been the number of expressions of interest in becoming part of the CRC. Approaches have been made by both potential investors and potential research providers. Whilst this is flattering, care will be needed to ensure that focus is retained. Ultimately, of course, it will be a matter for Participants to decide whether to accept any approaches to become part of the PBCRC.
Establishment of the PBCRC apart, there are other interesting activities and times ahead. David Eagling has made a major effort in compiling the greater part of a comprehensive CRCNPB ‘Exit Report’ for DIISRTE. The fact that he completed it while having his appendix removed (seen here) makes the effort the more commendable. He barely flinched and insisted that the punctuation be perfect.
The CRC Association Annual Conference ‘Collaborate: Innovate’ at the National Wine Centre in Adelaide (15-17 May), will be closely followed by the CRCNPB Science Exchange at The Vines in the Swan Valley near Perth (22-25 May). Max Knobel and Andrew Crichton, with a little help from their friends, are working hard on the latter and we are encouraging maximum participation in a unique event which will celebrate the ‘old’ and welcome the ‘new’. So make your travel plans now.
Meanwhile, I thought this picture of the CEO, navigating by iPad, on his travels would be of interest. You might even be able to hitch a ride…..
Back to The Leaflet.
